Are the driving laws different in Europe?<\/h3><\/div>![\"Danny](\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/07\/Danny-Butler.jpg\")
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Finder insurance expert Danny Butler<\/a> points out key differences to be aware of<\/em><\/div><\/div>By and large, the rules of the road are similar in the UK and Europe. Follow the same basic principles and you should (usually) stay on the right side of the law. For example:<\/p>
- Always wear a seatbelt<\/li>
- Don\u2019t drink and drive \u2013 all European countries have strict alcohol limits<\/li>
- Don\u2019t use your phone while driving (some countries may not allow hands-free use either)<\/li>
- Don\u2019t exceed the speed limit (and make sure you know what it is, as different countries will have different limits on different types of roads)<\/li>
- Don\u2019t drive uninsured<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
Some European countries have specific laws to follow, so brush up before you go. For example, some require you to keep your lights on at all times, or that all kids under 12 must sit in the back. Check what safety equipment the country you\u2019re driving in expects you to carry too. Many require you to carry a reflective safety vest and red safety triangles. In France, you\u2019re also expected to carry a Breathalyser.<\/p>
And, of course, you must drive on the correct side of the road. Before you roll your eyes at this statement of the blooming obvious, it\u2019s intended as a reminder that driving in Europe can be trickier than driving at home. This can particularly be the case if you\u2019re driving a right-hand-drive car on the right-hand side of the road, as your visibility may sometimes be more restricted.<\/p>
If you\u2019re understandably concerned about this, consider boosting your European car insurance beyond the third party cover<\/a> included in most UK insurance policies. It\u2019ll seem a small price to pay in the event of an accident on foreign roads.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>Bottom line<\/h3>
If you have a valid UK licence and an up-to-date UK car insurance policy, you\u2019ll be legally covered to drive in most (though not all) European countries. You\u2019ll need to carry proof of your car insurance with you. Bear in mind that your UK insurance may only cover you on a third party basis. There\u2019s also likely to be a time limit on how long you can drive in Europe, per year or in one go. Check with your provider about what and where you\u2019re insured for before you go; it may be able to boost your cover to a level that suits you better.<\/p>
Frequently asked questions<\/h3>- \n \n
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By and large, the rules of the road are similar in the UK and Europe. Follow the same basic principles and you should (usually) stay on the right side of the law. For example:<\/p>
- Always wear a seatbelt<\/li>
- Don\u2019t drink and drive \u2013 all European countries have strict alcohol limits<\/li>
- Don\u2019t use your phone while driving (some countries may not allow hands-free use either)<\/li>
- Don\u2019t exceed the speed limit (and make sure you know what it is, as different countries will have different limits on different types of roads)<\/li>
- Don\u2019t drive uninsured<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
Some European countries have specific laws to follow, so brush up before you go. For example, some require you to keep your lights on at all times, or that all kids under 12 must sit in the back. Check what safety equipment the country you\u2019re driving in expects you to carry too. Many require you to carry a reflective safety vest and red safety triangles. In France, you\u2019re also expected to carry a Breathalyser.<\/p>
And, of course, you must drive on the correct side of the road. Before you roll your eyes at this statement of the blooming obvious, it\u2019s intended as a reminder that driving in Europe can be trickier than driving at home. This can particularly be the case if you\u2019re driving a right-hand-drive car on the right-hand side of the road, as your visibility may sometimes be more restricted.<\/p>
If you\u2019re understandably concerned about this, consider boosting your European car insurance beyond the third party cover<\/a> included in most UK insurance policies. It\u2019ll seem a small price to pay in the event of an accident on foreign roads.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>
Bottom line<\/h3>
If you have a valid UK licence and an up-to-date UK car insurance policy, you\u2019ll be legally covered to drive in most (though not all) European countries. You\u2019ll need to carry proof of your car insurance with you. Bear in mind that your UK insurance may only cover you on a third party basis. There\u2019s also likely to be a time limit on how long you can drive in Europe, per year or in one go. Check with your provider about what and where you\u2019re insured for before you go; it may be able to boost your cover to a level that suits you better.<\/p>
Frequently asked questions<\/h3>
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