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Not many European countries drive on the left side of the road as we do in the UK, but Malta is one of them. That makes it slightly easier to adjust to if you’re considering a motoring holiday on the island, but there’s still plenty to comprehend before you go there.

A former British colony, Malta continues to drive on the left side of the road with the steering wheel on the right side of the car, so that’s one less thing to worry about if you’re planning a visit to the Mediterranean island and want to explore it by road.

Using a vehicle is a very good way to see Malta with its beautiful beaches, rich history and stunning architecture. It’s a small island – just 316km² in size – so it’s easy to squeeze in all the sights you want to see in a relatively small time period.

Situated all alone in the middle of the Med, Malta is made up of five islands. Malta, Gozo and Comino are all inhabited while two others, Kemmunett and Filfla, make up the archipelago. Sicily lies to the north and Tunisia to the west, with the rest of Africa below it to the south. 

A succession of countries have ruled Malta at various times, including the British, French and Romans, and the country’s 7,000-year history is testament to that. It means there’s an abundance of architecture and art to explore, and the island is home to three UNESCO world heritage sites.

Architecture goes back centuries to ancient temples and churches, while more recent Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical designs and styles can be seen at almost every turn.

Hot, dry weather and attractive beaches make Malta a popular destination for sun seekers. The coast is quite rocky but local people make the most of what sand they have and use the sea to great effect – water sports are very popular here. Diving is particularly well followed and there are several wrecks to explore off the coastline.

Cuisine is heavily weighted towards Italy, and Sicily in particular, but there are also influences from France, Spain and Africa. These can all be eaten in a wide variety of hotels and restaurants throughout the island.  Nightlife is also good with bars, clubs and live music venues all operating, especially during the summer months.

As a tiny land mass, Malta has a small economy. But it’s a thriving one, driven by manufacturing, aviation and shipping, and business is welcomed on the island. 

Flying in and hiring a vehicle is really the only option for a motoring holiday and you’ll find a wide selection of car rental companies, such as Avis, Alamo and Europcar, all operating from the country’s main airport, Malta International.

The Maltese might use the same side of the road as the British, but driving in Malta is a completely different experience from doing so in the UK. Planning a driving holiday or using a car on business, requires careful planning and a good understanding of what you can, and can’t do behind the wheel while there.

Here The Car Expert looks at the most important elements to consider when planning a holiday or business trip to Malta, and we’ve included a handy checklist. As each journey is unique, always check that you have everything covered for your particular visit.

Basic rules

You must be at least 18 years old and hold a full driving licence to get behind the wheel in Malta. Just the licence card will do, as the paper counterpart is no longer a requirement. International Driving Permits are recognised but are not a necessity.

You can ship your own car in Malta and if you do that, you’ll need to prove that you have car insurance so always have your certificate with you. You should also always carry with you documents that show the identity of the vehicle, such as a V5C ‘logbook’. And always have your passport or other form of ID.

If it’s registered in the UK, your vehicle’s ‘home country’ must be shown on it. A ‘UK’ sticker on the rear is one way to do this but you can also display a small UK badge on both number plates if you wish. The ‘GB’ badge is no longer allowed, even within European ‘golden stars’ and the same goes for country signs such as the English, Scottish or Welsh flags.

It’s more likely you’ll be using a hire car, in which case always have the rental agreement paperwork with you while driving. You must be at least 21 to drive a rental car although customers under 25 might be charged a ‘young driver’ surcharge. Check with the rental company first. You will also need to show you have held a full driving licence for at least two years.

We don’t recommend any drinking of alcohol if you are going to drive, but you should be aware of the country’s limit. It’s 0.8 g/l (0.08%) blood alcohol level, which is the same as in England and Wales. Breath tests are usually required after any accident where someone has been injured or where a possible motoring offence has been committed.

The police can stop anyone they suspect of being ‘over the limit’ and if that test proves positive another will have to be taken at the local police station. 

Penalties for a positive test range from a fine of up to €2,300 (approx. £1,900) to a six-month confiscation of driving licence or even a prison sentence.

Speed limits

Speed limits are shown in kilometres (km/h) rather than miles (mph). In built-up areas the speed limit is 50 km/h (31 mph). Outside of towns the limit is between 60 km/h (37 mph) and 80 km/h (50 mph) depending on district, so keep an eye on local signage. There are no motorways in Malta.

Speed cameras are used in the country, but these are forewarned using a white square sign with a black camera image on it. The speeding fine is usually €100 (£85) but it depends on severity of offence. Speed camera detection devices are illegal when driving on Maltese roads and will be confiscated by the police. And don’t use a mobile phone while driving unless it is ‘hands-free’. The fine is €200 (£170).

What to carry in the car

The rental company will probably take care of this but it’s always worth checking you have the legally required warning triangle in the car in case of breakdown or accident. It’s also recommended you have a hi-viz jacket, fire extinguisher, first aid kit and spare bulbs for the car’s headlamps, although these are not a legal necessity. 

Specialist suppliers, such as motoring organisations, sell ‘European driving kits’ for £25-£30, which contain everything you are likely to need for a Continental road trip, and it’s well worth investing in one. 

Seatbelts

Seatbelt rules are the same as in the UK: if your car has them, they must be worn. It’s the driver’s responsibility to make sure everyone is buckled up – there’s a €50 (£42) fine for not using one. 

And children need to be fastened in too – any child under 135 cm tall must ride in the rear of the car. Children over this height and up to 150 cm can go in the front but must be in an approved child restraint for their size. If no restraints are available, the child may travel in the rear with an adult belt on.

Driving

Keep to the left-hand lane as much as possible but if you are overtaking you must do so on the right. Never attempt to overtake on or near a level crossing, pedestrian crossing or major junction. Local drivers rarely indicate and can pull out suddenly especially if they want to pass you.

You will usually give way to vehicles using the ‘main’ road unless signs state otherwise. At crossroads that have no controls or road markings, give priority to vehicles coming from your right. The same goes for roundabouts, although Maltese drivers are notorious for failing to give way at these traffic islands and for never using their indicators, so extra care must be taken here. Always give way to emergency vehicles as soon as you can. 

You do not need to use dipped headlights, but only use full beam on unlit roads. Switch on your dipped lights when entering a tunnel. Horns must be used sparingly – they are not allowed to be sounded in built-up areas between 11pm and 6am, unless in an emergency.

There are no specific laws for towing a trailer or caravan, but you must ensure that your car has the correct towing fittings and apparatus. Make sure you can see clearly behind you with the use of two wide rear-view mirrors. 

If you are involved in an accident, however minor, you must tell the police and rental company (if applicable) and get an insurance accident report. If you don’t you could end up paying the whole repair bill before you leave the island.

Traffic signs

Traffic lights are red, amber and green and follow a similar pattern to the UK. Road signs usually have pictures which are self-explanatory and are similar to those used in the UK. They include the ‘low flying aircraft, ‘elderly people crossing’ and ‘roadworks’ warning signs that UK drivers will be familiar with. There’s an additional sign showing a hooter which means ‘no use of horn or motor noise’.

Warning signs are triangles with a red outline, regulation signs are circles with a red border or blue circles with white arrows, while information and places of interest signs are square or round and mostly brown. 

Directional signs are generally blue squares with the town names written in Maltese and the distances shown in kilometres. Most signs will be written in English, including ‘Stop’, ‘School’ and ‘Disabled people’.

Main (arterial) roads are advised with blue signs and white letters while secondary (distributor) roads have yellow signs with black lettering.

Fuel availability

Unleaded and diesel fuel are widely available on Malta’s roads. Some locals say there are too many fuel stations: certainly, every town or village has at least one service site. LPG liquid gas and CNG natural gas are offered at some points. 

Stations are open 24 hours a day, usually with an attendant in daytime hours and a self-service set-up during the night. Cash or credit card is accepted. Many service areas will have tyre inflators and puncture repair services, along with food, drink and spare parts shops.

Parking

Take care where you park in Malta as this element of motoring is strictly controlled. Parking enforcement officers oversee traffic laws and will punish rule-breakers. The larger towns have street parking meters which often only give one or two hours’ time limits but there are also covered car parks. Some towns, such as Valletta and Floriana offer cheap or even free park and ride services. There is a charge to enter Valletta in a car during daytime hours – the maximum amount is €6.50 (£5.50).

If you’re planning to park on the road look for markings: white markings are for general parking, yellow lines mean no parking, green bays are usually for residents while blue bays are time restricted often allowing parking between 8am and 6pm only. Stay well away from disabled parking bays unless you have the correct badge displayed. Cars badly parked or causing an obstruction will be clamped or even towed away. There’s a fee for release with either of these.

Emergency number

In Malta, as with most of Europe, you can dial 112 and make contact with emergency services such as fire, ambulance or police, 24 hours a day. Operators will speak English, French other European languages.

Checklist

If you are a fan of the TV drama series ‘Game of Thrones’, you might know that it was filmed in Croatia. And as a visitor to the country, you can join a tour to find out more about that fantasy show. But driving in Croatia is no game and requires research before you go there. Here’s what you need to know.

Fine weather, lovely beaches, stunning scenery and masses of history – these are just some of the reasons why tourists visit Croatia and make it part of their holiday plans.

Remains of Neanderthal people have been found in Croatia, dating this southeastern European country’s history back at least 40,000 years. It has been invaded by the Greeks, the Romans and the Croats (from today’s Poland), and this interesting past can be seen in the country’s architecture.

Blessed with a wonderful coastline that stretches along a huge area of the Adriatic Sea, and warm weather, Croatia is a popular destination for sun-seekers. Squeezed between Slovenia to its north and Bosnia and Herzegovina to the south it’s the coastline that dominates here and there are hundreds of islands dotted along this area of the territory, some of them inhabited.

The coast’s water is clear and unpolluted – Croatia has been ranked first for swimming water quality by the European Environmental Agency. The country also has eight national parks.

Also high up the plus-point list is the country’s cuisine – some of the region is influenced by Italian food while other areas take their inspiration from Austria, Turkey and Hungary with meat, fish and vegetable dishes abundant on restaurant menus.

From a business point of view, manufacturing is dominant, with plastics, textiles, wood products and petrol refining among the big businesses operating here.

The capital Zagreb is well worth a visit especially for the nightlife while Dubrovnik, a World Heritage site, is home to the ‘old town’ and city walls that so many tourists like to see. Other popular cities include Sibenik, Pula and Osijek.

It’s possible to drive to Croatia if you have the time, probably going through France and Italy, so you’ll pass through some wonderful scenic areas long before you reach Croatia’s border.

Flying in and hiring a vehicle is another option for travel and you’ll find a wide selection of car rental companies, such as Sixt, Alamo and Europcar, all operating from the country’s main airports of Dubrovnik, Zagreb and Split.

But driving in Croatia is a completely different experience from doing so in the UK, not just because the people there drive on a different side of the road from us. Planning a driving holiday or using a car on business, requires careful planning and a good understanding of what you can, and can’t do behind the wheel while there.

Here The Car Expert looks at the most important elements to consider when planning to drive in Croatia, and we’ve included a handy checklist. As each journey is unique, always check that you have everything covered for your particular visit.

Basic rules

You must be 18 years or more and hold a full driving licence to get behind the wheel in Croatia. Just the licence card will do, as the paper counterpart is no longer a requirement. International Driving Permits are recognised but are not a necessity.

You can use your own car in Croatia for up to six months at a time (temporary import). You’ll need to prove that you have car insurance if you have your own vehicle so take your certificate with you. You should also always carry with you documents that show the identity of the vehicle, such as a V5C ‘logbook’. And always carry your passport or other form of ID.

If it’s registered in the UK, your vehicle’s ‘home country’ must be shown on it. A ‘UK’ sticker on the rear is one way to do this but you can also show a small UK badge on both number plates if you wish. The ‘GB’ badge is no longer allowed, even within European ‘golden stars’ and the same goes for country signs such as the English, Scottish or Welsh flags.

It’s quite likely you’ll be using a hire car, in which case always have the rental agreement paperwork with you while driving. If you’re under 21 you will probably be charged a ‘young person’ surcharge for renting a vehicle. There could also be an extra insurance fee for anyone over 70.

Speed limits

Speed limits are shown in kilometres (km/h) rather than miles (mph). In built-up areas the speed limit is 50 km/h (31 mph). Outside of towns the limit is 90 km/h (56 mph) while main A-roads (expressways) have a 110 km/h (68 mph) top speed. Motorways have a blanket 130 km/h (81 mph) limit.

The traffic police are vigilant and will hand out on-the-spot fines, reflecting the seriousness of your speeding offence. Stray 10 km/h (6 mph) above the limit and you face a 30 Euro (£25) fine. At the other end of the scale, go more than 50 km/h (31 mph) over and it’s a whopping 2650 Euro (£2200) penalty.

Speed camera detection devices are illegal when driving on Croatian roads. And don’t use a mobile phone while driving unless it is ‘hands-free’. The fine is 130 Euro (£110).

Blood alcohol limits

We don’t recommend any drinking of alcohol if you are going to drive, but you should be aware of the country’s limit. For drivers over 25 years it’s 0.5 g/l (0.5 milligrams) blood alcohol level, which is the same limit as in Scotland. Anyone under this age must register zero (0 g/l).

For comparison, it’s 0.8 g/l (0.8 milligrams) in England and Wales.

Penalties for a positive test range from a fine, severity dependent on the amount over the limit you are, to a prison sentence.

What to carry in the car

You must have in your car a warning triangle, Hi-Viz reflective jacket and a first aid kit. The authorities also expect you to have headlamp converters for your headlights (or have manually adjusted lamps) so you don’t dazzle on-coming drivers. And consider carrying some spare bulbs with you.

Specialist suppliers, such as motoring organisations, sell ‘European driving kits’ for £25-£30, which contain everything you are likely to need for a Continental road trip, and it’s well worth investing in one.

Seatbelts

Seatbelt rules are the same as in the UK: if your car has them, they must be worn. It’s the driver’s responsibility to make sure everyone is buckled up – there’s €130 (£110) fine for not using one.

And children need to be fastened in too – any child under 135 cm tall must ride in the rear of the car. Offspring over this height and up to 150 cm can go in the front but must be in an approved child restraint for their size. A similar €130 fine applies for not doing this.

Driving

Keep to the right-hand lane as much as possible but if you are overtaking you must do so on the left. Never attempt to overtake on or near a level crossing, pedestrian crossing or major junction. If you are being overtaken do not accelerate and keep well over.

You will usually give way to vehicles using the ‘main’ road unless signs state otherwise. At crossroads that have no controls or road markings, give priority to vehicles on your right. Give way to emergency vehicles as soon as you can.

In Croatia you should use dipped headlamps all year round. Horns must be used sparingly – they are not banned but only use them in an emergency or to avoid a collision.

It can get extremely cold in Croatia and, if it snows, you will be expected to have the appropriate winter tyres fitted to your vehicle between November and March.

When towing a trailer or caravan ensure that your car and the rig don’t exceed 12 metres in length, 4 metres in height and 2.55 metres in width. Make sure you can see clearly behind you with the use of two wide rear-view mirrors.

Traffic signs

Traffic lights are red, amber and green and follow a similar pattern to the UK. You might see an additional ‘arrow’ light which, if lit, means you can proceed, checking that it’s safe to do so.

Road signs usually have pictures which are self-explanatory and include the ‘cattle in road’, ‘queue ahead’ and ‘roadworks’ warning signs that UK drivers will be familiar with. The roadworks one is yellow rather than our white though.

Warning signs are triangles with a red border, mandatory instruction ‘order’ signs are circles with a red border or blue circles, while information signs are square or round and mostly blue.

Most signs will be written in Croatian where applicable, but the stop sign features the word ‘Stop’ in English, as does ‘WC’. Directional signs are generally white squares with the town names written in Croatian and the distances shown in kilometres.

Fuel availability

Unleaded and diesel fuel and are widely available on Croatia’s roads and there is growing coverage for electric vehicles (EVs), especially in hotels. Fuel stations stay open until late (10pm) and some even operate 24 hours a day. Debit and credit cards are accepted. If you are visiting an island, check on fuel station availability first.

There are plenty of rest stops too, ranging from a basic car park and toilet to a full service area with shop, restaurant and even a play park.

Motorways in Croatia are paid for by tolls. It’s a simple ticket set-up where you take one on entering an M-way and present it when leaving. You pay the person in the toll booth – the amount will be shown on a display board, so you don’t have to speak!

Parking

There is plenty of space to park your car although most car parks are open air rather than under cover. You can park anywhere on the street if it has white lines and a ‘P’ sign. Check carefully for parking instruction signs.

Where you have to pay a charge, this is simply done by parking meter, a ‘TISAK’ vending kiosk, by text service or via an App, and you can opt to have a text message sent when you are nearing time expiry.

Parking is prohibited on or near a bend, intersection or brow of a hill, and in areas reserved for other activities, like bus or tram stops and taxis. 

Emergency number

In Croatia, as with most of Europe, you can dial 112 and make contact with emergency services such as fire, ambulance or police, 24 hours a day. Operators will speak English, French other European languages.

Checklist

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‘Why would I want to have a driving holiday in Hungary?’ you might say. Especially when there are so many other European countries closer to the UK and with lots of to offer.

It’s true that Hungary is a bit further away from British shores, but this landlocked central European state has its own list of interesting things to see and do.

Its capital Budapest is a wonder to see, split in half (Buda one side, Pest the other) by the legendary River Danube, which is second only to Russia’s Volga as the longest river in Europe.

The country’s history dates back to ancient Roman times, and great examples of this era are to be found in Budapest and other major cities, such as Debrecen and Szeged.

There’s also a wide array of churches, museums and art galleries to visit – Budapest even has the ‘House of Terror’ a museum dedicated to the victims of 20^th century communist and fascist regimes.

Nightlife is good in many areas with music and lights while dining fans will be impressed by the local Magyar food, such as goulash, as wells as a wide choice of international cuisines including Chinese, French and German.

Outside the major towns there are beautiful roads to explore. Minor roads are not as well maintained as the toll-supported motorway network, but they are good enough for a road trip. Interesting and exciting towns and villages await – Szentendre, Koszeg, God and Tata – with walking, relaxing and sightseeing high on their agendas.

Hungary is a good place to visit on business too, with car manufacturing, oil refining and gas production among the industries thriving there.

But if you are considering Hungarian roads when it comes to planning a vacation or have a business visit coming up, you’ll need some careful organisation before going there.

It’s possible to drive to Hungary if you have the time, probably going through France, Germany and Austria, so you’ll see some wonderful sights even before you cross the Hungarian border.

Flying in and hiring a vehicle is another option for travel and you’ll find a selection of car rental companies operating from Budapest Airport.

Driving in Hungary is a different experience from doing so in the UK, not just because the Hungarians drive on a different side of the road from us.

It’s much more than that and planning a driving holiday or taking your car to the country on business, requires careful planning and a good understanding of what you can, and can’t do behind the wheel while there.

Local police are very strict on road laws (drink driving and seat belts, especially) so, it’s well worth spending some time planning your trip, and making sure you understand the rules for your Continental excursion.

Here The Car Expert looks at the most important elements to consider when planning to drive in Hungary, and we’ve included a handy checklist. As each journey is unique, always check that you have everything covered for your particular visit.

Basic rules

You must be 18 years or over to drive in Hungary and you should hold a full UK driving licence. Just the licence card will do, as the paper counterpart is no longer a requirement. International Driving Permits are also recognised.

You’ll need to prove that you have car insurance cover for your vehicle so take your certificate with you (but you don’t need a European ‘green card’). You should also always carry with you documents that show the identity of your car, such as a V5C ‘logbook’ but if you are using a hire car, always have the rental agreement paperwork with you.

And take your personal ID or passport with you everywhere too – there are plenty of areas where you could cross a border, intentional or not, and stray into a neighbouring state.

Your vehicle’s ‘home country’ must be shown on it. A ‘UK’ sticker on the rear is one way to do this but you can also show a small UK badge on both number plates if you wish. The ‘GB’ badge is no longer allowed, even within European ‘golden stars’ and the same goes for country signs such as the English, Scottish or Welsh flags.

You must be at least 21 years old to hire a car although some hire companies will add a surcharge if you are under 25 and many will insist you have held a full licence for at least one year.

Speed limits

Speed limits are shown in kilometres (km/h) rather than miles (mph). In built-up areas the speed limit is 50 km/h (31 mph) while on more open roads the limit rises to 90 km/h (56 mph). Main A-roads are usually 110 km/h (68 mph) while motorways have a 130 km/h (81 mph) limit. Keep a close eye on local speed signs as limits can change on different sections of the same road.

Get stopped for speeding by Hungary’s traffic police and you can expect a fine ranging between 5000 Forints (HUF, £11.) and 50,000 HUF (£110). More serious speeding offences picked up by police cameras can bring much higher fines – 30,000 HUF (£66) to 300,000 HUF (£660).

You are not allowed any kind of speed camera detection devices or equipment that could interfere with police cameras when driving on Hungary’s roads. And don’t use a mobile phone while driving unless it is ‘hands-free’.

Blood alcohol limits

We don’t recommend any drinking of alcohol if you are going to drive, and this is especially pertinent in Hungary where there is a zero tolerance on drink driving. The limit for all drivers is 0.0g/l so do not even think about having a small glass of wine with lunch if you are planning on getting behind the wheel again.

And beware the next morning if you have had a couple of extra drinks the night before. By comparison, it’s 0.8g/l (0.8 milligrams) in England and Wales, and 0.5g/l in Scotland.

If there is any suspicion from the police of drinking and driving, you’ll probably be asked to take a breath test. Penalties for a positive test range from a fine to a temporary confiscation of your driving licence or even a prison sentence. It all depends on the amount over the limit you recorded and whether there was any damage or injury caused. The safest way is to avoid alcohol completely if you’re going to drive.

What to carry in the car

You must have in your car a warning triangle, hi-viz reflective jacket, first aid kit and fire extinguisher. The authorities also expect you to have headlamp converters for your headlights (or have manually adjusted lamps) so you don’t dazzle on-coming drivers. And you should carry some spare bulbs in case one blows.

Specialist suppliers, such as motoring organisations, sell ‘European driving kits’ for around £25, which contain everything you are likely to need for a Continental road trip, and it’s well worth investing in one.

Seatbelt rules

Seatbelt rules are the same as in the UK: if your car has them, they must be worn. It’s the driver’s responsibility to make sure everyone is buckled up – there’s a steep 380,000 HUF (£840) fine for not using one.

Children need to be buckled up too – those under three years old and less than 150 cm in height must be in an approved child restraint in the front or back of the car. Kids who are more than 150 cm tall may use adult seat belts.

Driving

Keep to the right-hand lane as much as possible but if you are overtaking do so on the left. You will usually give way to vehicles using the ‘main’ road unless signs state otherwise. At crossroads that have no controls or road markings, give priority to vehicles on your right. Buses always have the right of way and give way to emergency vehicles as soon as you can safely.

Use dipped headlamps when driving outside of built-up areas including on motorways but don’t use full beam anywhere in inner cities. Horns should be used sparingly –they are prohibited in built-up areas, unless in an emergency. Use them as necessary out of town.

It can get extremely cold and icy in Hungary and if it snows, you will be expected to have the appropriate winter tyres or snow chains fitted to your vehicle. The maximum permitted speed for a car with snow chains is 50 km/h (31 mph).

If you are towing a trailer or caravan ensure that your car and the rig don’t exceed 12 metres in length, 3 metres in height and 2.55 metres in width. Make sure you can see clearly behind you with the use of two wide rear-view mirrors. It’s worth drawing up an inventory of everything being carried in the caravan in case the police ask for the information.

Traffic signs

Traffic lights are red, amber and green and follow a similar pattern to the UK. There are spot fines of 66,000 HUF (£145) for ignoring a red light. Road signs usually have pictures which are self-explanatory and include the slippery road, cattle crossing and quayside warning signs that UK drivers will be familiar with. The stop sign has the word ‘Stop’ in English.

Mandatory instructions are usually blue circles with pictures, prohibitory signs are white circles with a red outline while warning signs are white triangles with a red outline. Information signs are usually blue squares. Directional signs are generally white squares with the town names written in Hungarian and the distances shown in kilometres.

Fuel availability

Unleaded, diesel and LPG liquefied petroleum gas are all widely available on Hungary’s road network. Fuel stations generally open from 6am to 8pm every day although on motorways and major A-roads there are many 24-hour sites operating, with rest areas and shops.

There are more than 1,800 EV (electric vehicle) charging points available and most of these will be listed on mobile apps.

Motorways in Hungary are paid for by tolls. Any road marked with an ‘M’ will require payment. To prove you have this you’ll need to get a window sticker (called an e-vignette) which can be bought online or at numerous fuel stations and special terminals. Minibuses or vehicles with more than seven seats will pay extra.

If you enter a toll road by accident, leave as soon as possible and you won’t be charged or fined.

Parking

Budapest and other major cities offer some free parking. In most towns there will be metered parking from 8am to 6pm. Minimum parking time is 15 minutes, and most areas offer between two and four hours as a limit. There is also a range of underground and multi-storey car parks many of which are manned by security guards.

If you do park on the street, make sure you are facing the direction of traffic. Don’t park less than 5 metres from a pedestrian crossing or cycle crossing, 5 metres from an intersection, in a bus lane or bus stop, in a spot that might obscure a road sign, or anywhere that the police are likely to consider an ‘obstruction’ to other traffic.

Illegally parked cars will be clamped in some areas, such as Budapest centre, but often vehicles will be simply towed away. There’s a fine to pay for a vehicle’s release plus costs for the towing.

Emergency number

In Hungary, as with most of Europe, you can dial 112 and make contact with emergency services such as fire, ambulance or police, 24 hours a day. Operators will speak English, French other European languages.

Checklist

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At 2,586 sq km, Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in Europe. But that doesn’t mean is has nothing to offer.

Steeped in history that dates back to 963 AD this western European state – full name the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg – has architecture in abundance: fortified castles, medieval roads, museums, churches and ‘old towns’.

A founding member of the European Union (EU) and with its capital, Luxembourg City, a central hub for countless financial and legal institutions, the country might be small, but it’s an important part of the European continent.

The Court of Justice of the European Union (ECJ), the European Parliament, the European Court of Auditors (ECA) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) are all headquartered in Luxembourg and the country is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, so it’s certainly not a backwater.

Away from city life there’s plenty to explore on the open road. Surrounded by France, Germany and Belgium at its borders, it can’t offer beaches and coastal roads, but the country makes up for that with some of the most stunning forestry in the world.

The Ardennes Forest runs through the Duchy before running into neighbouring France and Germany. Beautiful country roads wander through scenic and quaint villages that connect larger and interesting towns such as Differdange, Dudelange and Ettelbruck.

While Luxembourg isn’t necessarily the first country on a touring holidaymaker’s list, it is certainly worth considering visiting, and thousands of tourists from the UK and Europe take to the roads and drive there every year.

But if you are one of the UK motorists who does choose Luxembourgish roads when it comes to planning a vacation, you’ll need some careful organisation before going there. 

To get there you’ll have to motor through France or Belgium, but both of these countries offer wonderful roads on which to take your time, before arriving at your destination. Flying in and hiring a vehicle is another option and you’ll find a selection of car rental companies operating at Luxembourg Airport, 6km outside of Luxembourg City.

Driving in Luxembourg is a completely different experience from doing so in the UK. And that isn’t just because the Luxembourgers drive on a different side of the road from us. 

It’s much more than that and planning a driving holiday or taking your car to the Grand Duchy on business, requires careful planning and a good understanding of what you can, and can’t do behind the wheel while there.

This isn’t just for your safety and convenience. Getting on the wrong side of the local traffic police can mean on-the-spot fines, wheel-clamping or even confiscation of your car and its contents. So, it’s well worth spending some time planning your trip, and making sure you have everything in place for your Continental excursion.

Here The Car Expert looks at the most important elements to consider when planning to drive in Luxembourg, and we’ve included a handy checklist. As each journey is unique, always check that you have everything covered for your particular visit.

Basic rules

You must be 18 years or over to drive in Luxembourg and you should hold a full UK driving licence. Just the licence card will do, as the paper counterpart is no longer a requirement. International Driving Permits are also recognised.

You’ll need to prove that you have minimum third party car insurance cover for your vehicle so take your certificate with you (but you don’t need a European ‘green card’). You should always also carry with you documents that show the identity of your car, such as a V5C ‘logbook’. And always carry your personal ID or passport with you too – it can be easy to stray out of Luxembourg’s borders and into a neighbouring state.

Your vehicle’s ‘home country’ must be shown on it. A ‘UK’ sticker on the rear is one way to do this but you can also show a small UK badge on both number plates if you wish. The ‘GB’ badge is no longer allowed, even within European ‘golden stars’ and the same goes for country signs such as the English, Scottish or Welsh flags.

Speed limits

Speed limits are shown in kilometres (km/h) rather than miles (mph). In built-up areas the speed limit is 50 km/h (31 mph) while on more open roads the limit rises to 90 km/h (56 mph). Motorways have a 130 km/h (81 mph) limit, but this drops to 110 km/h (68 mph) if it is raining or snowing.

You are not allowed any kind of speed camera detection devices or equipment that could interfere with police cameras when driving on Luxembourg’s roads. The police take a dim view of these and confiscate them. You could also be handed a fine of up to 5000 Euro (£4000). 

If you are stopped for speeding in Luxembourg, you will likely get an on-the-spot fine. These range depending on the severity of your transgression. Exceed the maximum speed limit by less than 15 km/h in built-up areas or by less than 25 km/h on a motorway and you’ll get a 49 Euro (£40) fine. 

More serious speeding could bring a fine of 145 Euro (£125) but drive faster than that and the authorities will also start thinking about adding points to your licence. The best way is to watch for speed signs and stick to their limits.

Don’t ever use a mobile phone while driving unless it is ‘hands-free’.

Blood alcohol limits

We don’t recommend any drinking of alcohol if you are going to drive but it’s worth knowing the limits. The drink drive limit is 0.5 g/l (also shown as 0.5 milligrams) but for new drivers with less than two years’ experience, it’s even lower at 0.2 g/l. By comparison, it’s 0.8 g/l (0.8 milligrams) in England and Wales. Van drivers are also governed by the 0.2 g/l rule.

If there is any suspicion of drinking and driving by the police, you’ll probably be asked to take a breath test. There are fines for recording a positive test but if it’s more than 0.8 g/l you can be arrested and the fine will be increased.

What to carry in the car

You must have a warning triangle in your car in case of breakdown and the authorities expect you to have headlamp converters for your headlights (or have manually adjusted lamps) so you don’t dazzle on-coming drivers. It’s recommended to use dipped beams during the day.

It’s also a good idea to have a first aid kit, spare bulbs, a fire extinguisher, and a Hi-Viz reflective jacket in case you have to leave your car at the roadside. None of these is compulsory though.

Specialist suppliers, such as motoring organisations, sell ‘European driving kits’ for around £25, which contain everything you are likely to need for a Continental road trip, and it’s well worth investing in one. 

Seatbelt rules

Seatbelt rules are the same as in the UK: if your car has them, they must be worn. It’s the driver’s responsibility to make sure everyone is buckled up – there’s a 145 Euro (£125) fine for not using one. 

Children under 3 years old must be an appropriate child carrier. Those under 12 years old and less than 150 cm in height must be in an approved child seat in the front or back of the car. Minors who are over 150 cm tall may use adult seat belts.

Driving

Keep to the right-hand lane as much as possible but if you are overtaking do so on the left. If you come across a vehicle on a hill, the car coming up has priority. 

You will usually give way to vehicles on the ‘main’ road unless signs state otherwise. Stop or Give Way junctions are rarer than in some European countries; Luxembourg prefers the use of roundabouts. Buses have the right of way when they want to pull out and always give way to emergency vehicles as soon as you can safely. 

Horns should be used sparingly – indeed they are prohibited in major towns and built-up areas, unless in an emergency.

It can get cold and wintry in Luxembourg and if it snows, you will be expected to have the appropriate winter tyres fitted to your vehicle. 

If you are towing a trailer or caravan ensure that your car and the rig don’t exceed 18.75 metres in length, 4 metres in height and 2.55 metres in width. Make sure you can see clearly behind you with the use of two wide rear-view mirrors. 

Traffic signs

Traffic lights are red, amber and green and follow a similar pattern to the UK. There are spot fines for ignoring a red light. Road signs usually have pictures which are self-explanatory, except the stop sign which has the word ‘Stop’ in English. 

Mandatory instructions are usually blue circles with pictures, prohibiting signs are white circles with a red outline while warning signs are white triangles with the

red outline. Directional signs are generally blue or yellow with the town name written in Luxembourgish or French and the distance shown in kilometres.

Fuel availability

Super Plus 98 octane petrol (essence), Euro Super 95 octane (essence), Diesel (gazoil) and LPG liquefied petroleum gas (also shown as GPL) are all widely available on Luxembourg’s six motorways and main roads. There are also hundreds of EV (electric vehicle) charging points, most of them listed on mobile Apps.

Motorways in Luxembourg are toll free to use. 

Parking

As Luxembourg has a free public transport system in its towns and cities it’s no surprise that parking for cars that do enter the built-up areas will be expensive. There are some free parking arrangements available, but these will be on the outskirts of cities, encouraging visitors to take a bus into the centre.

The capital Luxembourg City is divided into different parking zones each with their own colour scheme. The colours represent the time allowed and therefore the price. Parking might be on-street or off-street (underground car parks) but make sure you read the signs carefully so that you understand how long you are allowed to stay, and pay accordingly.

If you do park on the street make sure you are facing the direction of traffic. Don’t park less than 5 metres from a pedestrian crossing or cycle crossing, 5 metres from an intersection, 12 metres from a bus or tram stop, or anywhere that the police are likely to consider an ‘obstruction’. 

Illegally parked cars can be clamped by the highly vigilant authorities unless they are obstructing traffic – in which case they will be towed away. There will be a fine to pay for a vehicle’s release plus costs for the towing.

Emergency number

In Luxembourg, as with most of Europe, you can dial 112 and make contact with emergency services such as fire, ambulance or police, 24 hours a day. Operators will speak English, French other European languages.

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Want to escape the UK’s busy roads and motorways and enjoy traffic-free motoring for a couple of weeks? Finland’s your answer. Its well-maintained roads are often free of other cars and vans for miles, but watch out for wild animals! Here’s what to check, for you and your car, before you drive there.

‘Traffic’ and ‘jam’ are two words that are rarely used together in Finland. Traffic is light in this beautiful Nordic country that’s full of interesting lakes, massive forests and stunning scenery. And all of that makes driving there a great pleasure.

You’re well in the north when in Finland – its land borders Nordic neighbours Norway and Sweden in places and at one point all three countries come together at a spot known as Treriksroset (Three-Country Cairn). Finland also borders Russia.

Finland is known as ‘the land of the lakes’ and for good reason – 10% per cent of the country is made up of inland lakes and rivers, complementing the huge areas of land covered by forests. Less than 10% of Finland’s land is arable.

Many of the country’s roads are a driver’s dream. They are long, winding, interesting and with lots to see and admire along the way. One thing you won’t have to worry about is other traffic. Hold-ups are very rare anywhere in Finland. It’s said that if a Finnish driver has to wait five minutes, they will call that ‘a jam’.

If you are going to be held up it’s more likely to be because of elk, reindeer or other animals on the road and these should always be in mind while driving in the wilderness. Indeed, if you are flashed by another driver, it could well be because of an animal or herd just around the corner.

It’s known as one of the happiest countries in the world and the way of life is relaxed and pleasant which also makes for a good driving vacation.

And if you’re there on business, it’s also a great place to be. Finland’s industries include metal, chemical and forestry. Its capital Helsinki is home to an array of churches, cathedrals, hotels and other Art Nouveau buildings as well as more modern architecture such as the world-famous Oodi Library.

If you are considering this northern country for a vacation this year, it’s certainly a good choice for road trips. But you’ll need some careful organisation before going there. Flying in and hiring a vehicle is easy, with all the main rental companies and others, available with a wide variety of vehicles.

Driving in Finland is a completely different experience from doing so in the UK – starting with the fact that the Finns (famous for their rally drivers) use the other side of the road from us.

But it’s more than that and planning a driving holiday or using a car on business while in the country, requires careful planning and a good understanding of what you can and can’t do there.

To get the most out of your visit it’s well worth spending some time planning your trip to ensure you have everything in place. In the summer it can be warm and fine, but Nordic weather can set in hard during the winter months.

Here The Car Expert looks at the most important elements to consider when planning to drive in Finland, and we’ve included a handy checklist. As each journey is unique, always check that you have everything covered for your particular visit.

Basic rules

You must be 18 years or over to drive in Finland and you should hold a full UK driving licence. Just the licence card will do, as the paper counterpart is no longer a requirement.

If you are using your own car, you’ll need to prove that you have insurance cover so take your certificate with you (but you don’t need a European ‘green card’) and take any documents that show the identity of the car, such as a V5C ‘logbook’.

The vehicle’s ‘home country’ must be shown on it by way of ‘UK’ letters and the Union Flag incorporated into your vehicle’s number plates. If you don’t have these on your plates, you must affix a ‘UK’ sticker to its rear. The ‘GB’ badge is no longer allowed, even within European ‘golden stars’ and the same goes for country badges such as the English, Scottish or Welsh flags.

To hire a car, you must be at least 19 years old and should have held a full driving licence for at least 12 months. You might need a second proof of ID, such as your passport, as well as your driving licence.

Always make sure you are carrying the rental company’s paperwork with you to prove you are entitled to drive. Whether you are renting or using your own vehicle, always have your personal ID or passport with you.

Drink drive rules

We don’t recommend any drinking of alcohol if you are going to drive but it’s worth knowing the limits. The drink drive limit is 0.5 g/l (also shown as 0.5 milligrams or 0.05%), which is the same as Scotland. For comparison, the limit is 0.8 g/l (0.8 milligrams, 0.08%) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

As in many other countries, the authorities take a hard line on drink driving. Testing is much more extensive than here in the UK – random breath and blood tests can be asked for at any time and the Finnish police claim to carry out up to 1.8 million tests a year. The same rules for the public road also apply if you are venturing off-road into the forests or onto the lakes for some ice driving.

Speed limits

Speed limits are shown in kilometres (km/h) rather than miles (mph). In most built-up areas, the limit is 50km/h (31mph). Outside of the suburban zones the limit rises to 80km/h (50mph), but this can vary so keep an eye on roadside signage. Major A-roads and highways have a 100km/h (62mph) ceiling while motorways bring a blanket 120km/h (75mph) top speed. During winter months those top two limits drop to 80km/h and 100km/h respectively.

Most traffic penalties, including those for speeding, are based on the driver’s income, so they can become quite expensive if you are caught breaking the law. Police can issue spot fines for road offences, but they don’t collect any money – it has to be paid into a bank within two weeks.

The minimum fine is €115 (£99), but for many people this could be more – the authorities divide your monthly net income by 60 and use a multiplier to increase that figure according to the amount over the limit you were caught speeding and, therefore, the severity of the fine.

There are speed and traffic enforcement cameras on roads throughout Finland, especially in more urban areas. But at least you are warned if you are in one of these zones – look for yellow road signs with a ‘camera’ image on it.

Do not use any kind of police camera detection equipment in your car. If the authorities catch you, they will take it away and issue you with a fine. Only use a mobile phone while driving if it’s completely hands-free.

What to carry in the car

As well as your documentation ensure, while motoring through Finland, that you have a warning triangle in the car in case you have to get out of the vehicle by the roadside. This is a compulsory requirement.

Make sure your lights don’t dazzle oncoming drivers. You must have beam deflectors fitted (or the ability to manually adjust your lights) and you must switch dipped lights on all the time, day or night, summer or winter. If you are flashed by an oncoming driver, it might mean you are not showing your dipped headlights.

Finnish drivers use full beam (pitkat valot) regularly while driving at night alone, and you can too. Just make sure you switch to dipped beam if you see someone else on the road.

Although not a requirement, it’s also recommended that you have a reflective jacket, a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, tow rope, spare bulbs and jump leads. Specialist suppliers, such as motoring organisations, sell ‘European driving kits’ for around £25, which contain everything you are likely to need for a holiday road trip, and they are well worth considering.

Winter tyres are compulsory throughout Finland in the winter months (1^st December to 1^st March). You might also consider fitting studded tyres if you’re planning to drive in the north of the country, closer to the Arctic Circle.  

Roads in Finland are generally well-maintained during the winter but don’t expect them to be salted. The authorities prefer to send out the snow ploughs. All major roads are kept open, but the police will sometimes close B-roads if the weather is especially bad.

Seatbelts

Seatbelt rules are the same as in the UK: if your car has them, they must be worn. Children less than 135cm in height must use an appropriate car child seat and infants under 3 years old must be in an appropriate baby seat. If it’s rear-facing and on the front passenger seat, you should switch the airbag off.

Driving

Keep to the right-hand lane as much as possible but if you are overtaking do so on the left. Priority is given to vehicles approaching you from the right as well as trams and emergency vehicles.  Don’t use your horn in built-up areas unless necessary, for example as a genuine warning. Out on the mountain roads, the horn can be used more readily on bends, brows of hills and when visibility is poor.

Traffic signals are red, amber and green and follow a similar pattern to the UK. You might see a green arrow rather than a light which means you can go in that direction. If there’s a red light but with a green arrow showing, you may turn but do so with caution. A flashing yellow light also means you can proceed with caution.

If you are towing a trailer or caravan, ensure that your car and the rig don’t exceed 18.75 metres in length, 4.2 metres in height and 2.6 metres in width. Make sure you can see clearly behind you with the use of two wide rear-view mirrors.

When towing a trailer up to 750kg in weight the speed limit is 100km/h (62mph). For trailers heavier than that it’s 80km/h (50mph).

Road signs

Warning signs are usually triangular and yellow with a red outline, apart from the stop sign which is red with the word ‘Stop’ written in English. Square round signs are mandatory instructions, usually with pictures, while square blue signs offer information.

Directional signs are blue or green and written in Finnish with distances in kilometres.

Fuel availability

Petrol and diesel are widely available throughout the country from more than 2,000 fuel stations. But remember that if you venture into the northern areas, such as the Lapland region, it can easily be 60 miles between fuel and service areas. They are generally open from 7am to 9pm but some operate 24 hours a day. Almost all take internationally recognised credit cards.

Toll roads

There are no toll roads in Finland and no toll bridges either. The maintenance of roads in Finland is paid for through citizens’ taxes so you can use the highways for free.

Parking

Parking is strictly controlled but well sign posted. Most cities use parking vouchers to ‘buy’ time, which can be purchased from street-side vending machines using cash or card.

Parking bays are clearly marked, as are ‘No Parking’ zones. Park badly, or for too long and your car could be towed away. There will be a fine to pay for a vehicle’s release plus costs for the towing.

Park with the car looking towards the direction of travel and leave side lights on if visibility is poor. Do not park closer than five metres from an intersection, level crossing or pedestrian crossing.

Emergency number

In Finland as with most of Europe, you can dial 112 and make contact with emergency services such as fire, ambulance or police, 24 hours a day. Operators will speak English, French and other European languages.

Checklist

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