Sure, you can drive in flip flops in most of Europe, however not all over the place! Some nations have stunning guidelines that might land you a effective and even void your insurance coverage. Listed below are 8 frequent driving myths that might wreck your Journey in Europe.
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So let’s clear up the confusion. Listed below are eight frequent myths about driving overseas that try to be conscious of:
1. No Shirt, No Drive
Many individuals assume it’s okay to drive with out a shirt. However in locations like Spain, Italy, and components of France, it’s not. Being shirtless whereas driving could be seen as “improper driving.” Naked pores and skin can keep on with seats or slide on leather-based. This would possibly cut back management.
If a police officer thinks your outfit impacts the way you drive, they will cease and effective you. Even in the summertime warmth of Greece, Malta or Cyprus, put on a lightweight t-shirt.
2. Honking Anytime is Okay
Within the UK, honking could be a pleasant sign.
However in lots of European cities like Vienna or Bratislava, horns are for emergencies solely. In Spain, use it solely to warn others of hazard. In Italy, don’t honk in neighborhoods except you actually need to.
In Belgium and the Czech Republic, that small beep may cost you. Your common horn works effective. You don’t want a “overseas horn.”
3. Flip-Flops are High-quality
Footwear may cause issues for drivers. Flip-flops, backless sandals, and comfortable footwear could really feel cozy. However in France, they’re seen as unsafe. Police can cease you in the event that they assume your footwear cut back your management. The identical guidelines apply in Eire, Bulgaria, or Poland.
4. Spare Glasses Rule
There’s a rumor that each one drivers want spare glasses. This comes from actual guidelines in Spain, Hungary, and Slovakia. Drivers who want glasses should preserve a backup pair within the automobile. However for those who don’t put on glasses, you’re effective.
Nonetheless, retaining an previous pair close by may assist keep away from hassle. It’s a small factor that may stop huge issues on toll roads or in low emission zones.
5. Barefoot Driving Is Allowed
Some assume driving barefoot is allowed throughout Europe. It isn’t banned in most nations like Finland, nevertheless it may nonetheless trigger issues. In the event you crash and weren’t carrying footwear, it may rely in opposition to you.
Insurance coverage would possibly say you didn’t have full management. Police would possibly agree. So even on lengthy drives, put on footwear with a stable grip. Particularly when driving by Romania, Iceland, or the Isle of Man.
Put good footwear on earlier than driving, particularly on lengthy or tough routes.
6. The Rule for Pajamas
Sporting pajamas whereas driving may appear okay. However not all over the place. In Spain, police have fined drivers for “improper” clothes. In case your outfit makes it laborious to maneuver or react shortly, that’s an issue.
Sure, pajamas would possibly really feel cozy. But when they seem like sleepwear, you can get stopped. In the event you wouldn’t put on it to the store in Gibraltar, Jersey or Denmark, don’t put on it to drive.
7. Choosing Up Hitchhikers Isn’t All the time Authorized
Hitchhiking nonetheless exists in some components of Europe. However pulling over within the fallacious place could be unlawful. In Germany or Norway, don’t cease on the Autobahn except it’s a protected zone. France and Italy even have guidelines.
Need to supply somebody a journey? Use official relaxation stops. Don’t cease simply wherever. That is vital in locations like Greece and Croatia.
8. One License Normally Works
Some nonetheless assume you want a brand new legitimate driving licence for every nation. That’s not true. A legitimate UK or EU driver’s license is ok in most European nations. This consists of nations like Austria and Poland. This rule applies to brief visits.
However some locations outdoors the EU would possibly want an Worldwide Driving Allow (IDP). In nations like Cyprus or Hungary, it’s finest to test forward. An IDP prices just some kilos. Get it on the Submit Workplace or by AAA. It’s simpler than coping with a car-rental firm or public transportation from the airport.
Issues to Bear in mind
Earlier than your subsequent highway journey, test the driving legal guidelines in every nation. This consists of guidelines about quantity plates, warning triangles, and winter tyres. In some nations, like Switzerland, you’ll want a vignette for toll roads. In others, you would possibly want a UK sticker or particular registration.
Select Leisure, a Kent-based motorhome firm, says confusion is frequent. Don’t belief previous blogs, TikTok suggestions, or what a buddy mentioned. One thing that feels regular may result in a effective.
Driving overseas continues to be an effective way to discover Europe. A bit of planning helps. Be taught the native legal guidelines. Pack sensible with EktaTraveling medical insurance prepared, too. Keep away from the myths. That means, you may benefit from the journey and never fear a few ticket.
Examine the overall velocity limits in km or mph. Costume proper. And benefit from the journey!
FAQs
Even when it’s sizzling, driving barefoot will not be a good suggestion. Whereas it is probably not unlawful all over the place, it could possibly nonetheless have an effect on your management of the automobile. In the event you’re in an accident, it may rely in opposition to you with police or your insurance coverage. It’s safer to put on footwear with a agency grip.
Brief journey or not, some nations like France see flip-flops and unfastened sandals as unsafe. Police can cease you in the event that they assume your footwear make it more durable to drive correctly. It’s higher to alter into stable footwear earlier than you drive.
Sure. In the event you use contacts or glasses to drive, some nations—like Spain—require you to maintain a backup pair within the automobile. It’s a easy rule, and having a spare can preserve you from getting fined if stopped.
About The Author
I’m Cyrine, a 19-year-old Filipina author navigating school, freelancing, and the journey to turning into a digital nomad. I share actual tales, funds suggestions, and classes from chasing freedom by distant work, one step at a time.
