Driving in Europe requires an International Driving Permit (for non-EU license holders), familiarity with roundabout priority rules, and country-specific equipment like warning triangles and reflective vests. Manual transmission is standard — book automatic specifically. Drive on the right everywhere except the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta.
If you hold a license from the US, Canada, Australia, or most non-EU countries, you need an International Driving Permit. It's a translation of your license, not a replacement — carry both.
Note: UK licenses are accepted throughout Europe without an IDP. EU licenses work across all EU countries.
About 80% of European rental cars are manual transmission. If you can't drive stick, you must specifically book an automatic — expect to pay 30-50% more and have fewer vehicle options, especially at smaller locations.
Most countries require drivers to be 21+ for rental cars. Under-25 drivers face a "young driver surcharge" of €10-25/day. In some countries (Italy, Ireland), certain car categories aren't available to under-25s.
All of continental Europe drives on the right. The UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta drive on the left. If you're switching sides, the biggest danger is turning — you instinctively turn into the wrong lane. Roundabouts also flow in the opposite direction.
European roundabouts follow a simple rule: traffic already in the roundabout has priority. Yield before entering. In France, some older roundabouts (especially the Arc de Triomphe) give priority to entering traffic — but this is rare and being phased out.
Standard speed limits (unless posted otherwise):
Speed cameras are everywhere. France, Italy, and the Netherlands are particularly aggressive with fixed and mobile cameras. Fines are sent to the rental company, who forward them with an admin fee (€20-50).
Most of Europe: 0.5g/L blood alcohol (lower than the US 0.8g/L). Some countries are stricter:
Many European countries require specific equipment in the car. Rental cars should include these, but verify at pickup:
Most European cities use pay-and-display parking meters. Increasingly, these are app-based (EasyPark works across 20+ countries). Rates vary wildly: €1/hour in smaller towns to €4-6/hour in Paris or Amsterdam.
Many cities have "blue zones" where parking is free but time-limited (typically 1-2 hours). You must display a blue parking disc (provided in most rental cars) showing your arrival time.
112 — works across all of Europe (EU-wide emergency number). Connects to police, ambulance, and fire services. Works from any phone, even without a SIM card.
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If you hold a non-EU license (US, Canadian, Australian, etc.), yes — an IDP is required in most European countries including Italy, Spain, Greece, and Germany. Get one from AAA ($20) or your national auto association. EU license holders don't need one.
About 80% of European rental cars are manual transmission. You must specifically book and pay for an automatic, which costs 30-50% more. Availability is limited, especially at smaller locations, so book early.
Continental Europe drives on the right. The UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta drive on the left. Be especially careful when turning at intersections if you're used to driving on the opposite side.
At minimum: a warning triangle and reflective vest (required in most countries). Some countries also require a first aid kit, spare glasses, or breathalyzer. Rental cars should include required equipment, but verify at pickup.
ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) are restricted traffic zones in Italian historic city centers. Entering without a permit triggers camera-recorded fines of €50-100 per entry. You may not discover the fines until weeks later when the rental company forwards them with an admin fee.
Country-by-country driving requirements, packing list, and emergency contacts — all in one PDF.
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