Be aware of the rules when driving from France to Italy, Germany or Spain

Although there are a myriad of places to visit in France and the French are fond of domestic holidays, many will undoubtedly cross the border into other countries this summer.

Holidaymakers most commonly drive to Spain and Italy, as well as to Germany. 

Drivers planning to take these trips should be aware of some country-specific rules however, to avoid any fines or difficulties when on the road. 

We review rules in these countries. 

Italy 

Similarly to France, Italy has rules requiring drivers in mountainous areas to use ‘winter tyres’ on their vehicles over the colder months. This can have an impact in the summer months also.

Regulations are stricter, and can see those driving with the wrong tyres fined some €1,700. 

It is important to note that this applies not just to those driving without the appropriate tyres in the winter, but also to those driving with the wrong type of tyre during the summer. 

Whilst there is no specific ban on using all season tyres during the summer (mid-April - mid-October), they cannot be used if their speed index (the maximum speed at which the tyre can safely be driven) is lower than that shown on your vehicle’s registration certificate. 

Do not use winter tyres in summer months.

Therefore it is important to check your tyres comply even if driving through the Alpine areas. 

Note the Mont Blanc tunnel will close for several months later this year. 

Drivers transporting bikes on their vehicle must display a reflective sign showing five red and white stripes. This must be displayed even if the bike rack is empty.

In one piece of good news however, a recent rule change means speed cameras in the country must be more clearly visible for drivers, and focus chiefly on preventing accidents rather than generating revenue. 

Spain 

New laws mean that vehicles must soon be equipped with a ‘V16 flashing lamp’ that can be placed on the top of the vehicle in the event of a breakdown. 

This is to replace the warning triangles – such as those used in France – as it is safer for the driver to set up, and the lanterns also have a GPS connected inside them to help authorities locate vehicles.

However, the law is only set to come into force on January 1, 2026, and foreign-registered vehicles including French are exempt from it. 

In this case, drivers will still need to use their warning triangles in their vehicle in the event of a breakdown. 

If you are hiring a Spanish-registered vehicle when on holiday from 2026 onwards, ensure the vehicle has a flashing lamp inside that you can use, otherwise you can face up to €200 in fines.

Similarly to Italy, drivers transporting a bike must use a reflective sticker on their vehicle, although in Spain it needs to display three diagonal red stripes. It is possible to purchase reversible bike rack stickers that cover requirements in multiple countries.

If you want to use your car in Ibiza, you will need to obtain a permit in advance, as there is a daily limit on the number of non-resident drivers on the island.

You may also see some new road markings championed in the country, used to indicate more clearly where overtaking is forbidden, as well as new fog warning signs, originally French but recently adopted by its Iberian neighbours.

Germany 

Germany has rules similar to those in France about how vehicles must be equipped. 

All vehicles driving through Germany, including foreign vehicles, must have a fluorescent jacket, warning triangles, and a first aid kit inside. 

In addition, carrying a breathalyser kit is strongly recommended and, if driving in certain cities and urban areas, an environmental sticker – Umweltplakette, similar to France’s Crit’Air vignette - must be used.