Make sure you know the Traffic rules in Europe

Hey Guys!

We’ve got some nice and useful information for you!

We looked up the different traffic rules for campers from different countries. Describing the speed limits, and mandatory items. Considering that different countries have different rules, so we thought this would be really useful.

Enjoy reading!

Belgium

There are a couple of mandatory items you need to have in the RV when you’re travelling true Belgium; a warning triangle, a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a safety vest for the driver while driving.

You should also be able to present a valid driver’s license and have your identity card or passport on hand. The vehicle documents have to be present. These include the registration, inspection certificate, and the green/white insurance card.

As far as using a tow bar (trailer hitch), this is prohibited. A vehicle can only be towed when it is unable to move under its own power.

Also good to know, while driving the blood alcohol content limit is 0.5 per mile. For drivers who have less than three years of driving experience, this is 0.2 per mile.

Lastly, here is an overview of the maximum speeds on different Belgian roads:

 Up to 3.5 tons3.5 tons to 7.5 tons
Within built-up areas50 km/h50 km/h
Outside built-up areas70/90* km/h70/90* km/h
Motorways120 km/h90 km/h
* 70 in Flanders, 90 in Wallonia

Germany

In Germany, there are also a couple of mandatory items you need. These are slightly different from Belgium. In Germany, you should also have a warning triangle, a first aid kit, and some safety vests, at least one for everyone in the RV.

You also need to have the necessary documents; driver’s license, insurance information, and the registration certificate must be in the RV.

Also good to know is that in the winter you have to use winter tires, and have sufficient windshield washer fluid available. You are required to use snow chains when this is indicated by signs.

Next up: Towing
In Germany, motor vehicles cannot be towed as trailers, for example using a tow bar.

In Germany, the limit for blood content alcohol is 0.5 per mile while driving. For drivers with experience less than two years, or under the age of 21 there is a zero tolerance.

To conclude, here’s an overview of the maximum speeds in Germany:

 Up to 3.5 tons3.5 tons to 7.5 tons
Within built-up areas50 km/h50 km/h
Outside built-up areas100 km/h80 km/h
MotorwaysRecommended 130 km/hRecommended 100 km/h

France

In France, a warning triangle and safety vests for all occupants must be within reach at all times while driving. You also must be able to show your driver’s license, vehicle remigration, inspection certificate, and green/white card. This can be asked at any potential inspection.

Similar to other countries, the blood alcohol content must not exceed 0.5 per mile while driving in France.

Some more necessary info:

  • Vehicles over 3.5 tons are not allowed to use the left lane on a three-lane road.
  • Vehicles with a maximum authorized mass exceeding 3,500 kilograms must place three blind-spot stickers in regulated positions.
  • Winter tires are required of two sets of snow chains must be carried in mountain areas, from November 1 to March 21. These rules apply in the following areas:

the Pyrenees, the Alps, the Massif Central, the Jura, the Vosges, and Corsica.

Here’s an overview of the speed limits on French roads:

 Up to 3.5 tons3.5 tons to 7.5 tons
Within built-up areas50 km/h50 km/h
Outside built-up areas80 km/h80 km/h
Expressways110/100* km/h100 km/h
Motorways130/110* km/h110 km/h

  * The lower value applies to drivers with less than three years of driving experience

Motorhome maintainance 1

Luxembourg

In Luxembourg, you require safety vests for everyone in the RV, and you have to have a safety triangle. For campers with a maximum authorized mass exceeding 3,500 kilograms, a fire extinguisher and first aid kit are also necessary.

You also have to have a valid driver’s license, the camper’s registration papers, an inspection certificate, and a green/white card as well.

Winter tires are mandatory in wintry conditions, and drivers in Luxembourg are allowed a maximum blood alcohol content of 0.5 per mile. For the first two years after getting a driver’s license, this limit is 0.2 per mile.

Here are the speed limits on Luxembourgish roads:

 Up to 3.5 tons3.5 tons to 7.5 tons or with a trailer
Within built-up areas50 km/h50 km/h
Outside built-up areas100 km/h75 km/h
Motorways130/110* km/h90 km/h

  * 110 in rainy conditions

Italy

When driving in Italy, you must have a warning triangle, a safety vest for the driver, a valid driver’s license, and your vehicle’s registration and insurance information with you.

Winter tires or snow chains are mandatory in Italy during winter and where indicated.
Winter tires or snow chains are required, even if there is no snow on the road, in the following areas:
In the Aosta Valley, from October 15 to April 1.
In South Tyrol, from November 15 to April 15,

The maximum allowable blood alcohol content while driving is also 0.5 per mile in Italy.

Here’s a brief overview of the speed limits on Italian roads:

 Up to 3.5 tons3.5 tons to 7.5 tons
Within built-up areas50 km/h50 km/h
Outside built-up areas90 km/h80 km/h
Expressways110 km/h80 km/h
Motorways130 km/h100 km/h

Spain

For Spain the following objects are mandatory.
A safety vest, for the driver only. A warning triangle within reach, a spare tire or tire repair kit, with the necessary tools. You have to be able to show your valid driver’s license, the green/white insurance card, and the registration certificate of the RV.

Snow chains are mandatory in heavy snowfall and where indicated. Winter tires are only mandatory in a few areas during wintry weather unless you are using snow chains.

Also good to know is that in Spain it is prohibited to park on the left side of the road. And uphill traffic has the right of way on slopes of at least seven percent.

The maximum allowed blood alcohol concentration is 0.5, and for young drivers is 0.3 allowed.

Lastly, here’s an overview of the speed limits in Spain:

 Up to 3.5 tons3.5 tons to 7.5 tons
Within built-up areas50 km/h50 km/h
Outside built-up areas90 km/h80 km/h
Motorways120 km/h90 km/h

Austria

In Austria, you are obliged to carry a safety vest for everyone in the RV, a first aid kit, and a warning triangle. You also need to have your driver’s license, insurance documents, and vehicle registration with you.

From November 1 to April 15, and in wintery conditions winter tires are necessary. The maximum allowed blood alcohol concentration in Austria is 0.5, but for young drivers, it’s lowered to 0.1.

Adherence to the specified speed limits is also necessary in Austria:

 Up to 3.5 tons3.5 tons to 7.5 tons
Within built-up areas50 km/h50 km/h
Outside built-up areas100 km/h70 km/h
Expressways100 km/h80 km/h
Motorways130 km/h80 km/h

Switzerland

In Switzerland, carrying a warning triangle within reach is mandatory. A first aid kit and a safety vest for everyone in the RV is recommended. Also, the standard insurance and registration documents for your vehicle are necessary, and don’t forget your driver’s license of course.

Snow chains are required in wintry conditions when road conditions dictate. In such cases, the maximum speed allowed is 50 km/h. Similar to Austria, the permissible blood alcohol concentration is 0.5 per mille, except for drivers with less than three years of experience, they have a maximum of 0.1 per mille.

Here’s a summary of the speed limits on Swiss roads:

 Up to 3.5 tons3.5 tons to 7.5 tons
Within built-up areas50 km/h50 km/h
Outside built-up areas80 km/h80 km/h
Motorways120 km/h100 km/h

I hope you guys enjoyed reading!


And don’t forget to check out my E-book!

E-Book: Guide to Buy a Motorhome in Europe

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In this E-book, I share my insider knowledge of the Dutch and German RV markets – known for being the most dependable places to buy an RV.

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