Moto Travel Dude’s definitive guide to riding your motorcycle in Europe. What you need and where to find it.
Updated: Sep 28
My European Motorcycle Touring Guide.
Legal requirements, mandatory equipment, winter tyre requirements, speed limits and clean-air zones for British riders.
Published: 19 August 2026
Updated: 28 September 2026
Riding a British-registered motorcycle across Europe is relatively straightforward, but the rules are not the same from country to country. A UK rider can cross several borders in a single day and encounter different requirements for protective clothing, warning equipment, lights, documents, environmental zones and speed limits.
This guide is designed as a practical reference for British motorcyclists touring Europe on their own motorcycle.
Note: Isle of Man and Channel Island licence holders have slightly different rules. Best to investigate separately if you have a Channel Islands issued licence.
Important: Moto Travel Dude’s definitive guide to riding your motorcycle in Europe. This is a touring reference rather than legal advice. National rules can change and local authorities can impose additional restrictions. Always check the official rules immediately before departure, particularly for environmental zones, winter requirements and temporary restrictions. The European Commission itself warns that national rules take precedence over its consolidated information.
What every British rider should take to Europe
For a normal UK-registered motorcycle travelling temporarily in Europe, the basic document pack should include:
Full UK driving licence covering the motorcycle category.
Passport.
Motorcycle V5C registration certificate.
Valid motorcycle insurance certificate.
Evidence of breakdown/recovery cover.
UK identifier on the motorcycle — either incorporated into the registration plate or a separate UK sticker where required.
Any required International Driving Permit.
EHIC/GHIC and suitable travel insurance.
Copies/photos of important documents stored securely.
The UK Government confirms that a UK photocard licence is normally sufficient for driving in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, although an IDP can still be required in particular circumstances or where the licence format is not accepted. (GOV.UK)
UK vehicle insurance provides the compulsory third-party minimum in the EU and a number of associated European countries, including Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia and Switzerland. A Green Card is not required in those countries, but it is required or may be required in several others, including Albania, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Turkey and Ukraine.
Motorcycle helmet requirements
A helmet is compulsory in virtually every European country for motorcycles and mopeds.
For a British rider, the safest choice is a modern helmet complying with UNECE Regulation 22.06. UK law recognises UNECE 22.05 and 22.06 helmets, and many European countries use UNECE standards as their approval basis.
France has particularly specific requirements: helmets must be approved to the applicable ECE standard and have four visible retro-reflective elements. But in reality, no one has them fitted!
Confusion over car rules and motorcycle rules.
A major warning for motorcyclists is that equipment rules written for cars do not automatically apply to motorcycles. For example, Spain does not currently require a warning triangle on a two-wheeled motorcycle, while Austria specifically exempts single-track vehicles from its warning-triangle/high-visibility clothing requirement. https://www.oesterreich.gv.at/en/themen/mobilitaet/kfz/10/3/Seite.063110
European speed-limit quick reference
The following figures are the normal national limits for motorcycles, in kph, rather than temporary restrictions or individual signed limits.
Speed limits are compiled from European road-rule data and country-specific national information, but always obey the posted limit where it differs.
Country | Urban | Ordinary road | Dual/expressway | Motorway |
Albania | 40 | 80 | 90 | 110 |
Andorra | 50 | 90 | — | — |
Armenia | 60 | 90 | — | 90 |
Austria | 50 | 100 | — | 130 |
Azerbaijan | 60 | 90 | 90 | 90 |
Belarus | 60 | 90 | — | 120 |
Belgium | 50 | 70–90 | 120 | 120 |
Bosnia & Herzegovina | 50 | 80 | 100 | 130 |
Bulgaria | 50 | 80 | 90 | 100 |
Croatia | 50 | 90 | 110 | 130 |
Cyprus | 50 | 80 | — | 100 |
Czechia | 50 | 90 | 110 | 130 |
Denmark | 50 | 80 | 110 | 130 |
Estonia | 50 | 90 | — | 110 |
Finland | 50 | 80 | — | 120 |
France | 50 | 80 | 110 | 130 |
Georgia | 60 | 90 | — | 110 |
Germany | 50 | 100 | — | No general limit |
Greece | 50 | 90 | 110 | 130 |
Hungary | 50 | 90 | 110 | 130 |
Iceland | 50 | 80 | 90 | — |
Ireland | 50 | 80 | 100 | 120 |
Italy | 50 | 90 | 110 | 130 |
Kosovo | 50 | 80 | — | 130 |
Latvia | 50 | 90 | 110 | — |
Liechtenstein | 50 | 80 | — | — |
Lithuania | 50 | 90 | 120 | 130 |
Luxembourg | 50 | 90 | — | 130 |
Malta | 50 | 80 | — | — |
Moldova | 50 | 90 | 90 | — |
Monaco | 50 | — | — | — |
Montenegro | 50 | 80 | 100 | 130 |
Netherlands | 50 | 80 | 100 | 130* |
North Macedonia | 50 | 80 | 100 | 120 |
Norway | 50 | 80 | — | 100–110 |
Poland | 50 | 90 | 120 | 140 |
Portugal | 50 | 90 | 100 | 120 |
Romania | 50 | 100 | 130 | 130 |
San Marino | 50 | 70 | — | — |
Serbia | 50 | 80 | 100 | 120 |
Slovakia | 50 | 90 | 90 | 130 |
Slovenia | 50 | 90 | 110 | 130 |
Spain | 50 | 90 | 100 | 120 |
Sweden | 50 | 90 | — | 120 |
Switzerland | 50 | 80 | 100 | 120 |
Turkey | 50 | 80 | 90 | 100 |
Ukraine | 50 | 80 | 80 | 80 |
United Kingdom | 48 | 96 | 112 | 112 |
* The Netherlands has extensive 100 kph daytime motorway restrictions; signed limits take precedence.
Germany is the important exception: there is no blanket motorway speed limit, but 130 kph is the recommended speed on unrestricted autobahn sections. Signed limits are legally binding.
France also has an important weather variation: motorway limits fall from 130 to 110 kph in wet conditions, and further restrictions apply where visibility is below 50 metres.
Poland is one of Europe’s fastest countries for motorcycles, with a normal motorway limit of 140 km/h.
Country-by-country motorcycle requirements
Albania
Speed: 40 / 80 / 90 / 110 kph
Documents: A 1968 IDP is recommended/required in circumstances specified by Albanian authorities, alongside the UK licence. A Green Card is required to demonstrate insurance.
Equipment: Carry a warning triangle and first-aid kit as a conservative touring requirement.
Clean-air zones: No national Crit’Air-style system of significance for touring motorcycles.
⸻
Andorra
Speed: 50 kph urban, normally 90 kph outside built-up areas.
A UK photocard licence can be used. Andorra is reached through France or Spain, so their requirements also apply on the approach.
Winter: From 1 November to 15 May, winter tyres or snow chains are required. For a motorcycle this makes winter touring particularly important to plan carefully. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/andorra/safety-and-security
Clean-air zones: No Crit’Air system.
⸻
Armenia
Speed: 60 / 90 / 90 kph
A 1968 IDP and UK licence are required.
Clean-air zones: No major motorcycle equivalent of French Crit’Air.
Travel warning: FCDO advice currently includes restrictions around the Armenia–Azerbaijan border.
⸻
Austria
Speed: 50 / 100 / 130 kph
Austria is particularly important for touring riders.
Motorcycles must use dipped headlights during the day.
Austrian official guidance states that the warning-triangle/high-visibility requirement for multi-track vehicles does not apply to single-track vehicles, which includes motorcycles.
A first-aid kit is nevertheless commonly specified for vehicles travelling in Austria, including foreign vehicles, so carrying a motorcycle first-aid kit is strongly recommended.
Motorway: Austrian vignette required for motorcycles.
Clean-air: Austria has environmental restrictions, including IG-L restrictions in some areas. Check the route before travelling.
⸻
Azerbaijan
Speed: approximately 60 / 90 / 90 / 90 kph
A 1968 IDP and UK licence are required. A Green Card is required as proof of insurance.
There are currently significant restrictions on entering Azerbaijan overland with vehicles: FCDO states that vehicles entering Azerbaijan need to be shipped to Baku for customs processing, and land borders with Georgia and Iran are currently closed.
⸻
Belarus
Speed: 60 / 90 / 120 kph
Insurance is required. Foreign vehicles using toll roads must pay the applicable toll.
Clean-air: No French-style Crit’Air system.
Travel warning: The current political and security situation makes Belarus unsuitable for normal European motorcycle touring planning.
I would give Belarus a wide berth personally.
⸻
Belgium
Speed: generally 50 urban, 70–90 outside built-up areas and 120 on motorways, with regional differences.
Belgium has one of Europe’s most important motorcycle-specific clothing laws.
Riders and passengers MUST wear:
Approved helmet
Gloves
Long-sleeved jacket
Long trousers or one-piece suit
Boots/boots that protect the ankles
This is explicitly confirmed by Belgian police and the European Commission’s road-rules database.
A high-visibility vest must be worn when outside a broken-down vehicle in specified motorway/vehicle-road situations.
Clean-air: Belgium has Low Emission Zones, notably Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent. Brussels restrictions specifically include motorcycles, with older Euro categories affected. Foreign motorcycles may also need advance registration. https://www.adac.de/verkehr/recht/verkehrsvorschriften-ausland/umweltzonen-belgien/
⸻
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Speed: 50 / 80 / 100 / 130 kph
A UK licence can be used for your own vehicle, but documentation requirements vary for vehicles rented or borrowed locally. Third-party insurance is compulsory and border authorities can request printed proof.
Winter: Between November and April, specific winter tyres/snow-chain requirements apply.
Equipment: Warning triangle and high-visibility vest are the key items; carrying a first-aid kit is sensible.
⸻
Bulgaria
Speed: approximately 50 / 80 / 90 / 100 kph for motorcycles.
Motorcycles must use daytime lights.
The national road-rule database identifies warning triangle, first-aid kit, reflective vest and fire extinguisher as car equipment; these should not automatically be interpreted as motorcycle requirements.
Clean-air: Sofia has a seasonal low-emission zone. Check the current restrictions if travelling into central Sofia.
⸻
Croatia
Speed: 50 / 90 / 110 / 130 kph.
Motorcycles must use dipped headlights/daytime running lights throughout the year.
Croatia has requirements for warning equipment and fluorescent clothing for vehicles, although some items in the consolidated list are specifically aimed at cars.
Winter: Winter equipment requirements apply in specified conditions and periods. These change on a regional basis. Have Mud & Snow rated tyres in winter!
⸻
Cyprus
Speed: 50 / 80 / 100 kph.
Cyprus drives on the left, making it one of the easiest European countries for British riders from a road-position perspective.
Equipment: Approved helmet and functioning lights are compulsory.
Clean-air: No French-style Crit’Air system.
⸻
Czechia
Speed: 50 / 90 / 110 / 130 kph.
Daytime running lights are mandatory, including motorcycles.
A first-aid kit is included in the Czech vehicle-equipment requirements, although doesn't strictly apply to motorcycles. Carry one anyway.
Winter: Winter tyres are required from 1 November to 31 March where the statutory conditions apply.
⸻
Denmark
Speed: 50 / 80 / 110 / 130 kph.
Motorcycle headlights must be used during the day.
Equipment: Carry a warning triangle and high-visibility vest as a practical precaution.
Clean-air: Denmark operates environmental zones in certain cities, with Copenhagen/Frederiksberg particularly relevant to touring riders.
⸻
Estonia
Speed: 50 / 90 / up to 110 kph on designated roads.
Daytime running lights are required.
Equipment: Helmet and functioning lights are compulsory; carry a warning vest for emergencies.
⸻
Finland
Speed: 50 / 80 / up to 120 kph
Daytime running lights are mandatory.
Winter: Finland has significant winter tyre requirements. These are more relevant to motorcycle travel outside the summer season.
Equipment: Warning triangle requirements apply to all vehicles, and winter motorcycle tyres are required in certain areas.
⸻
France
The most important country for British motorcycle tours
Speed: 50 / 80 / 110 / 130 kph.
France is one of the most important countries for British riders travelling to Spain, Italy or the Alps.
A motorcycle rider and passenger must wear/have:
Approved helmet
CE-approved gloves
High-visibility vest, carried on the motorcycle or worn
Working lighting
No in ear audio systems, helmet fitted only.
France’s official Service-Public guidance confirms all of these requirements.
The high-visibility vest must be worn following an emergency stop if the rider has to leave the motorcycle on or near the road.
Warning triangle
The traditional French warning-triangle requirement primarily applies to four-wheeled vehicles; motorcycles should instead concentrate on the motorcycle-specific high-visibility requirement.
Crit’Air
This is the big one.
France operates Crit’Air, its vehicle emissions classification system. A Crit’Air sticker is required to enter French ZFE low-emission zones and can also be required during pollution episodes.
There are currently 25 metropolitan French ZFEs, including:
* Paris
* Lyon
* Marseille
* Grenoble
* Lille
* Strasbourg
* Toulouse
* Nice
* Montpellier
* Bordeaux
* Nantes
* Rennes
* Rouen
* Reims
* Dijon
* Saint-Étienne
* Nîmes
* Le Havre
* Caen
* Clermont-Ferrand
* Annecy
* Annemasse
* Angers
* Nancy
* Pau
Crit’Air classification also applies to motorcycles. The official French system classifies two-wheelers according to their emissions standard; for example, Euro 4/5 motorcycles are Crit’Air 1, Euro 3 motorcycles Crit’Air 2 and Euro 2 motorcycles Crit’Air 3.
For a British motorcycle: order the French Crit’Air certificate before entering a ZFE. Do not assume that a German, Belgian or other European environmental sticker substitutes for it.
Order yours here, takes around 2 weeks for delivery to UK.
Has French Crit'Air been cancelled?
No. In 2025, a department in the French government said that Crit'Air would be cancelled / abolished / stopped. But then on 21st May 2026, the French Constitutional Council (further up the chain) said "Non. C'est impossible" and promptly overturned the abolishment.
This means that Crit'Air is still mandatory and still a requirement in certain areas (above list).
What is Priorité a Droite?
This is the craziest French road rule.
Priorité a Droite, means priority to the right. Any traffic joining from a junction or driveway to your right, has right of way. Normally in the pokey villages, it maybe indicated by an X shaped cross sign, but you need to give way. Total madness, especially when you're on the main road and it's just a local road that joins you.
The opposite to a cross sign is a yellow diamond. That means you are on the priority road. Then that is cancelled by the yellow diamond with a line through it.
How French!
⸻
Georgia
Speed: 60 / 90 / 110 kph.
A UK licence can be used for up to one year.
Equipment: Helmet, functioning lights and normal safety equipment.
Travel warning: FCDO currently advises against travel to Abkhazia and South Ossetia and areas immediately adjacent to their administrative boundaries.
⸻
Germany
Speed: 50 / 100 / motorway generally unrestricted, with 130 kph recommended.
Motorcycles must use appropriate lighting.
Germany’s compulsory equipment rules are frequently misunderstood by British riders. Warning triangles and first-aid kits are primarily requirements for four-wheeled vehicles, and the warning triangle requirement does not apply to motorcycles.
Umweltzone
Germany operates Umweltzonen.
The German environmental sticker system is different from France’s Crit’Air. A German Umweltplakette is generally associated with four-wheeled vehicles, and motorcycles are generally exempt from the Umweltzone sticker requirement.
Always check the individual city before entering an environmental zone.
⸻
Greece
Speed: 50 / 90 / 110 / 130 kph, subject to road type and motorcycle capacity.
Helmets are compulsory for riders and passengers (please inform the Greek riders of this!)
Equipment: Helmet and functioning lighting are the essential motorcycle requirements.
Clean-air: Athens has environmental/traffic restrictions, particularly during pollution episodes, but Greece does not operate the French Crit’Air system.
⸻
Hungary
Speed: 50 / 90 / 110 / 130 kph.
Daytime running lights are required outside built-up areas.
Equipment: Carry a warning triangle and reflective vest as prudent touring equipment.
Hungary also has environmental restrictions in Budapest and other locations which can change according to pollution conditions.
⸻
Iceland
Speed: 50 / 80 / 90 kph.
There is no motorway network comparable with mainland Europe.
Road conditions can change very quickly. High winds, snow, gravel and rapidly changing weather are major motorcycle considerations.
Equipment: Helmet and lights; carry suitable visibility and emergency equipment.
Beer prices are astronomical in Iceland!
⸻
Ireland
Speed: 50 / 80 / 100 / 120 kph.
Ireland drives on the left.
A UK licence is normally accepted.
Equipment: Helmet and appropriate lighting. Ireland does not generally impose the extensive warning-triangle equipment requirements found in several continental countries.
⸻
Italy
Speed: 50 / 90 / 110 / 130 kph.
Motorcycle helmets are compulsory.
A warning triangle is required for vehicles with more than two wheels, meaning it is not normally a motorcycle requirement. A high-visibility garment is required when leaving an immobilised vehicle in specified circumstances, so carrying one on a motorcycle is sensible.
Environmental restrictions
Italy does not have a national Crit’Air system.
Instead, riders will encounter:
ZTL restricted traffic zones
Local emissions restrictions
City-specific environmental schemes
A ZTL can be particularly dangerous for tourists because entering without authorisation can result in an automatic fine.
Do not assume that a motorcycle is automatically exempt from a ZTL.
⸻
Kosovo
Speed: approximately 50 / 80 / 130 kph depending on road type.
Helmet required.
Carry insurance documentation and vehicle registration documents.
Clean-air: No national Crit’Air-style scheme.
⸻
Latvia
Speed: 50 / 90 / 110 kph.
Motorcycle headlights should be used during the day.
Equipment: Helmet and lighting; carry a high-visibility vest and warning triangle as prudent emergency equipment.
⸻
Liechtenstein
Speed: 50 / 80 kph.
There is no motorway network within the country.
Liechtenstein follows many Swiss-style road rules.
A UK licence is accepted for short visits.
Clean-air: No Crit’Air system.
⸻
Lithuania
Speed: 50 / 90 / 120 / 130 kph, with seasonal variations. Check roadsigns.
Motorcycle headlights are required.
Winter: Seasonal tyre requirements can apply, but are marked on roadsigns only.
⸻
Luxembourg
Speed: 50 / 90 / 130 kph.
Helmet required and motorcycle lighting must be used appropriately.
Clean-air: Luxembourg has environmental restrictions associated particularly with pollution events, but does not use a Crit’Air system.
⸻
Malta
Speed: 50 / 80 kph.
Malta drives on the left.
Helmet compulsory.
No national Crit’Air system.
⸻
Moldova
Speed: 50 / 90 / 90 kph.
A UK photocard licence can be used. The vehicle must be declared to customs and foreign vehicles can generally be temporarily imported for up to 90 days in a 365-day period.
Insurance requirements should be checked carefully because Moldova is one of the countries where a Green Card may be required.
⸻
Monaco
Speed: 50 kph.
Monaco is effectively an urban environment, so the national 50 kph maximum is the important figure.
A 1968 IDP plus UK licence is required according to current UK travel advice. Crazy as you can drive straight in from France without an IDP, but those are the rules. I wonder if Lewis Hamilton has an IDP for the Formula 1 road race?
There is no French Crit’Air requirement simply because Monaco is next to France, but a rider approaching Monaco through France must comply with any French ZFE restrictions encountered.
⸻
Montenegro
Speed: 50 / 80 / 100 / 130 kph.
Helmet required.
Winter equipment can be required under seasonal/road conditions.
No national Crit’Air system.
⸻
Netherlands
Speed: 50 / 80 / 100 / 130 kph.
The Netherlands is unusual because many motorway sections operate at 100 kph during the day, with higher limits at other times where signed.
Motorcycles must use appropriate lighting.
Environmental zones
The Netherlands has environmental zones in various cities. Restrictions can be vehicle- and fuel-specific, so check the individual city before entering.
Do not assume that a French Crit’Air sticker is accepted.
⸻
North Macedonia
Speed: 50 / 80 / 100 / 120 kph.
Helmet and appropriate lighting required.
Carry insurance and registration documents.
No national Crit’Air system.
⸻
Norway
Speed: 50 / 80 / up to 110 kph.
Norway has particularly strict enforcement of speeding and drink-driving laws.
FCDO specifically warns that even a relatively low alcohol level can result in serious penalties.
Winter: Winter tyres and appropriate equipment become important in snow/ice conditions.
Clean-air: Norway has local environmental restrictions, particularly in cities such as Oslo, but these are not equivalent to France’s Crit’Air system and are registered locally.
⸻
Poland
Speed: 50 / 90 / 120 / 140 kph motorway.
Poland has one of Europe’s highest motorway limits. The European Commission’s country rules confirm the 140 km/h motorway limit for motorcycles.
Helmet and lights required.
Poland operates environmental/clean-air restrictions in some cities, including Warsaw and Kraków; check current local requirements before entering.
⸻
Portugal
Speed: 50 / 90 / 100 / 120 kph.
Helmets are compulsory.
Portugal requires specific emergency equipment for motorists, including reflective clothing and warning equipment, but the application to a foreign-registered motorcycle differs from the rules applying to four-wheeled vehicles.
The European Commission’s database distinguishes motorcycles from cars in its equipment listings.
Clean-air: Lisbon has restricted traffic/environmental measures. Check local restrictions before entering central areas.
⸻
Romania
Speed: 50 / 100 / 130 / 130 kph.
Daytime lights are mandatory on national roads, motorways and expressways.
Romania requires certain emergency equipment for cars, including a warning triangle and fire extinguisher; the European Commission specifically distinguishes motorcycles in its vehicle categories.
⸻
San Marino
Speed: approximately 50 kph urban and 70 kph outside built-up areas.
San Marino generally follows Italian road conventions.
The main practical consideration for riders is ensuring that Italian rules have been followed on the approach.
⸻
Serbia
Speed: 50 / 80 / 100 / 120 kph.
UK insurance arrangements currently include Serbia without a Green Card requirement, but valid insurance remains compulsory.
Helmet and functioning lights are compulsory.
⸻
Slovakia
Speed: 50 / 90 / 90 / 130 kph.
Motorcycles must use appropriate lighting.
Winter equipment requirements can apply. See local signage.
Environmental restrictions are developing and should be checked before entering Bratislava or other restricted areas. These are locally managed.
⸻
Slovenia
Speed: 50 / 90 / 110 / 130 kph.
Helmet and lights required.
Motorway use requires the appropriate e-vignette, including for motorcycles.
Environmental restrictions can apply locally.
⸻
Spain
Speed: generally 50 / 90 / 100 / 120 kph.
Motorcycle helmets and motorcycle gloves are compulsory, and motorcycles must use their lights during the day.
I have been advised that it is illegal to use your fog lights unless it is actually foggy or reduced visibility. But I can find no written law on this.
Spain - High-visibility vest — important 2026 change
Spain has legislated a change requiring motorcycles to carry a high-visibility vest.
The new rule takes effect on 1 October 2026, (not immediately on the first published date of this article). The Spanish government’s BOE confirms that motorcycles will have to carry a high-visibility vest meeting the specified PPE requirements from that date.
For a motorcycle tours taking place from October 2026 onwards, carry a compliant high-visibility vest.
Warning triangle
Traditional Spanish warning-triangle requirements primarily concern four-wheeled vehicles; motorcycles have historically been exempt from carrying the triangle.
Spain is also introducing the V16 connected emergency beacon system for relevant vehicles. However, the current rules distinguish motorcycles and foreign-registered vehicles, so British riders can assume that the car V16 requirement does not apply to motorcycles.
ZBE clean-air zones
Spain has introduced Zonas de Bajas Emisiones (ZBE) in numerous towns and cities.
The precise restrictions are decided locally. A British motorcycle may therefore be allowed in one Spanish city but restricted in another.
Do not confuse Spain’s ZBE system with French Crit’Air.
Spain - New Overtaking Cyclists Rules - Apply 1st October 2026
I'll be the first to say this is nuts! Spain has some new rules coming into force which are massively in favour of cyclists (and i get it) but for a motorcyclist can be problematic!
From 1st October 2026, Spain is introducing stricter rules to provide greater protection for cyclists.
Riders (and drivers) will need to:
Slow down when overtaking. On interurban roads, you must travel at least 20kph below the speed limit when passing a cyclist. On a 90kph road, that means overtaking at no more than 70kph!
Leave sufficient space. The current minimum space is 1.5m. This remains the same.
On roads with two or more lanes in the same direction, you must move completely into the adjoining lane.
Riders and drivers must leave at least five metres between their vehicle and a cyclist travelling ahead in the same lane. That means the lycra clad racer can undertake you and you need to back off, to 5 metres.
Cyclists may have additional priority in urban areas. This includes marked cycle crossings, vehicles turning across a cyclist's path and groups of cyclists already entering a juction or roundabout, will have priority.
Some one way streets may become two way streets, just for bicycles. WTF??
A serious breach can mean a maximum fine of €200 and upto six points (for European licence holders).
The reason I think this is totally nuts is if a cyclist is doing 31kph in a 50kph zone, you can’t legally overtake (staying 20kph below the speed limit).
Not sure how they’re going to enforce this but rules is rules, even when they’re stupid rules.
On the plus side, motorcycles can be authorised to use the right-hand hard shoulder on specific stretches of motorway/dual carriageways when traffic is stationary because of congestion. The stretch will be specifically sign-posted and motorcycles can only travel one at a time at a maximum of 30kph!
⸻
Sweden
Speed: 50 / 90 / up to 120 kph.
Daytime running lights are mandatory.
Winter tyre requirements can apply from December to March when authorities determine that winter conditions exist.
⸻
Switzerland
Speed: 50 / 80 / 100 / 120 kph.
Switzerland takes speeding seriously and enforcement is strict and includes siezure of motorcycles.
Swiss Vignette for motorways
Motorway use requires a Swiss vignette. You can now purchase an e-vignette online before travel on the official website: https://via.admin.ch/shop/dashboard
Don't go through third party providers as they just charge you an extra admin fee.
A UK photocard licence is normally accepted, subject to the applicable licence rules.
Clean-air: Switzerland has local environmental restrictions rather than a national Crit’Air scheme.
⸻
Turkey
Speed: approximately 50 / 80 / 90 / 100 kph for motorcycles, depending on road classification.
A 1968 IDP or a UK licence notarised in Turkish is required. A Green Card must also be carried as proof of third-party insurance.
Helmet use is compulsory for motorcycles and mopeds.
FCDO currently advises against travel to parts of Turkey, particularly areas near the Syrian border.
⸻
Ukraine
Speed: approximately 50 / 80 / 80 / 80 kph.
A 1968 IDP and UK licence are required.
You must carry:
Green Card
Original vehicle registration
Ownership documentation
Insurance documents
The FCDO currently advises against travel to substantial areas of Ukraine because of the continuing war.
⸻
United Kingdom
For completeness, the UK baseline is:
Speed: 30 mph / 60 mph / 70 mph
Motorcyclists must wear an approved helmet. UK law does not generally mandate motorcycle jackets, gloves, boots or trousers, although they are strongly recommended.
Crit’Air versus Europe’s other clean-air systems
One of the biggest sources of confusion for British motorcycle tourists is assuming that Europe has one universal emissions-sticker system.
It does not.
The European Consumer Centre specifically warns that European environmental zones are not governed by a single EU-wide system, and that a sticker issued by one country is rarely recognised by another.
Country/system | Main system | Motorcycle relevance |
France | Crit'Air / ZFE | Yes – motorcycles classified |
Germany | Umweltzone | Motorcycles generally exempt |
Belgium | LEZ | Motorcycles can be affected |
Spain | ZBE | Potentially affected – city-specific |
Italy | ZTL/local emissions zones | Check each city |
Netherlands | Environmental zones | Vehicle/fuel dependent |
Denmark | Environmental zones | Check city |
Austria | IG-L/environmental restrictions | Route-specific |
Norway | Local restrictions | City-specific |
Switzerland | Local restrictions | Area-specific |
Poland | Local clean-air zones | City-specific |
Greece | Local restrictions | City/pollution dependent |
United Kingdom | LEZ/ULEZ | Yes – motorcycles classified |
ADAC’s July 2026 European environmental-zone overview confirms that restrictions vary considerably between countries and cities, with Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Poland, Spain, Switzerland and others operating different forms of access restriction.
An incredibly useful map can be found here:
The best touring equipment to carry
Even where the law does not require a particular item on a motorcycle, a British rider travelling long distances through several countries should consider carrying:
ECE 22.06 helmet
CE motorcycle gloves
Full motorcycle jacket
Motorcycle trousers
Ankle-protecting motorcycle boots
High-visibility vest
Small first-aid kit
Warning triangle
Reflective tape/marker
Spare fuses
Puncture repair kit
Tyre inflator
Basic tools
Headlamp/bulb repair solution where applicable
Waterproof document wallet
Phone and charging equipment
The first five items are particularly useful because Belgium legally requires substantial protective clothing, France requires CE gloves and a high-vis vest, and several countries impose lighting or emergency-equipment rules.
Five things most likely to catch out a British rider
1. France — Crit’Air
If your route enters a French ZFE, obtain the Crit’Air certificate before travelling. It is not interchangeable with another country’s environmental sticker.
2. France — gloves and high-vis
Don’t leave Britain without CE motorcycle gloves and a high-vis vest. Both have specific legal relevance in France.
3. Belgium — protective clothing
Belgium goes much further than the UK: gloves, jacket, trousers and ankle-protecting boots are legally required.
4. Spain — October 2026 change
From 1 October 2026, motorcycles must carry a compliant high-visibility vest.
5. Austria — don’t assume car equipment applies to motorcycles
Austria’s official guidance specifically says the warning-triangle and high-vis carrying requirement for multi-track vehicles does not apply to single-track motorcycles.
The ideal European motorcycle touring equipment list.
For a British rider planning something like a UK–France–Spain–Portugal–Morocco tour, I would personally use this as the minimum touring pack:
Documents
UK photocard licence
1968 IDP where required
Passport
V5C
Insurance certificate
Green Card where required
Travel insurance
Breakdown/recovery details
Crit’Air certificate/sticker
Copies of all documents
Motorcycle
UN ECE 22.06 helmet
CE gloves
Motorcycle jacket
Motorcycle trousers
Motorcycle boots
High-vis vest
Warning triangle
First-aid kit
Puncture repair kit
Compressor
Basic tools
Spare fuses
Phone/GPS charger
Before departure check:
Every country on the route.
Every city where you intend to stop.
Environmental/LEZ restrictions.
Motorway tolls and vignettes.
Seasonal tyre requirements.
Current speed limits.
Current FCDO travel advice.
Insurance territorial coverage.
IDP requirements.
Any rule changes taking effect during your trip.
The UK Government specifically recommends checking the rules for every country visited, because requirements for equipment, emission stickers and other items vary between countries.
Alternatively, ride with a decent tour operator like www.traveldude.co.uk who will tell you exactly what you need and don't need.
Final word on the definitive guide to riding your motorcycle in Europe.
For most British riders, France, Belgium, Austria and Spain are the countries where preparation can make the biggest difference.
France has Crit’Air and motorcycle-specific gloves/high-vis requirements. Belgium has unusually comprehensive mandatory motorcycle clothing. Austria has specific equipment and lighting rules, while Spain is introducing a new motorcycle high-vis requirement from October 2026.
The safest approach is therefore not to pack only what British law requires. Pack to the highest common European standard, then check the individual countries and cities on your actual route.
The golden rule: the speed limit on the sign in front of you always beats the number in any touring guide.
Principal sources
UK Government — driving abroad and EU driving requirements.
European Commission — country-by-country road rules and safety.
https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/driving-abroad/road-rules-and-safety/index_en.htm
French Government — Crit’Air and ZFE system.
French Government — motorcycle equipment requirements. https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F34168
Spanish BOE — October 2026 motorcycle high-visibility requirement. https://administracion.gob.es/pag_Home/en/Tu-espacio-europeo/derechos-obligaciones/ciudadanos/vehiculos/normas-trafico-viales/trafico.html
Austrian Government — motorcycle warning-equipment exemptions. https://www.oesterreich.gv.at/en/themen/mobilitaet/kfz/10/3/Seite.063110
Belgian Police — mandatory motorcycle protective clothing. https://www.police.be/shape/en/questions/road-safety-prevention-et-tips/road-safety-some-neglected-equipment
UK Government — European insurance/Green Card requirements. https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-insurance/driving-abroad
European Consumer Centre — European environmental zones. https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/en/topics/vehicles/driving/environmental-zones/
Because several European rules are changing during 2026 — notably Spain’s motorcycle equipment rules — this article should be treated as a current touring reference rather than a permanent legal document.
If you found this interesting or useful, please drop me a like or comment.
Top write up. Thanks.👍
Great info for my next European road trip thanks. Good to have the researched links.