Speeding abroad is expensive, and in a few countries a single bad offence can cost you hundreds of euros on the spot, your licence for that country, or the car. This guide gives the default limits for 23 European countries, how enforcement works, and what happens when a foreign driver is caught, with notes for drivers from the UK.
Quick answer
Default limits across the 23 countries in this guide. Posted signs always win.
Towns & cities
50km/h
Almost everywhere. Many zones are 30. UK: 30 mph.
Rural roads
70–100km/h
80 or 90 in most countries. 100 in Germany and Austria.
Motorways
130km/h
The most common limit (9 of 23 countries). 120 in Spain, Belgium and Switzerland. 140 in Poland.
Germany has no general Autobahn limit (130 km/h is advised), and the Netherlands drops to 100 km/h on motorways from 6am to 7pm.
4,700+
fixed speed cameras in France
~70%
of the Autobahn has no permanent limit
2,500+ km
of Italian motorway covered by Tutor average-speed cameras
€20–50
typical rental-company admin fee on top of a camera fine
Understanding European Speed Limit Categories
Most countries split limits into three categories: built-up areas, roads outside built-up areas, and motorways. Many add a fourth for dual carriageways or expressways, which sit between the two.
How Speed Limits Are Signed
Limits are shown in km/h on round signs with a red border, as in the UK. As you cross a border there's usually a blue board showing the national defaults, but it's easy to miss at a busy crossing, so take a photo of it or look the country up before you go.
- Built-up areas: the default town limit applies from the town name sign (white or yellow, depending on the country) until the same sign with a red diagonal line through it. You won't always see a separate speed sign.
- Roads outside built-up areas: the default applies unless another limit is posted.
- Motorways: marked by a blue or green motorway sign at the slip road. The national limit applies unless a lower one is posted.
If you're in a UK car, switch the dashboard to km/h if it allows, or use the smaller km/h scale on the speedometer. Handy conversions: 50 km/h is 31 mph, 80 km/h is 50 mph, 90 is 56, 100 is 62, 110 is 68, 120 is 75 and 130 is 81.
- Speed limitRed ring, black number: the maximum in km/h (mph in the UK).
- Town beginsThe urban limit (usually 50) applies from here.
- Town endsRed diagonal line: back to the rural default.
- Motorway startsBlue or green, depending on the country. The national motorway limit applies unless lower is posted.
- Border boardShown as you enter a country, listing its defaults. Easy to miss, so photograph it.
Speed Limits by Country
These are the national defaults in km/h for cars without trailers. Local signs override them, and limits are often lower near schools, in roadworks or in bad weather.
Motorway speed limits by country
Default limit in km/h, fastest first. A notch marks a lower figure: a range, or a limit for rain or daytime. Germany has no general Autobahn limit; 130 km/h is advised.
- GermanyGermany motorway limit: No limit
- PolandPoland motorway limit: 140
- AustriaAustria motorway limit: 130
- CroatiaCroatia motorway limit: 130
- Czech Rep.Czech Republic motorway limit: 130
- DenmarkDenmark motorway limit: 130
- FranceFrance motorway limit: 110–130
- GreeceGreece motorway limit: 130
- HungaryHungary motorway limit: 130
- ItalyItaly motorway limit: 110–130
- LuxembourgLuxembourg motorway limit: 130
- NetherlandsNetherlands motorway limit: 100–130
- RomaniaRomania motorway limit: 130
- SloveniaSlovenia motorway limit: 130
- BelgiumBelgium motorway limit: 120
- FinlandFinland motorway limit: 120
- IrelandIreland motorway limit: 120
- PortugalPortugal motorway limit: 120
- SpainSpain motorway limit: 120
- SwedenSweden motorway limit: 110–120
- SwitzerlandSwitzerland motorway limit: 120
- UKUnited Kingdom motorway limit: 70 mph
- NorwayNorway motorway limit: 90–110
Speed limits in Europe: comparison table
Default limits in km/h unless marked mph. Swipe sideways on a phone.
| Country | Motorway | Rural | Urban | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Europe | ||||
| France | 130 (110 in rain) | 80 | 50 | New drivers (< 3 yrs): 110 on motorways |
| Germany | No general limit (130 advised) | 100 | 50 | Posted and temporary limits strictly enforced |
| Netherlands | 100 (6am–7pm), 130 (7pm–6am) | 80 | 50 (often 30) | Daytime 100 catches many visitors out |
| Belgium | 120 | 70 Flanders / 90 Wallonia | 50 (30 in Brussels) | — |
| Luxembourg | 130 | 90 | 50 | Lower limits in rain |
| Southern Europe | ||||
| Spain | 120 | 90 | 50 (often 30) | — |
| Portugal | 120 | 90 | 50 | New drivers (< 1 yr): max 100 on motorways |
| Italy | 130 (110 in rain) | 90 | 50 | Tutor average-speed cameras |
| Greece | 130 | 90 | 50 | More fixed cameras since 2022 |
| Croatia | 130 | 90 | 50 | Under-25s: 120 on motorways |
| Northern Europe | ||||
| United Kingdom | 70 mph (113) | 60 mph (97) | 30 mph (48) | Signs are in mph |
| Ireland | 120 | 80 regional / 100 national | 50 | — |
| Sweden | 110–120 | 70–90 | 50 (often 30–40) | — |
| Norway | 90–110 | 80 | 50 (often 30) | Some of Europe's strictest enforcement |
| Denmark | 130 | 80 | 50 | — |
| Finland | 120 | 80 | 50 (often 30–40) | Lower winter limits on some stretches |
| Central & Eastern Europe | ||||
| Austria | 130 | 100 | 50 | Some sections 110 at night (10pm–5am) |
| Switzerland | 120 | 80 | 50 (often 30) | Among Europe's highest fines |
| Poland | 140 (expressway 120) | 90 | 50 (60, 11pm–5am) | One of the few 140 km/h countries |
| Czech Republic | 130 | 90 | 50 | — |
| Hungary | 130 | 90 | 50 | — |
| Romania | 130 | 90–100 | 50 | — |
| Slovenia | 130 | 90 | 50 | — |
Driving through several of these? Plan the route and see the drive time for every leg before you go.
Country-by-country notes
Western Europe
- France: Urban 50 km/h (increasingly 30), Rural 80 km/h, Dual carriageway 110 km/h, Motorway 130 km/h. In rain, motorways drop to 110 and dual carriageways to 100. Since 2019 departments can put two-lane roads back to 90 km/h, and many have, so check the signs. Drivers with under three years' experience are limited to 110 km/h on motorways. See driving in France.
- Germany: Urban 50 km/h, Rural 100 km/h, Motorway no general limit (recommended 130 km/h). Around 30% of the Autobahn network has posted limits, especially near cities, and temporary limits are strictly enforced. See driving in Germany.
- Netherlands: Urban 50 km/h (many zones 30 km/h), Rural 80 km/h, Motorway 100 km/h from 6am to 7pm and up to 130 km/h from 7pm to 6am where signed. The daytime limit was cut to 100 in 2020 and catches many visitors out.
- Belgium: Urban 50 km/h (30 km/h across most of the Brussels Region), Rural 70 km/h in Flanders or 90 km/h in Wallonia, Motorway 120 km/h.
- Luxembourg: Urban 50 km/h, Rural 90 km/h, Motorway 130 km/h, dropping to 110 km/h in rain.
Southern Europe
- Spain: Urban 50 km/h, and 30 km/h on streets with one lane each way; Rural 90 km/h; Motorway and dual carriageway (autopista and autovía) 120 km/h.
- Portugal: Urban 50 km/h, Rural 90 km/h, Motorway 120 km/h, with a 50 km/h minimum on motorways.
- Italy: Urban 50 km/h, Rural 90 km/h, Main dual carriageway 110 km/h, Motorway 130 km/h. In rain, motorways drop to 110 and dual carriageways to 90; when fog cuts visibility below 100 metres, the limit is 50 km/h. Long stretches of the A2 Autostrada del Mediterraneo in the south (the old A3 Salerno to Reggio Calabria, renamed in 2017) are signed below 130. See driving in Italy.
- Greece: Urban 50 km/h, Rural 90 km/h, Motorway 130 km/h. Enforcement has increased in recent years with new fixed cameras on major routes.
- Croatia: Urban 50 km/h, Rural 90 km/h, Expressway 110 km/h, Motorway 130 km/h. Drivers under 24 are limited to 120 km/h on motorways and lower limits elsewhere.
Northern Europe
- United Kingdom: Built-up 30 mph (48 km/h), and 20 mph (32 km/h) by default on most restricted roads in Wales since 2023; Single carriageway 60 mph (97 km/h); Dual carriageway and motorway 70 mph (113 km/h). Visitors from the continent should remember the UK signs speeds in miles per hour.
- Ireland: Urban 50 km/h, Regional roads 80 km/h, National roads 100 km/h, Motorway 120 km/h. Since 2025 the default has dropped to 60 km/h on rural local roads and to 80 km/h on national secondary roads, so watch the signs. Ireland signs in km/h, so expect the change when you cross from Northern Ireland.
- Sweden: Urban 50 km/h (many zones 30 or 40 km/h), Rural 70 to 90 km/h, Motorway 110 to 120 km/h. Limits are generally lower than in central Europe.
- Norway: Urban 50 km/h (many zones 30 km/h), Rural 80 km/h, Motorway 90 to 110 km/h. Enforcement is strict and fines are high.
- Denmark: Urban 50 km/h, Rural 80 km/h (90 on some roads), Motorway 130 km/h.
- Finland: Urban 50 km/h (many zones 30 to 40 km/h), Rural 80 km/h, Motorway 120 km/h. In winter many limits drop by 20 km/h, so 120 becomes 100 and 100 becomes 80.
Central and Eastern Europe
- Austria: Urban 50 km/h, Rural 100 km/h, Motorway 130 km/h. Some motorway sections in Tyrol, including parts of the Inn valley and Brenner routes, have lower limits for air quality, including 110 km/h at night (10pm to 5am).
- Switzerland: Urban 50 km/h (many zones 30 km/h), Rural 80 km/h, Expressway 100 km/h, Motorway 120 km/h. Swiss speeding fines are among the highest in Europe, and fines for serious offences are based on income.
- Poland: Urban 50 km/h at all hours (the old 60 km/h night limit was scrapped in 2021), Rural 90 km/h, Expressway 100 to 120 km/h, Motorway 140 km/h, one of the highest limits in Europe.
- Czech Republic: Urban 50 km/h, Rural 90 km/h, Motorway 130 km/h.
- Hungary: Urban 50 km/h, Rural 90 km/h, Expressway 110 km/h, Motorway 130 km/h.
- Romania: Urban 50 km/h, Rural 90 to 100 km/h, Expressway 120 km/h, Motorway 130 km/h.
- Slovenia: Urban 50 km/h, Rural 90 km/h, Expressway 110 km/h, Motorway 130 km/h.
Speed Camera Types and Enforcement
Fixed Speed Cameras
Permanently mounted cameras, often in grey or yellow housings, are common throughout western Europe. France has several thousand automated cameras, and many newer ones photograph from behind or in both directions, so they catch motorbikes and cars that have already passed.
Average Speed Cameras (Section Control)
These measure your average speed over a stretch, typically 2 to 20 km. They're common in Italy (the Tutor system on motorways), Austria, the Netherlands and the UK, where many are SPECS cameras. Braking for the camera does nothing; it's your average over the section that counts.
Mobile Speed Cameras and Unmarked Vehicles
Handheld radar and laser guns, and cameras in unmarked cars, are used throughout Europe, extensively in France, Germany and Switzerland. Some police cars record your speed while driving in traffic behind you.
Tolerance Levels
Most countries allow a small margin before issuing a fine, but don't rely on it:
- France: 5 km/h below 100 km/h; 5% above 100 km/h.
- Germany: 3 km/h below 100 km/h; 3% above 100 km/h.
- Italy: 5%, with a minimum of 5 km/h.
- Switzerland: 3 to 7 km/h depending on the limit and how it's measured. Even small excesses are expensive.
- Norway: very small in practice; assume any reading over the limit can be fined.
The simple answer is to set the cruise control or limiter a few km/h under the posted limit, whatever country you're in.
How Fines Work for Foreign Drivers
On-the-Spot Fines
Police in many countries can fine you at the roadside, and foreign drivers are often required to pay immediately or leave a deposit. This is common in France, Spain, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and much of eastern Europe. If you can't pay, the car can be held until you do, so carry a card and some cash.
Cross-Border Enforcement Directive
Under the EU Cross-Border Enforcement Directive, in force since 2015, member states can look up the registered keeper of a car from another EU country and send camera fines to the home address. If a camera in France catches a German-registered car, the fine goes to Germany.
In practice, this means:
- Fines from most EU countries follow EU residents home. The UK has been outside the directive since Brexit, so whether a camera fine reaches a UK-registered car depends on the country, but some do pursue UK drivers, often through collection agencies.
- In a hire car the fine always reaches you: the rental company passes on your details or charges your card, usually with an admin fee on top.
- Unpaid fines can come back to you if you return to the country and are stopped there.
Fine Amounts
The range across Europe is huge. These figures are a guide, since several countries update them regularly:
- France: 68 EUR for less than 20 km/h over outside built-up areas; 135 EUR for 20 to 50 km/h over; from 40 km/h over, the police can also suspend your licence on the spot; from 50 km/h over, fines go up to 1,500 EUR.
- Italy: 42 to 173 EUR for up to 10 km/h over; 173 to 695 EUR for 10 to 40 km/h over; 543 to 2,170 EUR for 40 to 60 km/h over. Fines are a third higher between 10pm and 7am.
- Switzerland: from 40 CHF for 1 to 5 km/h over in a built-up area, rising quickly. Above set thresholds (roughly 20 to 35 km/h over, depending on the road) it becomes a criminal offence with income-based fines and a driving ban in Switzerland. Extreme speeding, such as 80 km/h over on a motorway, can mean a prison sentence.
- Norway: even minor offences carry fixed penalties well above most of Europe, and 20 km/h or more over can mean fines of several thousand euros and a ban.
- Germany: modest for small excesses (20 EUR for up to 10 km/h over outside built-up areas), but fines rise steeply for larger ones, and big excesses bring a driving ban.
Country-Specific Quirks Worth Knowing
Beyond the numbers, a few rules regularly trip up visiting drivers:
- France: radar detectors are illegal, and so is any sat-nav or app that shows the location of speed cameras. The fine is up to 1,500 EUR and the device can be confiscated. Navigation apps get round this by showing "danger zones" instead.
- Germany: radar detectors are illegal to use, and so are apps that warn of cameras while you're driving. On the Autobahn, a limit shown on an overhead gantry is binding: if it says 80, you do 80. Roadwork zones are closely monitored.
- Netherlands: the daytime 100 km/h motorway limit is widely ignored, which is why enforcement is heavy. Don't follow the traffic doing 120.
- Italy: the Tutor average-speed system covers large parts of the motorway network, and ZTL and speed camera fines often reach hire-car drivers months after the trip.
- Switzerland: radar detectors are banned outright, even switched off in the car, and sat-nav camera warnings are illegal. Foreign drivers can be banned from driving in Switzerland.
- Scandinavia: limits can change with the seasons. Many roads in Finland and Sweden have lower winter limits, roughly October to March, and local signs override the national defaults.
Waze, Google Maps and TomTom show the current limit, which helps if you miss a sign, but turn off camera alerts in France, Germany and Switzerland.
Netherlands, by time of day
France · in rain
130 → 110
No sign needed: it is on you to know.
Italy · in rain
130 → 110
Lower again in fog or snow.
Austria · some sections at night
130 → 110
10pm–5am, e.g. near Innsbruck and the Brenner route.
How to Stay Safe and Fine-Free
- Watch for variable limits: electronic signs on motorways change limits for traffic, weather or time of day, and they're legally binding.
- Know the wet-weather limits: France, Italy and Luxembourg lower their limits in rain. There's often no sign; it's up to you to know.
- Don't assume your speedometer gives you a margin: by law speedometers can read high but never low, so most show a little more than your true speed. Use it as it reads; don't count on the difference.
- Plan your route: use the road trip planner to see which countries and roads you'll be on, then check those countries' rules before you set off.
For the signs that differ from home, see European road signs explained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a radar detector in Europe?
Mostly no. Radar detectors are illegal in France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria and many other countries, and Switzerland bans even carrying one. They're legal in the UK, but leave yours at home before you cross. In France, Germany and Switzerland, apps or sat-navs that warn of camera locations are also illegal.
Will a European speeding fine put points on my UK licence?
No. Penalty points from EU countries don't transfer to a UK licence. You still owe the fine, the country can ban you from driving there, and unpaid fines can catch up with you if you go back. With a hire car, the rental company will pass the fine on or charge it to your card with an admin fee.
Is there really no speed limit on the German Autobahn?
On about 70% of the network there's no permanent limit, only an advisory 130 km/h. Overhead gantries post temporary limits that are strictly enforced, and near cities, in roadworks and on some stretches, permanent limits of 80 to 130 km/h apply. If you crash while going faster than 130 km/h, you can be held partly liable even if the other driver was at fault.