Travel insurance comparison experts at Quotezone.co.uk have researched the eight crucial differences between driving in the States and Europe to avoid being caught out on the road trip of a lifetime.
Vacations could be ruined in an instant for not understanding the key differences in the rules of the road overseas.
Motorists risk penalties such as large fines, penalty points and even driving bans for breaking the law while in Europe – depending on the seriousness of the offense, it is also possible that the incident be reported back to the driver’s home state.*
This is something that happens regularly to those traveling in and out of various European countries – to help increase border road safety.**
Roundabouts may seem daunting but are extremely common across all of Europe – it’s hard to avoid them so approach with caution, drive around slowly and don’t change lanes on the roundabout itself.
It is also illegal to turn right on a red light, even in every instance where it is clear and safe to do so – drivers must stay behind the white stop line until traffic lights turn green.
Many traveling to Europe will naturally think to drive on the same side of the road as they do at home – but this could be a dangerous mistake to make: Cyprus, Malta, Ireland and the UK all use the left hand side.
Drivers also need to be aware of the significantly high number of toll roads along Europe’s roads whilst taking both long and short trips – come prepared with the correct currency to avoid getting caught out.
Greg Wilson, CEO and founder of Quotezone.co.uk said: “There are some seriously breath-taking views across Europe, and with it now easier to hire out cars whilst abroad it’s no wonder we’re seeing an increase in road trip vacations allowing holidaymakers to visit multiple countries in just one trip.
“And with many Americans planning their vacation in Europe this summer, we are urging travelers to stay aware of the number of driving differences.
“Roads across Europe can be tricky to navigate, they are usually narrower than America and have a much higher volume of speed cameras so it’s crucial to stick to the speed limit and approach unfamiliar aspects such as roundabouts with caution.
“Taking your vacation in Europe will be an incredible experience, but you must be aware of the wide range of driving differences abroad.
“Stay safe, do your research before you set off to avoid driving illegally and being issued with large fines.”
Quotezone.co.uk’s six laws you must know before driving in Europe:
Driving on the correct side of the road
Although the majority of European countries drive on the same side as Americans do, there are still a few countries who drive on the left. Namely, Cyprus, Malta, Ireland and the UK. So for example, traveling from Paris to London does mean you’ll have to switch sides of the road.
Navigating roundabouts
Roundabouts are a common site across Europe and many US visitors may be surprised and unaware how to navigate them. Treat the roundabout like a junction – stop and wait for a gap in the other vehicles, drive onto the roundabout and stay into the correct lane until the necessary exit. Be sure to approach slowly, use signals and use the road signs and markings to help you find the correct exit. It’s also important to know you can’t switch lanes when you’re on the roundabout itself, so you’ll have to be aware of the correct lane on your approach.
Illegal to turn right on a red light
It is illegal to turn right on a red light in Europe – whenever the traffic light is red vehicles cannot move beyond the white stop line until it changes to green. Making this move in America is the norm, but doing so in Europe could lead to expensive fines and driving bans.
Legal driving age is higher
It’s important to remember that for the majority of countries in Europe, the legal driving age is higher than it is across the US. The minimum driving age for most is 18, with a few exceptions such as the UK, Germany and Italy, where it is 17. Many 15 year olds may be used to driving at home but whilst on family trips in Europe it is illegal to do so.
Get to know the traffic signs
European traffic signs look a lot different than they do in states across the US – rather than yellow diamond shaped warning signs, Europeans use triangular signs with a red border. It’s crucial to understand the most important road signs and their meanings, else risk driving dangerously or illegally. For example, when you’re allowed to travel up to the national speed limit (60 or 70 mph depending on the road), the sign does not actually have the speed on it, it’s a white circular sign with a black diagonal line through it.
Be aware of toll roads
Although seen along US roads, toll roads are significantly more common across European countries. Make sure to have your bank card to hand and also cash in the correct currency as some booths are known for only accepting coins. It also helps when you’re planning your route to check ahead for tolls so you don’t get taken by surprise.
Watch out for speed cameras
Don’t get caught out for breaking the speed limit, there are several static and mobile cameras along major, and sometimes minor roads plus Europe has average speed cameras which measure your speed through a certain area – although there will be warning signs so keep a lookout. Speeds are normally written in kilometers (km/h) not miles per hour (mph) like in the US so best to do some homework before you get in the car and work out key speed calculations.
Be careful of terminology
There are a few key language differences that could prove dangerous for drivers, for example a highway in America is a motorway in Europe – so be aware vehicles will be traveling at speed and the nearest exit may be several miles away. Also the yield sign in America is a ‘giveway’ sign in Europe – signaling you should give right of way to the other approaching driver.
Quotezone.co.uk is a price comparison site that can help with all sorts of travel insurance such as European travel insurance and backpacker travel insurance.
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