Compulsory equipment and driving rules by country

Q: What car equipment is compulsory in Europe?

It depends on the country. A high-visibility vest and a warning triangle are compulsory in most countries. Germany and Austria also require a first aid kit. Since 1 January 2026, Spain requires a connected V16 warning beacon instead of the triangle for Spanish-registered vehicles.

Q: Is a breathalyser still compulsory in France?

No. The requirement to carry a breathalyser in the vehicle was scrapped in 2020. You can still carry one, but you are no longer penalised for not having it.

Q: What is the drink-drive limit in Europe?

In most of continental Europe the general limit is 0.5 g/L of blood (0.05%). It is lower, or zero, for novice and professional drivers. The United Kingdom applies 0.8 g/L (0.5 g/L in Scotland).

What you must carry in the boot and obey at the wheel changes from one country to the next. Here are the essentials, country by country, for the main European destinations.

General guidance only — fast-changing data. Compulsory equipment, drink-drive limits and speed limits change regularly (new regulations, low-emission zones, seasonal rules). This information was compiled carefully but may have changed since it was last updated. AcciZen makes no claim that it is the most accurate or complete information available and provides it "as is", on a best-effort basis. Always check the official sources of the country concerned before you travel.

Compulsory equipment on board

In most countries, a high-visibility vest and a warning triangle are compulsory. A few countries add a first aid kit.

Country	Triangle	Vest	First aid kit	Note
🇫🇷 France	Yes	Yes	No	Breathalyser not required since 2020. Crit'Air sticker in low-emission zones.
🇪🇸 Spain	V16 beacon	Yes	No	Connected V16 beacon compulsory (Spanish-registered) since 1 Jan 2026, replacing the triangle.
🇩🇪 Germany	Yes	Yes	Yes (DIN 13164)	Environmental sticker in low-emission zones (Umweltplakette).
🇮🇹 Italy	Yes	Yes	No	Vest required when leaving the vehicle outside built-up areas.
🇵🇹 Portugal	Yes	Yes	No	Put the vest on before getting out, especially on motorways.
🇧🇪 Belgium	Yes	Yes	No	Fire extinguisher required for Belgian-registered vehicles.
🇳🇱 Netherlands	No	No	No	No specific equipment required (a triangle is strongly advised).
🇨🇭 Switzerland	Yes	Advised	No	Annual motorway vignette required.
🇦🇹 Austria	Yes	Yes	Yes (ÖNORM)	Motorway vignette required.

New in Spain (since 1 January 2026). The connected V16 warning beacon replaces the triangle for Spanish-registered vehicles: it sits on the roof without leaving the car and sends its location to the DGT. Foreign-registered vehicles passing through may still use a triangle, but check the rule in force before you travel.

Drink-driving: limits by country

Limits shown in grams of alcohol per litre of blood. Most countries apply a lower limit for novice drivers and professionals.

Country	General limit	Young / novice
🇫🇷 France	0.5 g/L	0.2 g/L (licence < 3 yrs)
🇪🇸 Spain	0.5 g/L	0.3 g/L (licence < 2 yrs)
🇩🇪 Germany	0.5 g/L	0.0 (< 21 yrs / novice)
🇮🇹 Italy	0.5 g/L	0.0 (novice / pro)
🇵🇹 Portugal	0.5 g/L	0.2 g/L (novice)
🇬🇧 United Kingdom	0.8 g/L	0.5 g/L in Scotland
🇧🇪 Belgium	0.5 g/L	—
🇳🇱 Netherlands	0.5 g/L	0.2 g/L (novice)
🇨🇭 Switzerland	0.5 g/L	0.1 g/L (novice / pro)
🇦🇹 Austria	0.5 g/L	0.1 g/L (novice)

Speed limits (in km/h)

Typical values for a car in dry weather. They may be reduced by signs, by weather, or for novice drivers.

Country	Motorway	Open road	Town
🇫🇷 France	130 (110 rain)	80–90	50
🇪🇸 Spain	120	90	50 (30 single-lane)
🇩🇪 Germany	no general limit (130 advised)	100	50
🇮🇹 Italy	130 (110 rain)	90	50
🇵🇹 Portugal	120	90–100	50
🇧🇪 Belgium	120	90	50 (30 Brussels)
🇳🇱 Netherlands	100 day / 130 night (where signed)	80–100	50
🇨🇭 Switzerland	120	80	50
🇦🇹 Austria	130	100	50

Last updated: June 2026.

Sources: national public services and specialist summaries (equipment, drink-drive limits, V16 beacon, speed limits). Always check with the authorities of the country concerned before you travel.

Winter tyres and mountain equipment

Winter rules are seasonal and local:

Germany, Austria: winter tyres compulsory in wintry conditions (snow, ice).
France: "loi Montagne" — winter equipment (winter tyres or chains) required from 1 November to 31 March in designated mountain municipalities.
Italy, Switzerland: obligation shown by road signs depending on the road and region.

Frequently asked questions

What car equipment is compulsory in Europe?

It depends on the country. A vest and a triangle are compulsory in most countries; Germany and Austria also require a first aid kit. Since 1 January 2026, Spain requires the V16 beacon instead of the triangle for Spanish-registered vehicles.

Is a breathalyser still compulsory in France?

No. The requirement was scrapped in 2020. You can carry one, but you are no longer penalised for not having it.

What is the drink-drive limit in Europe?

In most of continental Europe: 0.5 g/L of blood, lower or zero for novice and professional drivers. The United Kingdom applies 0.8 g/L (0.5 in Scotland).

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