THE CAR EXPERTCar finance and buying advice

Who hasn’t heard of the Norwegian fjords? These beautiful narrow bodies of water that stretch for miles inland are a wonder to see if you’re on a cruise ship. But don’t think that’s the only way to enjoy the natural wonders. You can view them by car too.

Common in chilly countries such as Alaska, Greenland and Canada, they are also abundant in one European country in particular – Norway. But it’s not just the fjords that are on offer if you’re planning a road trip in this Scandinavian country. There are lots of other wonderful sights to see, history to learn about and architecture to admire.

And you won’t be short of road to drive on either: Norway is the longest country in Europe and organising a trip by road will take planning, if only to understand the distances you might be travelling. Drive from the north of the country to the south and it could take you 30 hours.

You’ll be on great roads though. With Atlantic coastal routes, mountainous regions and hundreds of glaciers, there’s lots to see and experience. Norwegian motorways are generally in good condition and are not too busy, despite connecting Norway’s cities to one another and offering passage outside of the country and into other states.

Away from the main road, you’ll find hundreds of beautiful local roads to choose from, picturesque in their settings, winding and demanding in places but blessed with fantastic views, interesting towns and villages and good amenities – Norway is home to some of the best public lavatories in the world!

As well as the tourist business that Norway is proud of, the country’s main cities such as capital Oslo, Stavanger and Bergen, are home to industries including oil, petrol, shipping, farming, fishing and fish products.

With a rich history going back to the Viking era and beyond there’s lots of interesting architecture to be found, especially in the smaller towns. The bigger cities feature modern architecture and bright evening skylines.

If you are considering this Scandinavian 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 Norway is a completely different experience from doing so in the UK – starting with the fact that Norwegians drive on a different side of the road from us.

It’s much 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 behind the wheel there.

So it’s well worth spending some time planning your trip to ensure you have everything in place for your northern European excursion. In the summer it can be warm and fine, but winters can be harsh, and this will make driving by road more hazardous.

Here The Car Expert looks at the most important elements to consider when planning to drive in Norway, 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 Norway 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 you must carry with you documents that show the identity of the car, such as a V5C ‘logbook’.

The vehicle’s ‘home country’ must be shown on it. Most people today have the ‘UK’ letters and the Union Flag incorporated into their vehicle’s number plates but if you don’t have this on your own car, 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.

If you are hiring a vehicle, always carry the hire company’s paperwork with you to prove you are allowed to drive the car. You must have had a full driving licence for at least one year to hire a vehicle. Whether you are renting or using your own vehicle, always carry 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 0.2 g/l (also shown as 0.2 milligrams or 0.02%).

The authorities take a hard line on drink driving – Norway was the first country to impose penalties for ‘impaired driving’ back in 1936. Police officers can demand a random breath test at any time, without reason, and there are severe penalties – fines and possible prison – if you are shown to be over the limit. For comparison, the limit is 0.8 g/l (0.8 milligrams, 0.08%) in England and Wales.

Speed limits

Speed limits are shown in kilometres (km/h) rather than miles (mph). In some built-up and suburban areas, the limit can be a plodding 30km/h (18mph) although many towns prefer a 50km/h (31mph) limit. On main A-roads, it’s 80km/h (50mph) but this can vary so keep an eye on roadside signage. Motorways have a blanket 110km/h (68mph) top speed.

If you have a caravan or trailer the speed limit is 80km/h everywhere. If the trailer does not have brakes, the limit drops to 60km/h.

Norway increased its speeding fines last year. They are high and get steadily worse as your speed over the limit increases. Fines can be issued on the spot.

Go just 5km/h (3mph) over the limit in a 60km/h (35mph) zone and you could be fined 1100 Norwegian Krone (NOK) (£80). For going 20km/h over in a built-up zone, fines start at 7800 NOK (£580). And if you’re stopped going more than 25km/h over the speed limit on a 70km/h road or above, it’s 9100 NOK (£680). There are many other variations of speed versus fine.

There are speed cameras and mobile ‘speed-trap’ cars on roads throughout Norway. You are not allowed any kind of police camera detection equipment in your car. Likewise, if your satnav unit shows where speed cameras are sited, you must de-activate this function as it’s illegal. Don’t use a mobile phone while driving either, unless it’s completely hands-free.

What to carry in the car

While motoring through Norway, ensure you have a warning triangle in the car and a reflective jacket for if you have to get out of the car by the roadside. Make sure your lights don’t dazzle oncoming drivers – you must have beam deflectors fitted (or the ability to manually adjust your lights). You must switch dipped lights on all the time, whatever the weather conditions.

Although not a requirement, it’s also recommended that you have 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 it’s well worth considering these.

Studded tyres are permitted in most Norwegian towns and cities over the winter months although some charge a fee for driving in their centres with these tyres fitted. Cars that weigh more than 3.5 tonnes must carry snow chains with them and use them if ice or snow is expected.

Seatbelts

Seatbelt rules are the same as in the UK: if your car has them, they must be worn. Children under 36kg in weight or 135cm in height must use an appropriate car seat. If the seat is rear-facing and on the front passenger seat, you should switch the airbag off. Children between 135 and 150cm tall may use a normal seat belt and booster cushion.

Driving

Keep to the right-hand lane as much as possible but if you are overtaking do so on the left. Priority is usually given to vehicles approaching you from the right but look for road signs which might indicate something different. Don’t use your horn unless necessary, for example to avoid an accident happening.

Traffic signals are red, amber and green and follow a similar pattern to the UK. There is no right turn allowed on red as in some European countries, even if the road is clear of other vehicles. In some cities you might see two red lights. These were originally installed as ‘back-up’ if one light failed but were deemed successful in terms of visibility and stayed in operation.

If you are towing a trailer or caravan, ensure that your car and the rig don’t exceed 18.75 metres in length and 2.55 metres in width. There is no height limit but beware of low bridges! Make sure you can see clearly behind you with the use of two wide rear-view mirrors.

Road signs

Road signs are usually triangular with a red outline for those giving advice or warning, and blue circles where something is mandatory. They use pictures and therefore rarely need words, although ‘Stop’ is written in English. Most directional signs are yellow and written in Norwegian with distances in kilometres.

Fuel availability

Petrol and diesel are widely available throughout the country. However, Norway is investing massively in the electric revolution and already has more than 17,000 charging stations and 3,500 rapid chargers available across the country. Hotels are increasingly offering EV charging for free. LPG is also quite widely available.

Norway’s motorways have good service areas with fuel, shops and cafes available.  They almost all have automatic, card-operated pumps which take internationally recognised credit cards. If you are heading into remote mountainous areas, stations can become less frequent so make sure you have filled up with fuel before you leave.

Toll roads

There are toll roads in Norway on some motorways, bridges and tunnels. You will also have to pay to drive in main cities. Most toll stations work automatically.

Parking

Parking bays are clearly marked, as are ‘No Parking’ zones. Much of the parking is controlled by meters, but there are also long and short-term parking garages (P-hus) to leave your car for a fee. There are steep fines for illegal parking and while wheel clamps are not used by the police, your car can 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. Do not park anywhere that the police might consider dangerous – that’s five metres from an intersection, level crossing or pedestrian crossing, or 20 metres from a bus or tram stop.

Don’t park on bicycle lanes or pedestrian paths. Indeed, the whole Norwegian culture on the road is to put pedestrians and cyclists first. Pavement users will expect you to stop for them at a crossing while cyclists will often ignore road signs and ride ‘their own way’ so give them plenty of room.

Emergency number

In Norway 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

Scandinavia is known for its clear air, beautiful mountains, forests and lakes, and some of the roads that will get you to these wonderful sights are simply breath-taking.

Sweden is no exception to this rule – it’s the largest of the Nordic countries and is blessed with fine scenery, exciting cities and incredible islands dotted throughout its vast areas of water: the lakes and rivers.

Sweden is the fifth largest country in Europe but despite the vast wilderness of beauty throughout its nation, the majority of its people live in towns and cities – Stockholm, the capital, being the biggest of these. There’s also Malmo and Gothenburg.

Steeped in history, there’s wonderful architecture to be seen in its many towns and villages while memories of the Viking era are everywhere. Out on the open road you’re more likely to come across an elk or reindeer than another car in some areas. These can be a real danger on many routes and warning triangles will often feature at the roadside to warn you.

Swedish roads are a joy to drive – long, open and well-maintained, they are among the best in the world. But you need to be prepared for trips into the wilderness not least because temperatures can vary so much. Warm in the summer, Sweden can become very cold in winter months with sub-zero temperatures a regular occurrence. The coldest ever recorded temperature was minus 52 degrees C in 1966.

It’s a wealthy country and its towns and cities are home to much business and manufacture, among these the car industry, telecommunications and pharmaceutical.

If you are one of many UK motorists who is considering this Scandinavian country for a vacation this year, 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 Sweden is a completely different experience from doing so in the UK. And that isn’t just because the Swedes drive on a different side of the road from us.

It’s much 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 behind the wheel there.

So it’s well worth spending some time planning your trip and making sure you have everything in place for your northern European excursion.

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

Keep right

Like all of continental Europe and the vast majority of countries around the world, Sweden drives on the right side of the road with local cars being left-hand drive (in other words, the opposite of the UK).

Right-hand-drive cars are legal, so you can drive your own car over from the UK, but it’s less convenient for things like toll booths, parking gates or drive-through restaurants.

Licence requirements

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

You must be at least 20 years old to rent some vehicles in Sweden so check before you sign the rental agreement. Whether you are renting or using your own vehicle, always carry your personal ID or passport with you.

Taking your own car to Sweden

It’s legal to drive your UK-registered, right-hand drive car in Sweden, but remember that you have to drive on the opposite side of the road. 

If you’re 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 you must carry with you documents that show the identity of the car, such as a V5 ‘logbook’.

The vehicle’s ‘home country’ must be shown on it. Most people today have the ‘UK’ letters and the Union Flag incorporated into their vehicle’s number plates but if you don’t have this, you must affix a ‘UK’ sticker to the rear of the vehicle. 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.

You’ll also need to adjust your headlight beam to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic. Many modern cars allow you to do this from the dashboard, while older cars will require anti-dazzle stickers to be fitted to the headlights. These are available from car parts stores or travel shops at the ferry terminal.

Speed limits

Speed limits are shown in kilometres (km/h) rather than miles (mph) and in Sweden are not based on the category of the road, but the considered safety of the route.

In built-up and suburban areas, the limit can vary between 50km/h (31mph) and 100km/h (62mph) so keep a close eye on roadside signage. Motorways have a blanket 110km/h (68mph) top speed.

Speeding fines differ greatly depending on the speed that drivers are caught. For going up to 10km/h over the limit in a built-up area, fines start at 2000 Krona (kr) (£150); up to 30km/h over its 3,600 kr (£270) and if you’re stopped going more than 35km/h over the speed limit on a motorway it’s 4,000 kr (£300).

There are speed cameras on many Swedish roads and they can often be hidden or difficult to see. You are not allowed any kind of speed camera or radar detection equipment in your car. Likewise, if your satnav unit shows where speed cameras are sited, you must de-activate this function as it’s illegal.

Don’t use a mobile phone while driving either, unless it’s completely hands-free.

Blood alcohol limit

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 0.2 g/l (also shown as 0.2 milligrams or 0.02%), which makes Sweden one of the strictest countries in the world for drink-driving. Most countries Europe – including Scotland – have a limit of 0.05%, while England and Wales are 0.08% (one of the highest limits anywhere in the world).

The police take a hard line on drink driving, so be careful even when you are getting behind the wheel ‘the next morning’. Officers can demand a breath test at any time and without reason and there are severe penalties – fines or even prison – if you are shown to be over the limit.

What to carry in the car

While motoring through Sweden, ensure you have a warning triangle in the car and make sure your lights don’t dazzle oncoming drivers – you must have beam deflectors fitted (or the ability to manually adjust your lights). You must switch dipped lights on all the time, on every road although cars sold in Sweden will have this feature automatically.

You will also need to have winter tyres fitted to your car if you are planning to drive in snow and ice between 1^st December and 31^st March. Some areas require you to fit snow chains too – look for local signs. If you have a trailer, this must also have the correct tyres.

Although not a requirement, it’s also recommended that you have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, tow rope, spare bulbs, reflective jacket 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 it’s well worth considering one.

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 be in an approved child seat in the front or back of the car. Above this height they can ride on a regular seat and if they are over 140cm they can sit in the front passenger seat if the airbag is switched off.

Driving in Sweden

Keep to the right-hand lane as much as possible but if you are overtaking do so on the left.

Overtake only when you are sure it is safe to do so. There are many roads which have a dedicated lane for drivers wanting to drive slowly. They are required to keep over and let others pass them when they are not in this special lane.

Priority is usually given to vehicles approaching you from the right but look for road signs which might indicate something different. Don’t use your horn unless absolutely necessary, such as in an emergency or to prevent an accident.

Traffic signals are red, amber and green and follow a similar pattern to the UK. A flashing amber light can mean the traffic signals are faulty while a separate, smaller set of lights next to the main signals can sometimes include an arrow permitting you to drive in the direction it is pointing.

If you are towing a trailer or caravan ensure that your car and the rig don’t exceed 24 metres in length, 4.5 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.

Road signs

Road signs are usually coloured yellow with a red outline for those giving advice or warning, and blue where something is mandatory. They use pictures and therefore rarely need words. Where words are used these will be in the Swedish language except for ‘Stop’ which is in English. Most directional signs are written in Swedish with distances in kilometres.

Fuel availability

Petrol and diesel is widely available throughout the country. Swedish motorways don’t have service areas – these are sited close to exits and signs will point you there on reaching the intersection. They almost all have automatic, card-operated pumps which take internationally-recognised credit cards.

There are more than 2,500 charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) throughout Sweden.

Toll roads

There are few toll roads in Sweden and there is no fee to pay for using the motorways. However, you will have to pay tolls on some of the main bridges, such as Sundsvall, Motala and Skurubron.

Parking

Although there are wide open spaces in Sweden, its main cities can be very congested. That makes parking more difficult. It’s certainly limited in built-up areas with restricted zones shown by road signs. There are steep fines for illegal parking and while wheel clamps are not used by the police, your car can 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. If it’s not a marked parking spot you probably can’t stop there. A blue sign with a ‘P’ in it usually signals free parking but beware, this might have a time limit so check very carefully.

Do not park anywhere that the police might consider dangerous such as near an intersection, level crossing, bus or tram stop, crest of a hill or blind bend. Don’t stop in bicycle lanes or pedestrian paths.

Emergency number

In Sweden 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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Centuries of history, great beaches and coastlines, winding mountainous roads and bustling towns and cities: Greece has lots going for it if you’re planning a holiday there. And getting around by car is a good way to enjoy the country – and its many islands, dotted around the magical Aegean Sea.

Forget long, boring motorways and characterless A-roads – driving in Greece can be a fantastic and exciting experience in which you can take in stunning scenery, breath-taking coastal roads and sleepy villages steeped in history and mystique.

And while much of Greece has a laid-back, rustic feel to it, the main cities, such as Athens, Thessaloniki and Petraeus, are vibrant business hubs with commerce and industry to match. Its main industry is, perhaps not surprisingly, tourism – followed by shipping and industrial products manufacture.

So Greece could well be at or near the top of your list for a holiday and it’s certainly well worth a look if you love touring by car. It’s not all plain-sailing though – many of Greece’s more rural roads can be rough and pot-holed and some are known to be affected by flooding or sand storms, whipped up by the coastal winds. Local drivers often drive down the middle of these roads too, mindful of grazing sheep, uneven road surfaces and rocks fallen in a landslide. 

If you are one of many UK motorists who is considering Greek climes for a vacation this year, you’ll need some careful organisation before going there. Flying in and hiring a vehicle is good option as there are many companies willing to rent you a vehicle – of varying qualities and conditions.

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

It’s much 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 behind the wheel there. 

This isn’t just for your safety and convenience. Getting on the wrong side of the Greek police can result in several types of penalty including fines, car towing or the removal of your number plates so that you have to go and retrieve them from a local police station.

So it’s well worth spending some time planning your trip, and making sure you have everything in place for your south eastern European excursion.

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

Keep right

Like all of continental Europe and the vast majority of countries around the world, Greece drives on the right side of the road with local cars being left-hand drive (in other words, the opposite of the UK).

Right-hand-drive cars are legal, so you can drive your own car down from the UK, but it’s less convenient for things like toll booths, parking gates or drive-through restaurants.

Licence requirements

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

An international driving permit is recognised by the Greek authorities, but it’s not a requirement.

Whether you are renting or using your own vehicle, always carry your personal ID or passport with you too.

Taking your own car to Greece

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’). You must also carry with you documents that show the identity of the car, such as a V5 ‘logbook’. 

The vehicle’s ‘home country’ must be shown on it. Most people today have the ‘UK’ letters and the Union Flag incorporated into their vehicle’s number plates but if you don’t have this, you must affix a ‘UK’ sticker to the rear of the vehicle. 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.

It’s legal to drive your UK-registered, right-hand drive car in Greece, but remember that you have to drive on the opposite side of the road.

You’ll also need to adjust your headlight beam to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic. Many modern cars allow you to do this from the dashboard, while older cars will require anti-dazzle stickers to be fitted to the headlights. These are available from car parts stores or travel shops at the ferry terminal.

Speed limits

As with most countries in the world, Greece uses the metric system for speed and distance. That means distances on road signs are shown in kilometres rather than miles, and speed limits are shown in kilometres (km/h) rather than miles (mph). 

In any built-up area the limit is 50km/h (equivalent to 31mph), while on open roads outside of urban areas the limit rises to between 90km/h (56mph) and 110km/h (68mph), so keep an eye out for local roadside signage.

Motorways have a usual 130km/h (81mph) top speed, but this can also vary locally.

Speeding fines differ greatly depending on the speed that drivers are caught. For going up to 20km/h over the limit, fines start at €40; up to 30km/h over it’s €100 and if you’re stopped going more than 30km/h over the speed limit there are fines of €350. Greek police do not collect on-the-spot fines.

You can also be disqualified from driving if the authorities feel you have broken even more serious laws.

You are not allowed any kind of speed camera or radar detection equipment when driving on Greek roads and there’s a possible €2,000 fine if you’re caught. Likewise, if your satnav unit shows where speed cameras are sited, you must de-activate this function as it’s illegal.

It’s said that Greek drivers tend to be on the fast side and have a more relaxed attitude to speed limits. Don’t be tempted to be drawn into their way of driving – it’s always best to abide by all local laws and stay on the right side of the traffic police.

Don’t use a mobile phone while driving either, unless it’s completely hands-free. There are fines of up to €100 if you’re caught.

Blood alcohol limit

Obviously, 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 0.5g/l (also shown 0.05%). For new drivers with less than three years’ experience, the limit is 0.2g/l (0.02%).

The police take a hard line on drink driving, so be careful even when you are getting behind the wheel ‘the next morning’. For comparison, the limit is 0.8 g/l (0.08%) in England and Wales, so the Greek limit is only just over half that.

The Greek police can ask you take a random breath test at any time if they suspect you have been drinking. There’s also a saliva test for those suspected of being under the influence of drugs. If you refuse to do either of these, the authorities can fine you, confiscate your licence or even impose a prison sentence.

What to carry in the car

There are several things you’ll need in your vehicle while motoring through Greece, both for your safety and to ensure you’re within the law, should you be stopped for a check. These include a warning triangle, a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit. All of these are compulsory requirements for every vehicle. Carrying a reflective jacket in the car is not compulsory but it’s still a good idea in case you break down on a major route or when visibility is reduced. 

You don’t have to carry spare bulbs for your headlamps, but the police do insist that you have beam deflectors (or the ability to manually adjust your lights) to avoid dazzling other road users. 

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 considering 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 and there’s a €350 fine for not wearing one. 

Children under 12 years old and less than 135 cm in height must be in an approved child seat in the front or back of the car. Infants under three years must be in a suitable child restraint and those between three and 11 must be in an appropriate child seat for their size. 

Driving

Keep to the right-hand lane (the inside lane) as much as possible, and only overtake on the left. 

Overtake only when you are sure it is safe to do so, but never attempt to pass someone if you are approaching a railway crossing or if a vehicle ahead of you has stopped for an emergency or safety reason. If you are flashed from behind it probably means someone wants to pass you. It’s best to let them go.

Greek drivers often flash their lights coming towards you if there is a hazard ahead, so keep a lookout for that.

Priority is usually given to vehicles approaching you from the right, but look for road signs which might indicate something different. Outside urban areas and on major routes, traffic on the main road has priority over anyone intending to turn out of a side or lesser road at an intersection.

Traffic signals are red, amber and green and follow a similar pattern to the UK. Some cities though, use a flashing amber light for drivers to proceed with caution. Some Greek islands have no traffic lights at all so you should be extremely vigilant when pulling up at an intersection and be ready to let local drivers through first if necessary.

Pedestrian lights have only red and green. Where there is a pedestrian crossing with no lights, it is unlikely that local drivers will stop to let people cross. Bear that in mind if you have cars behind you as you approach a crossing – they probably won’t be expecting you to slow up.

If you are towing a trailer or caravan ensure that your car and the rig don’t exceed 18 metres in length, four 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. 

Road signs

Most directional road signs in Greece are in two languages – Greek and English. The Greek names usually come first followed by the English but occasionally the Greek and English directions might be on two separate signs. In rural areas you might find names written with only the Greek alphabet.

Don’t always expect the English translation to be exactly as you know it – ‘Athens’, for example, could well be shown as ‘Athina’, ‘Pireaus’ could be ‘Piraus’, and there are many others.

Fuel availability

Petrol, diesel, and LPG (Autogas) are widely available throughout the country, and most roads have signs showing the distance to the nearest stations. Some filling areas will accept credit cards but others might only take cash so be prepared. There are no automatic, card-operated pumps in Greece – instead you’ll find many filling stations fully serviced with operators ready to help you.

Service areas do operate along Greek motorways but these are not as plentiful as you might find in some European countries, so don’t let your fuel tank run down too low.

There are two types of diesel available. One is called ‘Diesel’ and is suitable for vehicles such as tractors. But if you have a passenger car you should look for a more refined version – called ‘Diesel Premium’, ‘Diesel Super’ or ‘Diesel Ultimate’. It is illegal to carry spare fuel in a can inside your car

There are around 2,100 charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) throughout Greece, equating to arund 4,900 actual charge points.

Toll roads

As with many motorway networks in European countries, the roads are paid for with money collected through tolls. Most motorways have a levy to pay, as do the Rio-Antirrio Bridge and the Aktio-Preveza Tunnel.

The cost is based in which road you’re using and the distance you are travelling. Payment can be made by cash at a toll booth, credit card or using an on-board unit with a system known as GRITS (Greek Interoperable Tolling Systems). 

Parking

Some roads in mainland Greece and the islands can be congested which can make parking on a street very difficult. In large cities such as Athens, public parking areas are hard to find although some are for tourists only. Look for local signage before you pull up and leave your car anywhere. 

You must not park within five metres of an intersection, 15 metres of a level crossing, 15 metres of a bus or tram stop, three metres of a fire hydrant, five metres of a stop sign and five metres of a traffic light. Signs might also tell you which side of the road you can park, so check for these too.

Most city roads will have restrictions and fees to pay before parking. Much of the payment is collected using parking meters and can range from 30-minute stops to two hours. 

Wheel clamps are not used in Greece but illegally parked cars can be towed away by the police. There will be a fine to pay for a vehicle’s release plus costs for the towing.

Emergency number

In Greece 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.

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Would you count driving and history as being among your interests or loves? Well, don’t miss out on the chance to visit Poland then.

Thought to have been a haven for civilisation thousands of years, it has a more ‘recent’ Medieval history from where it got its name, thanks to the Polan people.

There are castles to see – including the world’s most complete and comprehensive Medieval example, Malbork – forests, lakes, rural villages and sprawling cities. And despite being badly damaged during the Second World War it has recovered to become a stable and welcoming democracy.

Its major cities – including Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk and Lodz – provide excellent opportunities for business and industry. To its west lies Germany, to the east are Ukraine and Belarus, while in the north there’s a beautiful coastline and the Baltic Sea.

It might not be top of your list for a holiday, but Poland is well worth a look if you love touring by car. While some of the more rural roads can be potholed and poorly maintained, Poland’s major routes are excellent for a car journey. One of its many scenic routes is called the 100 Bends Road – a must for drivers, surely!

If you are one of many UK motorists who is considering Polish shores for a vacation this year, you’ll need some careful organisation before visiting. Getting there by car will involve traversing the whole of Germany as you head east, but that’s a decent European drive to enjoy if you have the time. Flying in and hiring a vehicle is another option.

Driving in Poland is a completely different experience from doing so in the UK. And that isn’t just because the Poles 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 Poland 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 Polish police can mean on-the-spot fines, starting with relatively small ones for minor indiscretions but rising to steep penalties and even driving licence confiscation. 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 Poland, 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 Poland and you should hold a full UK driving licence. Just the licence card will do, as the paper counterpart is no longer a requirement. An international driving permit is recognised by the authorities, but it’s not a requirement.

You’ll need to prove that you have car insurance cover so take your certificate with you (but you don’t need a European ‘green card’) and you must carry with you documents that show the identity of the car, such as a V5 ‘logbook’. Always carry your personal ID or passport with you too.

The vehicle’s ‘home country’ must be shown on it. Most people today have the ‘UK’ letters and the Union Flag incorporated into the vehicle’s number plates but if you don’t have these, you must affix a ‘UK’ sticker to the rear of the vehicle. 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.

Speed limits

Speed limits are shown in kilometres (km/h) rather than miles (mph). It’s very slow in residential zones – 20km/h (12mph), while for built-up areas the speed limit varies according to the time: 50 km/h (31mph) between 5am and 11pm and 60km/h (37mph) between 11pm and 5am.

Moving out of built-up areas and onto more open roads the limit rises but again there are variations of between 90km/h (56mph) and 120km/h (75mph) so keep an eye out for local roadside signs. Motorways have a blanket 140km/h (87mph) top limit with a 40km/h (25mph) minimum regulation.

You’re not allowed any kind of speed camera or radar detection equipment when driving on Polish roads. Likewise, if your satnav unit shows where speed cameras are sited, you must de-activate this function as it’s illegal.

New speeding fines came into operation in Poland in 2022 and they were much steeper than before. If you are stopped for speeding you will likely get an on-the-spot fine, and police patrols who are out looking for speeders, have increased.

Fines vary depending on your speed and start at 50 Zloty or zl (£10) for a minor transgression of up to 10km/h over the speed limit and rise steadily in severity as the speed goes up. Get stopped at more than 40km/h over the limit and you could be looking at a 1000 zl (£180) fine, while 60km/h above the top end could mean a 2000 zl (£360) penalty.

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 0.2 g/l (also shown as 0.2 milligrams or 0.02%). This is a very small amount and the police take a hard line on drink driving, so be careful even when you are getting behind the wheel ‘the next morning’. For comparison, the limit is 0.8 g/l (0.8 milligrams or 0.08%) in England and Wales, and 0.5g/l (0.5 milligrams or 0.05%) in Scotland.

The Polish police can ask you take a random breath test at any time, but you will certainly be tested if there has been a car accident or if you have committed a serious motoring offence.

What to carry in the car

There are several things you’ll need in your vehicle while motoring through Poland, both for your safety and to ensure you keep on the right side of the authorities. These include a warning triangle and a reflective jacket which you should wear if you break down on a major route outside of urban areas or when visibility is reduced. Failure to have these could result in on-the-spot fines.

You will also be required to have a fire extinguisher and, although it’s not compulsory, it’s worth investing in a first aid kit.

You don’t have to carry spare bulbs, but the police do insist that you have beam deflectors (or the ability to manually adjust your lights) to avoid dazzling other road users.

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 buying one.

Seatbelt and other 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 and there’s a 100 zl (£20) fine for not wearing one.

Children 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. If your car has airbags in the front (and most do) it is forbidden to place a rear facing baby restraint on the front passenger seat.

Driving

Keep to the right-hand lane as much as possible but if you are overtaking do so on the left.

Overtake only when you are sure it is safe to do so, but never attempt to pass someone if you are at an intersection, by a bus or tram stop, approaching a railway crossing, a pedestrian crossing or a cycle crossing.

You may overtake trams but ensure that if another tram is approaching, your car is not driving over its rails. Never try to drive between a tram and its pedestrian island if passengers are getting on or off. Trams have priority over all other traffic. The same is not applicable for buses but watch carefully for them – they tend to pull out with little regard for cars. 

Traffic signals are red, amber and green and follow a similar pattern to the UK. However, a green light that shows at the same time as a red light means that you can turn into another street (shown by an arrow), but you must give way to pedestrians.

Horns should be used sparingly – indeed they are prohibited in towns, unless it’s an emergency.

Petrol, diesel, and LPG is widely available throughout the country, and there are many electric vehicle (EV) charging points in larger towns and cities. Most fuel stations are open from 8am to 7pm although in larger towns you will find 24-hour services.

Motorways in Poland are paid for with money collected through tolls. There is no electronic system controlling this, so be prepared to pay at toll booths along the way. Trucks and buses do have electronic devices however and the same applies if you are towing a caravan so check for this before you set off with a rig. Toll fees vary according to the road used, the length of journey and the emissions of your vehicle.

You can get to most places on more minor roads that avoid the M-ways, but these rural routes can be in poor condition with potholes and broken surfaces, so dial that into your journey considerations.

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. Carry with you a list of your caravan or trailer contents – this will assist customs officers and should ensure you a smoother passage.

Parking

Look for parking restriction signs before you pull up anywhere. Most cities will have restrictions and fees to pay before parking. Much of the payment is collected using parking meters although the bigger cities will often feature manned car parks with various ways to pay.

If you find somewhere to park for free that’s great – but don’t leave your car if it looks like you’re causing an obstruction or danger to others. Illegally parked cars may well be wheel clamped by the authorities but often, badly parked vehicles will simply be towed away. There will be a fine to pay for a vehicle’s release plus costs for the towing.

Emergency number

In Poland 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.

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You can see why Portugal is such a popular tourist destination for UK and other European travellers. Sitting proudly in the southern part of Europe, Portugal has a lot to offer: great coastlines, fine weather, exciting cities and excellent cuisine.

If you like city life, capital Lisbon or Porto are exciting destinations while, if the sea is more of a pull, the Faro district and Algarve on the Atlantic Ocean offer much to visitors. There’s a rich history here and architecture, ancient villages and a vibrant culture all help to make Portugal a country well worth experiencing.

It’s a bit of a drive to get there – from the UK you must go through France and Spain by road, but it’s certainly achievable. But even if you fly in and then hire a car, driving around Portugal, with its open roads and friendly people, is a pleasure.

But you’ll need some careful planning if you do intend to drive in the country. The UK has a good relationship with Portugal and the Portuguese, but driving in their country is a completely different experience from doing so in Britain. For a start, they drive on a different side of the road.

Planning a driving holiday there, or flying in to take a hire car, requires forethought and a good understanding of what you can and can’t do while motoring on Portugal’s roads.

Here The Car Expert looks at the most important elements to consider when planning to take a car to Portugal or hiring one there. We’ve included a handy checklist too. As each journey is unique, always check that you have everything covered for your particular visit.

Basic rules for driving in Portugal

You must be 18 years or over and hold a full valid driving licence to drive in Portugal. A regular licence card will be sufficient, as the paper counterpart is no longer a requirement. You won’t need an international driving permit either. Some countries expect you to have this document – basically a translation of your UK licence – but although it’s recognised in Portugal, it’s not a legal requirement.

What you will need to stay on the right side of the law though, is proof that you have insurance cover for your vehicle (although you don’t need a European ‘green card’ any more). And you should carry with you documents that show the identity of the car, such as a V5 registration document or ‘logbook’. 

Always carry your personal ID or passport with you everywhere, and if your car is more than three years old and has an MOT certificate, take that too. Ensure that the vehicle is fully taxed in the UK before travelling.

The vehicle’s ‘home country’ must be shown on it and for British cars that’s a ‘UK’ sticker or badge. The old ‘GB’ is no longer accepted in Europe, and neither are country badges incorporating the English, Scottish or Welsh flags.

You can have the ‘UK’ letters incorporated into your front and rear number plates or buy small ‘UK’ stickers to fix to the plates and these are acceptable in Portugal. If you prefer, a single ‘UK’ sticker or magnetic badge on the rear of the car would also be permitted.

Speed limits

As with most countries in Europe, Portugal uses the metric system for speed and distance, so all its road direction signs are shown in kilometres rather than miles, and speed limits are shown in km/h (kilometres per hour) not mph (miles per hour). 

Special speed restrictions apply in certain areas for motorhomes and vehicles towing trailers so keep an eye out for these or check before you travel but, in general terms the speed limits are quite straightforward.

In built-up areas the limit is 50km\h (just over 30mph). Out of town this rises to 90-100km/h (55-62mph) and is indicated by local road signs. The 100km\h limit is usually for dual carriageway routes. Portuguese motorways have a flat 120km/h (75mph) limit.

Speeding fines can be expensive if you are caught going seriously over the limit. It also depends on the type of road you are driving on. Penalties start at €60 to €300 for speeding at less than 20km/h above the limit. For 40km/h over it’s up to €600 and if you’re caught at more than 60km/h over the speed limit in a built-up area, the fine could be as high as €2,500.

Portuguese authorities use radar speed cameras and unmarked vehicles – often hidden away or lurking on motorway bridges – to catch offenders. Police speed traps are known locally as ‘Caça a Multa’ which literally means ‘fine hunting’, so the best advice is to make sure you’re not the one being ‘hunted’.

In-car devices that show the location of mobile police speed cameras are not permitted – fines can reach more than 2000 Euro if you’re caught using one. However, you will often see official signs showing that police speed equipment is being used in the area, as a form of warning. 

Blood alcohol limits

We don’t condone any kind of drinking before you get behind the wheel, but it’s important to know what the drink-drive limit is. As with most of Europe, in Portugal the maximum level of alcohol in the blood (Blood Alcohol Content) permitted is 0.5 grams per litre (also expressed as 0.05%). For commercial vehicle drivers it’s lower: 0.2g/l (0.02%), and that’s the same for new drivers with less than three years’ experience. By comparison, it’s 0.8 g/l (0.08%) in England and Wales, and 0.5 g/l (0.05%) in Scotland.

Police can randomly ask for a breath test to be carried out if they suspect you are under the influence of alcohol. You will almost certainly be asked to provide a sample if you’re involved in any kind of collision. You can refuse the breath test but you will be taken to a police station for a blood test instead.

Police can confiscate your vehicle for several reasons including failing an alcohol breath test, not having vehicle registration documents, having forged number plates or refusing to pay a fine.

Parking regulations

Be careful where you pull up and park to ensure you don’t break any local rules. You must leave your vehicle facing in the direction of travel, unless signs tell you otherwise. When parking in built-up areas ensure your car is not within five metres of a junction or blind bend, within three metres of a tram stop, on a pedestrian crossing, opposite a building entrance or on a taxi rank.

Elsewhere, avoid parking at night on a carriageway, on a bridge, a level crossing, in a tunnel, or anywhere else where visibility is restricted. And stay at least 20 metres away from junctions and intersections.

Portugal’s main towns and cities such as Faro, Lisbon and Porto operate ticket machines for parking – each one will have its own instructions so check carefully. If the police don’t like your choice of parking space you could be clamped or even towed away. And you won’t see your car again until you pay a fine plus costs involved with the towing and impounding.

What to carry in the car

Portuguese police will expect you to have in your vehicle a reflective jacket for anyone who gets out of the car and stands on the carriageway. A warning triangle for breakdowns is not compulsory for foreign vehicles although it is recommended as a safety precaution.

Headlamps must be set so that they don’t dazzle oncoming traffic. This can be adjusted manually in some cars while, for others, you can fit headlamp beam deflectors. You don’t have to carry spare lightbulbs but it’s still a good idea, as are a first aid kit and fire extinguisher, both of which are well worth considering.

Much of this equipment can be found in useful ‘European driving kits’, sold by specialist suppliers such as motoring organisations for around £25.

Seatbelts

Seatbelt laws are the same as in the UK: if your car has them, front and rear, they must be worn. Make sure everyone is buckled up as there are fines of up to €600 for failing to wear a belt. Children who are under 12 years and less than 150cm in height must be carried in a proper child seat or restraint.

If you are planning on carrying a child in a rear-facing restraint on the front seat, the passenger airbag must be switched off.

Driving

Keep to the right-hand lane as much as possible but if you are overtaking, do so on the left. If you are being overtaken, move over as far as possible to the right and don’t start accelerating.

If you see a tram unloading people, be prepared to stop – you can’t pass one unless there is a boarding island for passengers. If that’s the case, move past slowly and carefully. Don’t enter any junction or crossroads if you don’t think you can get through without obstructing traffic.

There are plenty of narrow streets in Portuguese towns and villages and, if you’re the closest to a ‘pull-in’ place, you will be expected to do so, even if it means reversing. On a hill, the vehicle going up should give way to the one coming down. Always give way to an emergency vehicle, or a military one.

Horns are not especially welcome in Portugal and should be used only if absolutely necessary. Far better to flash your lights instead to warn of your presence. Using a horn is not permitted during the hours of darkness except in an emergency.

Portugal’s traffic lights are red, amber and green like the UK’s, but there is no amber after the red ‘stop’ signal. A flashing red signal will be seen near level crossings to warn of approaching trains.

You cannot use a mobile phone while driving in Portugal, even if it has a hands-free option. It’s illegal to carry cycles on the back of a car.

Cars towing a caravan must not jointly exceed 18.75 metres in length, 4 metres in height and 2.55 metres in width. Make sure your rear-view wing mirrors are wide enough to see clearly behind you. No load should exceed 10 tonnes at any axle.

Toll roads

As with many European countries, you must pay a toll to use the motorways. Most will take cash or a card while on many M-ways there’s the option of the Via Verde system which has an electronic reader attached to the car’s windscreen to automatically register your usage. Approaching special Via Verde lanes, you will see a ‘Portagem Peage’ sign.

There is also a system called ‘EasyToll’ which allows foreign visitors to register their vehicle details and credit card number so that automatic payment can be made. It’s convenient and easy to sign up for: (www.portugaltolls.com).

There is a good range of service areas on Portuguese motorways and from these you can buy unleaded and diesel fuel and make use of electric vehicle (EV) charging points. Some larger towns have automatic fuel pumps.

Emergency assistance in Portugal

Portugal’s motorways have emergency phones sited at 2km intervals. You can also call 112 (the European emergency number) from your own phone and make contact with services such as fire, ambulance or police, 24 hours a day. They will speak English as well as a number of other European languages.

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Flat landscapes, canals, windmills, fields of tulips and friendly people all make the Netherlands a good choice for a touring holiday. While it might not be top of everyone’s vacation destination list, it still attracts thousands of tourists from the UK and Europe every year.

But if you are one of the UK motorists who does choose the land of the ‘Dutchies’ when it comes to planning a holiday, you’ll need some careful planning before hitting the road there. The Dutch are friends of the British and the country is relatively close – enter France, head through Belgium and you’re there. It’s a decent European drive to enjoy.

But driving in the Netherlands (of which Holland is a province) is a completely different experience from doing so in the UK. And that isn’t just because the Dutch 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 Netherlands on business, requires careful planning and a good understanding of what you can, and can’t do behind the wheel while on Dutch roads.

This isn’t just for your safety and convenience. Getting on the wrong side of the Dutch police can mean on-the-spot fines and even confiscation of your car and its contents. So it’s well worth spending a couple of hours, while planning your trip, to make sure you have everything in place for your Northern Europe excursion.

Here The Car Expert looks at the most important elements to consider when driving in the Netherlands, 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 for driving in the Netherlands

You have to be 18 years or over to drive in the Netherlands and you must hold a full UK driving licence. Just the licence card will do, as the paper counterpart is no longer a requirement. An international driving permit is not necessary either.

You’ll need to prove that you have car insurance cover so take the certificate with you (but you don’t need a European ‘green card’) and you must carry with you documents that show the identity of the car, such as a V5 ‘logbook’. Always carry your personal ID or passport with you too.

The vehicle’s ‘home country’ must be shown on it. A ‘UK’ sticker is acceptable but a small UK badge on both number plates is also fine. The ‘GB’ badge is no longer allowed, even within the European ‘golden stars’ and the same goes for country badges such as the English, Scottish or Welsh flags.

Speed limits

As with most countries in the world, the Netherlands uses the meric system for speed and distance, so all road signs are shown in kilometres rather than miles, and speed limits are shown in km/h (kilometres per hour) rather than mph (miles per hour).

In built-up areas, the top speed is 50 km/h (approx. 30mph). This should be well signposted. Moving out of built-up areas and onto more open roads, the limits rise to between 80 km/h and 100 km/h (roughly 50mph to 60mph). These speeds differ regionally and are shown on roadside signs so keep a close eye out for them. Motorways have a blanket 130 km/h limit (about 80mph).

You are not allowed any kind of speed camera detection equipment when driving through the Netherlands and that includes satnav units with the camera detection built-in. If that’s the case, make sure yours is disabled before you go anywhere.

Dutch authorities don’t look kindly on speeders and fines are quite high. It depends on how far over the limit you are and on what road you were driving. But going 20 km/h above the permitted speed in a residential area could mean a €194 fine. And it rises to €263 if you’re 25 km/h over.

Serious speeding offences can result in a driving ban as well as a big fine.

Blood alcohol limits

We don’t condone any drinking of alcohol if you are going to drive, but it’s important to know the country’s limits.

The drink drive limit is 0.5 g/l (also expressed as 0.05%), although for new drivers with less than five years’ experience, it’s 0.2 g/l (0.02%). By comparison, it’s 0.8 g/l (0.08%) in England and Wales. If the Dutch police suspect you have been drinking you’ll be asked to take a breath test.

What to carry in the car

There is nothing that the authorities in the Netherlands will expect you to have in your car while motoring, as you have to in some European countries, but it’s sensible to take some items with you. These include a warning triangle because you must warn other drivers that your vehicle is stranded if you have to stop. Hazard warning lights are acceptable but, if these have also failed, the police would expect you to use a triangle.

The same goes for reflective jackets or bibs: while these are not mandatory in the Netherlands, they are a good idea in an emergency. You don’t have to carry spare bulbs but if the police stop you because one of your lights has blown you could avoid a fine by changing it there and then at the roadside. Make sure you have put headlamp converter stickers on your front lights, if required, to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic.

Specialist suppliers, such as motoring organisations, sell ‘European driving kits’ for around £25, which contain everything you are likely to need, including a first aid kit which, again, is not mandatory.

Seatbelt and other 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 and there’s a €140 fine for failing to wear one. Children less than 135 cm in height must be in an approved child seat in the front or back of the car.

Driving

Keep to the right-hand lane as much as possible but if you are overtaking do so on the left. Trams operate more widely in the Netherlands than in the UK: if you want to pass one do so on the right where possible, although you can also use the left side if it does not impact on people boarding or leaving the tram.

Trams have priority at road intersections, while buses have priority when they are leaving a stop and pulling away. Emergency vehicles with blue lights showing have priority over everything, rather like in the UK.

Do not overtake anything that is moving or stopped near a pedestrian crossing. You are allowed to overtake moving traffic on the right if it is queued and moving slowly. Traffic signals are red, amber and green and follow a similar pattern to the UK. However a flashing amber light means that a red light is about to appear.

If you are towing a caravan ensure that your car and the ‘van 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. The Dutch police will hand out on-the-spot fines for traffic offences.

Unleaded and diesel fuel is widely available and many fuel stations on main roads and motorways stay open all night.

Parking regulations

Look for parking restriction signs before you pull up anywhere. In addition to these controls, parking is not allowed in tunnels, on cycle paths, along a solid yellow line, within 12 metres of a bus stop, within five metres of a junction and five metres before and after a pedestrian or cycle crossing.

You can park without vehicles lights on streets where public lighting illuminates vehicles. Many towns and cities will operate parking disc schemes allowing between 30 minutes and three hours parking at a time. Cars can be towed away if they are parked illegally.

Emergency assistance in the Netherlands

Dutch motorways have yellow emergency phones every two kilometres. In Europe you can also dial 112 and make contact with emergency services such as fire, ambulance or police, 24 hours a day. They will speak English as well as a number of other European languages.

Checklist for driving in the Netherlands

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