Though road signs are similiar across across europe especially within in european union member states, road traffic laws are not universal. For example motorists in Britain are allowed to drive with a higher level or alcohol in their blood than most european countries. Each country deternines its own these limits and some tolerate no alcohol in the blood at all.
Similiar differences apply to the speed limits on roads and motorways. In some countries such as Germany speed limits may vary from one autobahn ( motorway ) to another where the limits are set by regional authorities rather than the national government. In several areas in Germany, once renowned for its policy of not having any speed limits on the autobahn, various limits now apply.
In some countries it is compulsory to drive with dipped headlights even in daytime. In some contries motorists are breaking the law if their car tyres in winter do not have a specified tread and possibly snowchains as well. Many countries require motorists to carry warning triangles, which must be put a certain distance behind the car in the event of a breakdown.
Laws about seatbelts and children also vary. International Driving Licences are not accepted in all countries and where they or a foreign national driving is permissible - that permission may be time constrained so long stay visitors may have to take a driving test. In some countries you must carry your original insurance certificate and car registration documents with you whenever you are driving. Motorists in some countries who break road traffic laws may have to pat on the spot fines - detained and taken before a local court. In some countries motorists who do not carry their car original registration documents with them or their 'hire' contract or satifactory evidence of the owners permission to drive the vehicle risk having the car impounded especially when they try to cross the border out of the country.
Roads in Western Europe are generally well maintained but in some parts of Eastern and South Eastern Europe their condition can be poor or very poor especially in rural or mountain areas. However even in cities, Tirana in Albania being one example, pot holes can be commonplace. In some towns sreet lighting may be poor or non existent.
In some countries the standard of driving is agressive, with locals blatantly ignoring traffic laws and other hazards can include slow moving farm vehicles and horse drawn trailers etc. Weather conditions in winter can be extremely dangerous.
Information on these issues is given in the Country profiles for each country. Please use the links on the right hand coloum.>
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