Motorcycle Rules and Regulations in Europe
About this section
Here you will find the key motorcycle rules and regulations for Germany and popular touring countries across Europe. Every country guide covers helmets, speed limits, alcohol limits, tolls and mandatory equipment and lists the sources behind it.
Rules and fines change, so every article states when we last checked it. For all countries at a glance, see our comparison of motorcycle rules in Europe.
Rules & RegulationsBuying a motorcycle in a neighbouring country: registration
Buying a motorcycle in a neighbouring country: papers, transfer, taxes and deadlines for Austria, Switzerland, Spain, France, Germany and Belgium.
Rules & RegulationsImporting a motorcycle from Germany to Austria: NoVA
Importing a motorcycle from Germany to Austria: the NoVA formula for bikes, approval database, individual approval, transfer plates and deadlines.
Rules & RegulationsImporting a motorcycle into Switzerland: customs and VAT
Importing a motorcycle into Switzerland: customs declaration, 8.1% VAT, no duty, no car tax, form 13.20 A and the inspection at the cantonal road office.
Rules & RegulationsAustria's Pickerl for motorcycles: new intervals from 2027
Austria's Pickerl (§ 57a) for motorcycles: today's 3-2-1 rule, the new 4-2-2-2-1 intervals from 19 May 2027, the exchange sticker, grace period and cost.
Rules & RegulationsMotorcycle inspection in Belgium: sale and after accidents
Belgium's motorcycle inspection: when it is required before a sale and after an accident, 2026 prices by region and what changes in Flanders from 2027.
Rules & RegulationsMotorcycle inspection in Europe: 7 countries compared
Motorcycle inspection compared: when the HU, Pickerl, MFK, contrôle technique and ITV are due, what they cost and who does them, in seven countries.
Rules & RegulationsMotorcycle roadworthiness test in Luxembourg (SNCT)
Luxembourg's SNCT test for motorcycles: when the first test is due, how often after that, what it costs in 2026 and what applies when you buy a used bike.
Rules & RegulationsSwitzerland's MFK for motorcycles: notice, test, defects
Switzerland's MFK motorcycle inspection: when the notice arrives, what to bring, what the inspectors check, what it costs and what happens with defects.
Rules & RegulationsMotorcycle ITV in Spain: intervals, cost and fines
Spain's ITV for motorcycles: when the first test is due, how often after that, what it costs in each region and the fine for riding without a valid ITV.
Rules & RegulationsMotorcycle noise in France: noise radars and fines
Motorcycle noise in France: where the noise radars stand, what the 85 dB(A) limit means, the fine for a tampered exhaust, all as of November 2026.
Rules & RegulationsMotorcycle roadworthiness test in France: 2026 deadlines
France's contrôle technique for motorcycles: who must be tested by 31 Dec 2026, what is checked, the cost, the retest, selling rules and the fine.
Rules & RegulationsRegistering an EU motorcycle in Spain: ITV, Modelo 576
Registering a motorcycle from another EU country in Spain: DGT steps, ITV data sheet, Modelo 576 registration tax above 250 cc, IVTM, fees and deadlines.
Rules & RegulationsA2 Restriction in Germany: Costs, Rules, Allowed Bikes
A2 restriction to 35 kW in Germany: which motorcycles are allowed, how restricting and registering works, what it costs and what unlawful power can mean.
Rules & RegulationsTaking a Child on a Motorcycle: Rules in Europe
Taking a child on a motorcycle: what German law requires (seat, footrests, helmet) and which age limits apply in Austria, France, Spain and elsewhere.
Rules & RegulationsDriving Licence Reform: What Changes for Motorcyclists
German licence reform, November 2026: what is decided, planned or open for motorcycle categories, from tests and special drives to the EU directive.
Rules & RegulationsForeign Traffic Fines: What You Must Pay and What Not
Got a traffic fine from abroad? How EU enforcement works, what applies to Austria and Switzerland, and when debt collector letters are just pressure.
Rules & RegulationsRegistering an Exhaust in Germany: ABE, E-Mark, Approval
Motorcycle exhaust approval in Germany: what ABE, parts report and E-mark mean, when an inspection is needed and when the operating licence lapses.
Rules & RegulationsMotorcycle Stationary Noise: Noise Bans and Closures
Motorcycle stationary noise: where to find your value, which Tyrol roads are closed above 95 dB(A) and how noise-related road closures work in Germany.
Rules & RegulationsMotorcycle Number Plate: Size, Holder, Angle, Fines
Motorcycle number plate in Germany: sizes under the FZV, small plate for light motorcycles, plate holder, angle, lighting and fines at a glance.
Rules & RegulationsMotorcycling in the Czech Republic: Rules, Duties, Fines
Motorcycling in the Czech Republic: zero alcohol, speed limits, mandatory equipment, no vignette for motorcycles and penalty points for foreigners.
Rules & RegulationsMotorcycling in Italy: Rules, Regulations and Tips
Motorcycling in Italy: licence, helmets, speed limits, alcohol limits, ZTL zones, motorway tolls and fines. How to prepare well for your tour.
Rules & RegulationsRiding a Motorcycle in Belgium: Rules, Gear and Fines
Motorcycling in Belgium: mandatory protective gear, 30 km/h in Brussels, 70 or 90 outside towns, filtering up to 50 km/h, low emission zone and fines.
Rules & RegulationsMotorcycle Rules in Europe: 19 Countries Compared
Motorcycle rules in Europe compared: speed limits, alcohol limits, vignettes, tolls and hi-vis vests for 19 countries, with links to every country guide.
Rules & RegulationsNew Motorcycle Rules in Spain from October 2026
Since 1 October 2026 new rules apply to motorcyclists in Spain: gloves, closed shoes, UNECE R22 helmets and use of the hard shoulder in traffic jams.
Rules & RegulationsMotorcycle Trip to Hungary: Traffic Rules, Tolls and Routes
Motorcycle trip to Hungary: zero alcohol, speed limits, the level crossing rule, the D1M e-vignette and the best twisty roads. Everything for your tour.
Rules & RegulationsMotorcycle Trip Through Portugal: Rules, Tolls and Routes
Motorcycle trip through Portugal: rules, tolls with Via Verde, the best regions, a technical check and 15 answers to common questions for your tour.
Rules & RegulationsMotorcycling in Poland: Rules, Tolls and Fines
Motorcycling in Poland: speed limits, tolls on the A1, A2 and A4, the 0.2 alcohol limit and typical fines. How to get through your tour without trouble.
Rules & RegulationsMotorcycling in Greece: Rules, Tolls and Fines
Motorcycling in Greece: new speed limits since 2025, zero alcohol, helmet law, lane filtering, motorway tolls for bikes and tough penalties at a glance.
Rules & RegulationsMotorcycling in Sweden: Rules, Tolls and Tips
Motorcycling in Sweden: speed limits, the 0.2 alcohol limit, lights on, bridge tolls, no congestion charge for bikes, elk and the right of public access.
Rules & RegulationsRiding a Motorcycle in the Netherlands and Luxembourg: Rules
Motorcycling in the Netherlands and Luxembourg: speed limits, alcohol, hi-vis vest, filtering, tunnel tolls and fines. The overview for your tour.
Rules & RegulationsMotorcycling in Austria: Rules, Vignette and Riding Bans
Motorcycling in Austria: speed limits, alcohol limits, the 2026 vignette, noise-based riding bans in Tyrol, Grossglockner toll and mandatory equipment.
Rules & RegulationsMotorcycling in Slovenia: Rules, Vignette and Passes
Motorcycling in Slovenia: speed limits, alcohol limits, the 2026 motorcycle e-vignette, Karawanks tunnel toll, the Vršič pass and tips for your tour.
Rules & RegulationsMotorcycling in Switzerland: Rules, Vignette and Fines
Motorcycling in Switzerland: speed limits, alcohol limits, the 2026 vignette, fines, the speeding law, camera-warning apps and noise rules for pass tours.
Rules & RegulationsMotorcycle Trip to Albania: Routes, Laws and Regulations
Motorcycle trip to Albania: entry, green card, speed limits, alcohol limit, the best regions and 15 practical tips for your tour through the Balkans.
Rules & RegulationsMotorcycle Trip to Denmark: Rules and Regulations for Riders
Motorcycle trip to Denmark: speed limits, daytime lights, confiscation for reckless speeding, parking, ferries and beach riding. Keep your tour relaxed.
Rules & RegulationsMotorcycling in Norway: Regulations, Rules and Laws
Motorcycling in Norway: 0.2 alcohol limit, daytime lights, speed limits, tolls, ferries and wild camping. The key rules for your tour, simply explained.
Rules & RegulationsMotorcycling in Croatia: Rules, Regulations and Tolls
Motorcycling in Croatia: speed limits, zero alcohol for young riders, motorcycle tolls, mandatory equipment, the bora wind and 15 answers for your tour.
Rules & RegulationsMotorcycling in Spain: Rules, Speed Limits and Fines
Motorcycling in Spain: helmets, the new gear rules from October 2026, speed limits, alcohol limits and typical fines. What to know before your tour.
Rules & RegulationsMotorcycling in France: Rules and Laws for Your Trip
Motorcycling in France: mandatory gloves, helmet stickers, speed limits, alcohol limits, Crit'Air stickers and lane filtering. The key rules for your tour.
Rules & RegulationsMotorcycle Rules in Germany: What Riders Need to Know
Motorcycle rules in Germany: helmets, daytime lights, speed limits, the Autobahn, alcohol limits, filtering, parking and fines. What applies to riders.