Road Laws & Driving Rules
by Country
Speed limits, blood alcohol limits, required equipment, and key rules for 150+ countries. Ignorance is not a legal defence — know before you drive.
Key Numbers to Know
Key Rules at a Glance
🇺🇸 USA
Drive right. Speed limits in mph. Blood alcohol: 0.08%. Mobile phone use illegal while driving in most states. Seatbelts mandatory. Right turn on red permitted in most states unless signed otherwise.
🇬🇧 Germany
Drive right. Autobahn sections have no speed limit, but recommended maximum is 130 km/h. Blood alcohol: 0.05% (0.00% under 21). Headlights on at all times. Warning triangle and first aid kit mandatory.
🇯🇵 Japan
Drive left. Urban speed: 40 km/h. Rural: 60 km/h. Expressway: 100 km/h. Zero alcohol: 0.03% BAC triggers arrest. Mobile phones strictly prohibited. IDP mandatory for all foreign drivers.
🇦🇪 UAE
Drive right. Speed limits strictly enforced with radar cameras. Absolute zero alcohol tolerance (0%). IDP required. Seatbelts mandatory for all passengers. Fines for aggressive driving are severe.
🇺🇪 UK
Drive left. Speed in mph: 30 urban, 60 rural, 70 motorway. Blood alcohol: 0.08% (0.05% in Scotland). No right on red equivalent. Congestion charges apply in London.
🇦🇺 Australia
Drive left. Speed limits in km/h. Blood alcohol: 0.05% (0.00% learners/probationary). School zones have strict 25–40 km/h limits. Random breath testing is common.
🇹🇭 Thailand
Drive left. Speed: 90 km/h rural, 120 km/h expressway. Blood alcohol: 0.05%. Seatbelts mandatory. IDP required. Helmet laws for motorcycles strictly enforced. Aggressive driving common in cities — stay alert.
🇲🇦 Morocco
Drive right. Speed: 40 km/h urban, 100 km/h rural, 120 km/h motorway. Blood alcohol: 0.00%. IDP required at all police checkpoints. Road quality varies — drive cautiously outside cities.
🇬🇷 Greece
Drive right. Speed: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 130 km/h motorway. Blood alcohol: 0.05%. IDP often required by rental companies regardless of licence origin. Toll roads on major highways.
What Many Countries Require You to Carry
Warning Triangle
Mandatory in nearly all of Europe, and most of Africa, the Middle East, and South America. Must be placed 30–150m behind your vehicle in the direction of oncoming traffic when broken down or involved in an accident.
Reflective Safety Vest
Required in France, Spain, Italy, Austria, Belgium, and many other countries. Must be worn (not just visible) when outside a broken-down vehicle on a road or motorway. Fines for non-compliance can be €90–€500.
First Aid Kit & Fire Extinguisher
Mandatory in Germany, Austria, and several Balkan countries. Greece requires both. Rental companies in these countries typically include them — but verify before driving away from the rental lot.
Drive Legally in Every Country
Start with the right documents. An IDP is recognized in 150+ countries and required at most police checkpoints and rental desks.
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