While the borders of the Schengen Area are open, navigating the roads across Europe can be tricky due to the numerous regional driving regulations to contend with.
When planning a road trip across the continent in 2025, ensure you’re well informed about the most recent updates to road regulations.
Here are the new regulations you should be aware of. They include the introduction of 30 more low-emission zones in French cities and a crackdown on noise pollution in Switzerland.
EU moves to restrict cross-border penalties
Up until now, it has been relatively simple for travelers driving abroad to avoid the consequences of committing driving infractions in foreign Schengen Zone countries.
Foreign drivers who infringe local traffic rules may have their driving license revoked back in their home country.
Offenses comprise driving while intoxicated, exceeding speed limits in both urban and rural zones, and causing an accident resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.
Switzerland is implementing fines for ‘avoidable’ noise pollution.
systems backfiring.
Sanctions for violating noise pollution regulations are becoming stricter. Drivers who leave their engine running unnecessarily will now face a fine of 80 Swiss francs (approximately 85 euros), which is an increase from the previous 60 Swiss francs (approximately 64 euros) incurred last year.
In some cantons, automated cars are allowed to use an autopilot function.
Upon activation, drivers can safely disengage from hand contact with the steering wheel, providing them with the ability to loosen their attention from traffic and the vehicle.
Nevertheless, they must be prepared to regain control if prompted by the autopilot system.
It will also be possible to park self-driving cars without the need for a human driver in designated parking lots and parking spaces.
France expands low-emissions zones
France has designated 30 additional towns as low emissions zones, known as ZFEs (Zones à Faibles Émissions). These include Lille, Avignon, Biarritz, and Bordeaux.
They are joining 12 existing Zero Emission Feed-in Tariffs, including Lyon, the Greater Paris region, and Nice, with four of these areas having stricter regulations.
The pollution level is measured on a scale from 0 (electric vehicles) to 5 (older diesel vehicles).
All vehicles are required to display this sticker, regardless of their country or place of registration.
If you are planning a trip to France, make sure to obtain your vignette in advance in this country.
Drivers without a sticker on their vehicle in a Zero Emission Zone face a weekday fine of €68 for a lightweight vehicle or €135 for a heavy goods vehicle.
Vehicles registered prior to 31 December 1996, light commercial vehicles registered before 30 September 1997, and heavy goods vehicles registered before 30 September 2001 are dissuaded from entering circumscribed emission zones.
The operating hours for this schedule.
Vehicles of this type are entirely banned from Lyon’s ZFE, but there are exemptions available for residents and commuters.
In Grenoble, Crit’Air 3 vehicles are prohibited from 7am to 7pm, Monday through Friday, with exceptions for commuters and residents.
Montpellier and 11 neighboring municipalities have also introduced restrictions on Climate Index 3 vehicles.
Germany to Introduce Compulsory Safety Inspections for Caravans
New regulations are forthcoming in Germany, set to take effect in 2025.
January 19th serves as the deadline for exchanging paper licenses colored red and green for digital versions, with the exception of individuals born prior to 1953.
Germany’s carbon dioxide tax, a key component of the country’s efforts to achieve carbon emission reduction targets, has been increased to €55 per tonne of CO2 from €45 per tonne. This change is expected to result in a approximately three-cent increase in prices for petrol and diesel.
From June 19th, owners of caravans and motorhomes equipped with LPG systems will be required to undergo periodic checks every two years by a specialist. New caravans, on the other hand, must undergo an inspection as soon as they are put into use.
Italy Introduces Stricter Penalties for Traffic Violations
The fines for certain driving offenses have increased markedly in France and Italy. In Italy, drivers are now facing significant penalties for drunk driving (up to €6,000), using their phone while driving (up to €1,000), and speeding (up to €880).
Licensing can be revoked for drivers who are found intoxicated or exceeding speed limits
The Austrian government has increased the price of the vignette, a required motorway sticker for cars, trucks, and motorcycles traveling on Austria’s highways. The vignette costs €9.30 for 10 days, €20 for 2 months, €32 for 1 year moving to €8.70, €17.80 and €27.40 respectively
Austrian motorway sticker prices have increased, making it more expensive for drivers to use the highways.
The annual vignette costs €103.80, a rise from the previous price of €96.40, the one-day vignette has increased from €8.60 to €9.30, the ten-day vignette from €11.50 to €12.40, and the two-month vignette from €28.90 to €31.10.
Foreigners may drive motorways without an ID.
If you plan to drive on Spain’s highways by 2025, be sure to be aware of these updates to the regulations.
Only vehicles traveling on the right-hand side will be allowed and overtaking will be prohibited.
This space is provided to allow access for snowplows or emergency vehicles.
When there is a traffic jam, drivers should move to the far left and far right lanes to create a clear path for emergency vehicles to pass through.
In cases of road congestion and hold-ups, motorcyclists are permitted to use the hard shoulder.
