Driving is often the best way to explore a country you’re visiting. Heading off the beaten track and discovering a hidden gem not in the guide book is one of the great joys of travel. That unmatched feeling of freedom to go where you want, when you want.

Of course, if you do decide to rent a vehicle whilst travelling, you’ll need to adhere to the relevant laws of the country you are in. Navigating the roads and highways in Europe can be challenging enough, without factoring in the varying rules and regulations which must be followed. There is much more to it than just knowing which side of the road to drive on.

To help you avoid any nasty surprises, iCarhireinsurance.com, a leading provider of car hire excess insurance, have produced an interactive infographic to help you familiarize yourself with some of the most important driving laws in 26 European countries.

Hover over each other country to see what the key requirements are:

Please note: Whilst every effort has been made to make sure the information on this page is correct, the article is intended only to give a broad overview and its advisable that you seek detailed and up-to-date information from an official source before travelling.

The stated amount of alcohol permitted is measured by blood.