Renting a car abroad gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. But traffic rules often differ from your home country – sometimes in surprising ways. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know: right-of-way rules, how roundabouts work, speed limits, and specific rules for popular vacation countries.
📖 Contents
1. Right-of-way – does it apply everywhere?
In many countries, traffic from the right has priority if nothing else is indicated. But abroad, it doesn't always work that way.
How right-of-way works in different countries:
- Germany, Austria: Right-of-way applies, but main roads always have priority
- France: "Priorité à droite" – right-of-way applies strongly, even in unexpected situations
- Spain, Italy: Signage and main roads control – right-of-way rule is less common
- UK, Thailand: Left-hand traffic = left-of-way rule applies instead
⚠️ France – be extra vigilant!
In France, "priorité à droite" (priority from right) often applies even in places where you don't expect it. Cars may pull out from side streets expecting you to stop. Always be prepared!
💡 Basic rule
When in doubt: slow down and always look both ways. Signs and road markings almost always take precedence over right-of-way rules in Europe.
2. Roundabouts – how they work in different countries
Roundabouts are common throughout Europe, but the rules differ. The basic rule in most countries is that traffic inside the roundabout has priority – but there are exceptions.
🔄 Roundabouts – basic rules
- Standard in Europe: Traffic inside the roundabout has priority
- Direction: Counter-clockwise in right-hand traffic countries, clockwise in left-hand traffic countries
- Indicators: Signal right when exiting the roundabout
- Multi-lane: Choose correct lane based on which exit you're taking
Roundabouts by country:
- Most of Europe: Traffic in roundabout has priority. Drive counter-clockwise.
- France: ⚠️ Older roundabouts may have "priorité à droite" = entering traffic has priority! Check the sign.
- UK: Drive clockwise. Look RIGHT first!
- Spain, Italy: Traffic in roundabout has priority.
3. Speed limits by country
| Country | Urban | Rural | Highway |
|---|---|---|---|
 Spain |
50 km/h | 90 km/h | 120 km/h |
 Italy |
50 km/h | 90 km/h | 130 km/h |
 France |
50 km/h | 80 km/h | 130 km/h |
 Germany |
50 km/h | 100 km/h | No limit* |
 UK |
48 km/h (30 mph) | 96 km/h (60 mph) | 112 km/h (70 mph) |
 Greece |
50 km/h | 90 km/h | 120 km/h |
 Portugal |
50 km/h | 90 km/h | 120 km/h |
 Thailand |
50 km/h | 90 km/h | 120 km/h |
 USA |
40-55 km/h | 70-90 km/h | 105-130 km/h |
*Germany's Autobahn has recommended speed of 130 km/h, but many sections have no limit. Always follow posted signs.
4. Traffic rules in Europe
Spain
- Two warning triangles required
- Reflective vest must be in car
- Blood alcohol limit: 0.5‰
- Toll roads (autopistas) are expensive – autovías are free
Italy
- Headlights mandatory on all roads outside urban areas
- ZTL zones in city centers – entry forbidden without permit
- Blood alcohol limit: 0.5‰ (0.0‰ for new drivers)
- Many toll roads – Telepass or cash payment
France
- "Priorité à droite" – watch for traffic from right
- Blood alcohol limit: 0.5‰
- Headlights mandatory in poor visibility
- Many toll roads – Liber-t or card payment
Germany
- Autobahn – no general speed limit, but recommended 130 km/h
- Umweltzonen (environmental zones) in cities – sticker required
- Blood alcohol limit: 0.5‰ (0.0‰ for new drivers)
- Most Autobahns are toll-free
5. Driving in Thailand
Thailand is one of the countries where driving differs most from Europe:
- 🚗 Left-hand traffic – steering wheel on right side
- 🛵 Mopeds everywhere – expect them to come from all directions
- 🪪 International driving permit required
- 🚦 Traffic rules loosely followed – drive defensively
- ⛽ Cheap fuel – often less than $1 per liter
⚠️ Important in Thailand
Thai traffic can be chaotic. Expect the unexpected – motorcycles on sidewalks, cars reversing on highways, and animals on the road. Always drive carefully and defensively.
6. Countries with left-hand traffic
In these popular destinations, you drive on the left:
- United Kingdom
- Thailand
Australia
New Zealand
Japan
Malta
Cyprus
Ireland
Tips for driving in left-hand traffic:
- Concentration required: First hours are hardest – take it easy
- Roundabouts: Drive clockwise and look RIGHT first
- Overtaking: Pass on the right side
- Steering wheel: On the right side – gear stick on left
- Mental note: Say "keep left" to yourself when starting
7. License and documents
Within EU/EEA:
- ✅ Your national driving license is valid
- ✅ ID document (passport recommended)
- ✅ Credit card in driver's name
- ✅ Booking confirmation
Outside EU (Thailand, USA, etc.):
- ✅ Your national driving license
- ✅ International Driving Permit
- ✅ Passport
- ✅ Credit card + booking confirmation
💡 International Driving Permit
Get an international driving permit at least 2-3 weeks before your trip. Required in Thailand, Japan, UAE, and recommended in USA.
8. Practical tips for driving abroad
- 📱 GPS/Navigation: Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me)
- 🚗 Get to know the car: Check indicators, lights, and wipers before driving
- ⛽ Fuel: Learn what fuel is called locally (95, 98, Diesel, Gasoil)
- 🅿️ Parking: Read signs carefully – different zones and rules
- 💶 Cash: Bring some for tolls and parking meters
- 📷 Document: Take photos of car before and after – see our checklist
- 🌙 Avoid night driving: Don't drive on unfamiliar roads in darkness
Summary
Driving abroad isn't difficult – but it requires preparation. Here's the most important:
- 🔄 Right-of-way: Applies differently in different countries – France strict, Spain/Italy less so
- ⭕ Roundabouts: Traffic in roundabout usually has priority, but check signs in France
- 🚦 Speed limits: Vary between countries – see table above
- Thailand: Left-hand traffic, mopeds everywhere, IDP required
- 📄 Documents: International driving permit outside EU
- 🐢 First day: Take it easy – most accidents happen then
💡 More reading
Check out our guides on traffic fines abroad, car rental insurance, common mistakes to avoid, and how to save money on rentals.
