Compulsory Equipment Checks
Different countries require different emergency items in your vehicle. For example, in France, it was previously mandatory to carry a breathalyzer (though the fine is currently unenforced, it is still on the books). In Spain, if you wear glasses, you must carry a spare pair in the glovebox. Almost all European nations require a high-visibility reflective jacket and a warning triangle.
Winter Tires in Scandinavia
If you are driving in Norway, Sweden, or Finland during the colder months, winter tires are not a suggestion; they are a legal requirement.
- Sweden: Winter tires must be used from December 1 to March 31 if winter conditions apply. Tread depth must be at least 3mm.
- Norway: While not tied to strict calendar dates for lighter vehicles, you must have tires with sufficient grip for the conditions. In practice, this means winter tires are mandatory from late autumn to spring. Studded tires are allowed but may incur a fee in certain city centers like Oslo and Trondheim.
- Finland: Winter tires are mandatory from November 1 to March 31 if weather dictates.
Roundabouts in Europe
Navigating roundabouts can vary drastically depending on where you are.
- General Rule (UK & Most of Europe): Traffic already in the roundabout has the right of way. You must yield before entering.
- The French Exception: In France, the traditional rule of "priorité à droite" (priority to the right) historically applied everywhere, including roundabouts. At older roundabouts like the Place de l'Étoile (Arc de Triomphe) in Paris, vehicles entering the roundabout have the right of way over those already inside. Modern roundabouts in France now feature signs overriding this rule, aligning them with standard European practices, but always check the signs.