Planning a tour through several countries and wondering what applies where? Here are the motorcycle rules in Europe compared: speed limits, alcohol limits, tolls and hi-vis vests for 16 countries at a glance. Each country name links to our detailed guide with all the details and sources.
Motorcycle rules in Europe: the comparison table
Speed limits in km/h for solo motorcycles, unless signs say otherwise. Alcohol limits in ‰ (grams per litre of blood), with the stricter limit for new or young riders in brackets.
| Country | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas | Motorway | Alcohol limit | Tolls for motorcycles | Hi-vis vest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 50 | 100 | no general limit, 130 recommended | 0.5 (0.0 on probation and under 21) | none | not required |
| Austria | 50 | 100 | 130 | 0.5 (0.1 on probation and under 20) | vignette | not required, first aid kit mandatory |
| Switzerland | 50 | 80 | 120 | 0.5 (0.1 for new drivers) | vignette, CHF 40 | not required |
| Slovenia | 50 | 90 | 130 | 0.5 (0.0 under 21 and first 2 years) | e-vignette | not required |
| France | 50 | 80, partly 90 | 130 | 0.5 (0.2 on probation) | motorway tolls | must be carried |
| Italy | 50 | 90 | 130 | 0.5 (0.0 in the first 3 years) | motorway tolls | see guide |
| Spain | 50 | 90 | 120 | 0.5 (0.3 in the first 2 years) | some motorway tolls | wear it when getting off outside built-up areas |
| Portugal | 50 | 90 | 120 | 0.5 | motorway tolls | only for motorcycles registered in Portugal |
| Croatia | 50 | 90 | 130 | 0.5 (0.0 under 25) | motorway tolls | wear it when getting off outside built-up areas |
| Hungary | 50 | 90 | 130 | 0.0 | e-vignette (category D1M) | wear it when getting off outside built-up areas |
| Czech Republic | 50 | 90 | 130 | 0.0 | none for motorcycles | not required |
| Poland | 50 | 90 | 140 | 0.2 | some (A1, A2, A4) | as a pedestrian outside built-up areas after dark |
| Denmark | 50 | 80 | 130 | 0.5 | bridges only | not required |
| Norway | 50 | 80 | 90 to 110 | 0.2 | mostly toll-free | only for motorcycles registered in Norway |
| Albania | 40 | 80 | 110 | 0.1 | hardly any (Kalimash tunnel) | see guide, first aid kit mandatory |
| Montenegro | see guide | 0.3 (0.0 under 21) | see guide | see guide | ||
What is the same everywhere
- Lights on during the day: in every country in this table you must ride with your lights on in daytime, dipped beam or daytime running lights.
- Helmets are compulsory everywhere for rider and pillion.
- EU driving licence: a German or other EU licence is recognised in every country in the table.
- Phones only hands-free, for example through an intercom in your helmet.
The biggest differences
Alcohol
Limits range from 0.5 in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and many other countries down to 0.0 in the Czech Republic and Hungary. Poland and Norway allow 0.2, Albania 0.1. Almost everywhere, stricter limits apply to new and young riders. The simple rule for any tour: if you ride, you don't drink.
Vignette or tolls
In Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia and Hungary you need a vignette for motorways, in Slovenia and Hungary only as a digital version. In France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Croatia and parts of Poland you pay distance-based tolls at toll stations. The Czech Republic exempts motorcycles from its vignette, and in Norway motorcycles mostly ride toll-free. Remember: you need the vignette before you join the first motorway, not at the next petrol station.
Hi-vis vest and mandatory equipment
In France you have to carry a hi-vis vest, in Spain, Croatia and Hungary you have to wear one when you get off after a breakdown outside built-up areas. In Austria and Albania a first aid kit is mandatory. A hi-vis vest and a small first aid kit belong in your luggage on every tour abroad. Everything else you need is in our motorcycle trip packing list.
Speed and fines
Outside built-up areas the range goes from 80 km/h in Switzerland, France, Denmark and Norway to 100 km/h in Germany and Austria. Fines differ even more: in Switzerland and Norway even small excesses are expensive, and in some countries fines are collected on the spot.
Special rules that may surprise you
- Tyrol (Austria): noise-based bans for motorcycles with a stationary noise level above 95 dB from 15 April to 31 October.
- Switzerland: sat navs and apps that warn of speed cameras are illegal.
- France: reflective stickers on the helmet and CE-certified gloves are mandatory.
- Spain: since 1 October 2026 gloves outside built-up areas and closed shoes everywhere.
- Hungary: cross level crossings at walking pace only.
- Austria: you may filter past stationary vehicles waiting at junctions. In Germany and Switzerland, filtering is not allowed.
For tours across the Alps, passes, tolls and closures are covered in our Alpine passes guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which countries require a motorway vignette for motorcycles?
Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia and Hungary. In the Czech Republic, motorcycles are exempt from the vignette.
Where is the alcohol limit for motorcyclists 0.0?
In the Czech Republic and Hungary for everyone. Many other countries apply 0.0 to new or young riders, for example Germany, Italy, Croatia and Slovenia.
Do I have to ride with lights on during the day abroad?
Yes. In every country in this overview, daytime lights are mandatory for motorcycles.
Where is a hi-vis vest mandatory on a motorcycle?
In France you have to carry one. In Spain, Croatia and Hungary you have to wear it when you get off after a breakdown or accident outside built-up areas.
Sources
- Mandatory equipment for motorcyclists in Europe (ÖAMTC, German)
- Speed limits on Europe's roads (ÖAMTC, German)
Last checked: September 2026. The figures come from our country guides, which list the sources for each country. Rules and fines can change.