Tips for driving holidays

When going on a driving holiday, make sure that you are absolutely clear on the road rules and speed limits in each country you are driving through.

Remember that in Europe speed limits are in kilometres per hour and not miles.

Here is a list of various speed limits throughout Europe that can be of some help to the driving tourist:

CountryMotorwaysOpen roadsTowns
Austria 130 km/h 100 km/h 50 km/h
Belgium 120 km/h 90 km/h 50 km/h
Denmark 110 km/h 80 km/h 50 km/h
France 130 km/h (110 when wet) 90 km/h 50 km/h
Germany None (unless shown) 100 km/h 50 km/h
Italy 130 km/h 90 km/h 50 km/h
Luxembourg 120 km/h 90 km/h 50 km/h
Netherlands 120/100 km/h 80 km/h 50 km/h
Norway 90 km/h 80 km/h 50 km/h
Spain 120 km/h 100 km/h 50 km/h
Switzerland 120 km/h 80 km/h 50 km/h

Other things to think about:

  • Invest in a map - Which covers the major and small roads of the countries you are visiting. This means the whole family can get involved in navigating.
  • Motorway tolls - Many toll booths do take credit cards but make sure that you have small change in local money in the car to pay at the tolls.
  • Thoroughly check your car before you leave - Including oil, anti-freeze, brake fluid and tyre pressure. Check regularly during your holiday.
  • Winter travel - If you are travelling during the winter take chains for the wheels and an ice scraper for the windscreen.
  • Breakdown cover - It is worth considering taking out international breakdown cover is this is not already provided by your regular car insurance. Contact your provider for more information.