Europe: Road Rules

The experienced North American driver will have little or no difficulty in understanding the driving signs, rules, and road markings in Europe. Use your normal care and attention to driving and you shouldn't have any problems. What follows is a very general overview and should not be considered as an 'official' list. Go to this excellent site, Europa, for specific and official information and governmental links:
—Europeans use the metric system so speeds are stated in kilometers per hour (1 kilometer = 0.62 miles).
—European countries have coordinated traffic codes.
—You are required to carry your driver's license, the vehicle registration, and emergency gear consisting of warning triangle and first aid kit. The latter items are supplied by most rental agencies as part of your rental.
—While it's unlikely you'll get a speeding ticket on a major road you might end up committing some infraction where a monetary penalty can be imposed (drive carefully and be polite and there should be no problem). Penalties are due on the spot so carry enough cash to cover this unlikely scenario. You should always be carrying cash in Europe to cover toll costs, so this is not much of a problem.
—Drinking while driving or under the influence of alcohol is not allowed in Europe (limit .05%).
—Drive in the right lane except to pass! In Italy expect this rule and any other rule, to be openly flaunted.
—Seat belts are generally required for drivers and front-seat passengers; in Germany and France they are required in the back seats as well.
—No turning on red light (little green arrows with red indicate you have permission to turn if safe).
—Right of way in an intersection: The vehicle on your right has right of way
—Red and green turned off and yellow flashing demands caution. There is no flashing red.
—Traffic lights with a left arrow indicate that you can turn but must yield to oncoming traffic. There may be an additional traffic light in the far left corner and only when it shows a green left arrow has the oncoming traffic been directed to stop and yield.
—Right-turning vehicles have the right of way over left-turning vehicles whether there are multiple lanes or not.
—Rather than slowing a long line of cars, the law requires that you pull to the side at the next safe opportunity and let faster traffic pass—don't interrupt the flow of traffic.
—Though police may seem not much in evidence in most countries, beware of the hidden automatic devices installed to monitor the traffic at points with a history of accidents. The record with picture and invoice may then be presented for collection to the violator's Fahrzeughalter (rental company). Traffic fines are substantial to brutal. Minor infractions, when caught by police, may require cash payment on the spot; else towing and detention until settled.
—To strongly decelerate is illegal, except in emergencies.
—The major roads, with very few exceptions, are in fantastic shape and well designed (for speed of course).

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