Driving
Latest news and important information on driving licences, law changes, speed limits, fines, and more across Europe.
What are European countries doing to keep fuel costs down?
War in the Middle East has caused energy market volatility around the globe, forcing governments in Europe to intervene and keep fuel costs down for consumers.
EU says Slovakia cannot charge foreign drivers more for diesel
Slovakia’s decision to charge foreign drivers more for diesel is illegal under European Union law, the European Commission said on Tuesday.
What Italy is doing to push down the price of fuel
The cost of petrol or diesel at the pump is starting to drop from Thursday as new measures to control pricing kick in. Here are the details of Italy’s plan to limit the price shock.
Germany orders worldwide recall of BMWs over fire risk
Germany's BMW must recall more than 330,000 cars worldwide because of concerns over a fire risk, the KBA transport regulator said Friday, ordering a second recall for the brand in less than a month.
What drivers in Austria must do this winter to stay safe and avoid expensive fines
From frozen windows to ski boot rules, drivers in Austria need to follow the guidelines to stay safe over winter and avoid fines.
The roads in Switzerland where the government plans to eliminate traffic jams
Certain motorways in Switzerland, especially those near urban centres, are more prone to congestion. The government has plans to prevent them.
New French law makes speeding punishable by jail time
A change to France's highway code means that drivers caught travelling at more than 50km/h above the speed limit can now be punished by up to three months in jail, a €3,750 fine, and a criminal record.
Norway closes in on goal of 100 percent electric car sales
Norway came close to its objective of selling only zero-emission cars in 2025, with electric vehicles accounting for 95.9 percent of new registrations.
Can I rent a car in Germany with my foreign driver's licence?
Some travellers won't have a problem renting a car in Germany with a driver's licence from their home country. But for visitors from some countries, and long-term residents it's a bit more complicated. Here are the rules to know.
Can I get a low-emissions sticker for my car if I'm visiting Spain?
Planning on driving to Spain for a vacation or own a holiday home here and want to bring your car with you from abroad? Find out how the low emission zones work here for foreign-registered vehicles and if you need an environmental label.
Norway embraces Tesla as rest of Europe shuns Musk
Tesla has sold more cars in Norway in 11 months than any other brand in a whole year, according to statistics published this week, in contrast to the rest of Europe where the electric car brand run by Elon Musk has faced headwinds.
Why will new EU driving licence rules take 4 years to come into force?
New driving license rules rolled out by the European Commission have apparently already entered 'into force', but closer inspection reveals that they will take years to make it onto the roads.
Driving in Europe: New EU law to require medical tests and end 'licences for life'
The European parliament has adopted a new law making EU-issued driving licences valid for just 15 years, requiring drivers undergo a medical test before renewing.
'This will save lives': EU adopts new rules on Europe-wide driving bans
It will be more difficult for drivers in Europe who committed serious traffic offences in another EU country to dodge a driving ban, as new rules adopted on Tuesday aim to ensure that disqualifications are recognised across the 27 member states.
Norway plans to scrap tax exemption for electric vehicles by 2027
Norway, the world leader in the adoption of electric cars, wants to completely phase out its sales tax (VAT) exemption for zero-emission vehicles by 2027, the government announced on Wednesday.
Everything you need to carry in your car while driving in Germany
Whether you drive every day in Germany or are just passing through on a cross-border road trip, there are several items you'll legally need to have in your vehicle at all times.
Where speed limits are in place on the German Autobahn due to the heat
Heatwaves – like the one Europe is currently sweating through – can make driving more dangerous. To reduce the risk for drivers, Germany has introduced speed limits on certain motorways.
Scams, badges and free-flow: What to know about the péage if you're driving in France this summer
Tollbooths are a feature of France's motorway network - but there have been a few changes to the system in recent years.
Warning of French motorway 'péage' scam
A warning has been circulated about a scam relating to the 'péage' tollbooths on French motorways, apparently targeting holidaymakers.
Could Switzerland double the price of the motorway vignette?
Since its inception 40 years ago, the price of Switzerland’s obligatory motorway vignette has not budged. But there is a push in the parliament to change that.
Airbag deaths in France: Citroen tells C3 and DS3 owners to stop driving cars
French carmaker Citroen has told owners of its C3 and DS3 models in Europe equipped with potentially faulty Takata airbags not to drive the vehicles, after a woman was killed in France this month.
COMPARE: Is it cheaper to fill your fuel tank in Germany or across the border?
If you are driving abroad from Germany it might be worth waiting until you cross the border before you fill up on fuel. But it depends where you are going.
Drivers in Germany find out they can't always trust Google Maps
Some holidaymakers made long detours in Germany on Thursday, driving out of their way to avoid road closures indicated on Google Maps that didn't exist.