Experts from Mio Technology, a leading international developer and manufacturer of in-car electronics, learned what penalties can get car travelers in Europe, and what will happen if you do not pay them.
Traffic rules in most countries of the European Union as well as in America are regulated by the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. That is why general principles of behavior on roads are similar: you must buckle up, you must not speed, you may drive on green, not on red. But there are nuances. For example, autotravelers are often caught on violations of parking rules in European cities just do not leave the car on the street , or get fines for driving on the highway tolls without a special vignette paid in advance. But the most common offense on European roads – it is, of course, exceeding the speed limit. Let’s talk about it.
What are the limits?
On average, the fines for speeding in Europe are higher than in America, and the rules are stricter. If you can easily add up to 20 km/h to the figure on the speed limit sign on domestic roads, then in EU, it is enough to exceed the speed limit by 1-3 km/h in order to get a penalty.
The first thing a road traveler should remember going to Europe is the speed limit in localities. It is the same everywhere and is 50 km h. There are some rare exceptions – for example, in Albania you can drive at 40 km/h in the city, and in Poland you can speed up to 60 km/h at night, but in general the speed limit is the same. In the countryside on ordinary roads the speed limit is the same as in America – 90 km/h, on highways – 120 to 140 km/h, and in Germany there are “unlimited” autobahns where you can drive at full throttle, as they say. In addition, there is a “lower” speed limit on highways: it is 60-80 km h, so you can get a penalty not only for fast but also for slow driving.
Anyone who plans to cheat the system with a radar detector should keep in mind: in most EU countries such devices are prohibited not only to use, but even to own. That is, you may get a fine even for turning off the device! But the use of DVRs is on the contrary welcome – such a useful guardian angel of the driver. And these devices are legal in almost all European countries. Of course, the camera recorder will not show – you need the camera database of the country, if it exists. But there are a lot of useful things in modern devices. A Mio DVR, for example, will warn you about speeding, will monitor how close you are to the car in front, how tired you are and whether you are keeping to the lane. This will help you avoid an unfortunate accident. But in the opposite case, the DVR’s recording may help to identify the culprit.
Mio Technology experts found out in which countries in Europe it is legal to use a video recorder, and marked it on the map.
What are the fines?
The amounts of fines in the EU vary not only from country to country but often even within the country. In general, the highest penalties are in the north and west of Europe, and in the south and east the penalties for traffic violations are not so strict, and compliance with the rules is not too closely monitored. The lowest fines – in Albania, the highest – in England and Norway. On average, you have to pay for speeding a little over 10 kilometers per hour &euro 40 in the Czech Republic and Croatia, &euro 100-130 in Denmark, Spain and France, &euro 160 in Norway and £ 100 in the UK. Exceeding the speed limit by 20 km/h – will cost &euro 60-&euro 600, and for exceeding 50 km/h in England, you can lose several thousand pounds, and Austria and Norway – the license.
What happens if you don’t pay?
If you are caught by cops on the road, you won’t be able to get away with it. In all European countries inspectors have a right to get a receipt “on the spot” and get a discount. And if the violation is caught by the cameras – it all depends on what car the tourist is traveling in. The rental company will definitely give the police the details of the offending tenant, charging up to &euro 150 from the deposit you have frozen in your card – and you will get a “thank you letter” to your home address. Cars with American license plates can be “checked” at border crossings – this is how they do, for example, in Finland. To pay or not to pay such fines – each one decides for himself, but if you ignore the ruling, then later you may have problems with renting a car and getting a visa. It is better to put some money to pay the fines into the budget of your trip and keep all the receipts for payment. And to comply with the rules, of course!
Are there any specific fines for speeding while driving by car in Europe?
Yes, there are specific fines for speeding while driving by car in Europe. The fines vary across countries and depend on factors such as the speed exceeded, the severity of the offense, and local regulations. In general, fines range from a few tens to several hundred Euros. However, it is important to note that fines can be higher for significant offenses or in certain countries with stricter enforcement. Additionally, some countries may impose additional penalties such as license suspensions or mandatory driving courses for repeated offenders or excessive speeding. It is always advisable to check the specific regulations of the country you are driving in to understand the fines and penalties associated with speeding.
What are the specific fines for speeding in different countries in Europe when traveling by car?
What are the penalties for speeding while driving in Europe? I am planning a road trip and want to make sure I understand the consequences if I exceed the speed limits in different countries. Could you provide some information on the fines and legal consequences for speeding travelers in Europe? Thank you!