Our factsheet provides useful tips for motorcyclists intending to tour popular destinations around Europe.

Documents you should take

• a valid driving licence (not provisional), with paper counterpart if you have a photocard licence
• an International Driving Permit when necessary
• the original vehicle registration document
• your motor insurance certificate
• your passport

It's your responsibility to ensure all the documentation needed to comply with the requirements of immigration, customs, health and all other relevant regulations of the country you're travelling in.

In case of emergency

• Emergency contact – 112 is a European emergency call number you can dial in the 27 member states of the European Union
• Breakdown cover – make sure that you have adequate cover for your motorcycle
• Crime – for advice on vehicle crime or personal safety in specific countries, contact the Foreign Office Travel Advice Unit on 0845 850 2829
• Credit cards – some UK issued credit cards may not be accepted at stores or petrol stations in other countries. If you rely on a particular credit card whilst away, check with the card company that it can be used in the country you're visiting

Crash helmets

The wearing of crash helmets is compulsory for both the rider and passenger in all countries listed on this factsheet.

Austria You're required to buy a special tax sticker if you're going to use the autoroutes (the sticker is valid for the year). You can buy them at the border. Speed is limited to 130 kph. Permitted alcohol level is 0.049 percent of alcohol in the bloodstream. Some parts of the roads are illegal for motorcycles. It's mandatory to have your running lights on during the day and night.	Belgium Autoroutes are free, but limited to 120 kph. Permitted alcohol level is 0.049% alcohol in the bloodstream. It's mandatory to have your running lights on during the day and night.	Denmark Autoroutes are free, but limited to 110/130 kph. Permitted alcohol level is 0.05% alcohol in the bloodstream. It's mandatory to have your running lights on during the day and night. The wearing of crash helmets with straps is compulsory for both rider and passenger.
Finland Autoroutes are free, but limited to 120 kph. Remember that in Finland, and Scandinavia, all cars are required to have their running lights on during the day, so don't mistake them for a motorcycle. Permitted alcohol level is 0.05% alcohol in the bloodstream. Gas stations are spread out 50kms in the south, 100kms in the north. It's mandatory to have your running lights on during the day and night.	France Autoroutes are limited to 130 kph (110 when it rains). Permitted alcohol level is 0.05% alcohol in the bloodstream. Use of dipped headlights during the day compulsory. The wearing of crash helmets is compulsory for both driver and passenger of any two-wheel motorised vehicle.	Germany Lane splitting is illegal. You must carry a first aid kit and spare light bulbs. All autoroutes are free and there's no speed limit, but a limit of 130kph can be imposed. Permitted alcohol level is 0.05% alcohol in the bloodstream. Some parts of the roads are illegal for motorcycles.
Italy Maximum speed limit is 110/130 kph on the autoroutes (not all of them). Radar control must be signalled in advanced. Some parts of the roads are illegal for motorcycles. It's mandatory to have your running lights on during the day and night. Permitted alcohol level is 0.05% alcohol in the bloodstream. Access to the centres of Rome, Naples and Palermo is restricted between Monday and Friday (06h30-18h00) and Saturday (14h00-18h00) to special license holders.	Netherlands Autoroutes are free, but limited to 120 kph. Permitted alcohol level is 0.05% alcohol in the bloodstream.	Norway Permitted alcohol level is 0.02% alcohol in the bloodstream. Speed limit is 90 kph on the roads. It's mandatory to have your running lights on during the day and night.
Spain Motorcycles are allowed to tow trailers. Speed limit is 120 kph on autoroutes. Permitted alcohol level is 0.05% alcohol in the bloodstream. It's mandatory to have your running lights on during the day and night.	Switzerland You are required to buy a special tax sticker if you are going to use the autoroutes (the sticker is valid for the year). You can buy them at the border. Speed is limited to 110/120 kph. Permitted alcohol level is 0.08% alcohol in the bloodstream. It's mandatory to have your running lights on during the day and night.	United Kingdom Obviously the main point here is that you ride on the left, however, priority is from the right. The maximum speed on two lane roads and autoroutes is 70 miles per hour (112 kph). Parking on the pavement in London is not tolerated. Permitted alcohol level is 0.08%. On Jersey and Guernsey the speed limit is 56 kph.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For further information regarding motoring law abroad, please visit our page.

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All documents should be read and used in accordance with the terms and conditions. This document is for your general information only and is not a detailed statement of the law. It is provided to you free of charge and should not be used as a substitute for specific legal advice. If you require specific legal advice please contact our helpline on 03700 86 86 86.

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