Riding a motorcycle abroad? Discover the rules

There’s a good chance you’ll head out on your motorcycle during summer, and rightly so, because there’s nothing better than discovering a country on two wheels. Within Europe, however, there are many different rules when it comes to motorcycling. That’s why we’ve put together an overview of the most important regulations per country.

Germany

• Lane splitting is not allowed for motorcycles.
• On motorways, there is no general speed limit unless indicated. The advisory speed is 130 km/h.
• The maximum speed on secondary roads is 100 km/h.
• German police regularly carry out checks on popular motorcycle roads during weekends. They are also very strict on noise levels, so make sure dB killers are installed.
• You are required to carry a reflective vest.

Belgium

• You must wear clothing that covers arms and legs, shoes that cover the ankles, and gloves while riding.
• Wearing a yellow safety vest is mandatory in case of a breakdown, and you must carry one.
• The maximum speed on motorways is 120 km/h.
• Children may only be carried if they are over 8 years old and the motorcycle has an engine capacity above 125cc.

France

• The maximum speed on motorways is 130 km/h, unless stated otherwise.
• Riders who have held their licence for less than two years may ride a maximum of 100 km/h on motorways.
• All drivers, including motorcyclists, must carry a breathalyser.
• CE approved gloves are mandatory.
• Using dipped headlights is compulsory.
• Navigation systems with speed camera warnings are not allowed and must be disabled.
• Lane splitting is not permitted.
• Motorcycle clothing with at least 150 cm² of reflective material is required.
• In poor weather or when riding at night, wearing a yellow safety vest is mandatory.

Spain

• The maximum speed on motorways is 120 km/h.
• The maximum speed on secondary roads is 90 km/h.
• Using dipped headlights is compulsory.
• Children under the age of 12 may not be carried on a motorcycle.

Portugal

• The maximum speed on motorways is 120 km/h.
• Riders who have held their licence for less than one year may not exceed 90 km/h. This is also the speed limit on secondary roads.
• Using dipped headlights is compulsory.
• Children under the age of 7 may not be carried as a passenger.
• Notably, Portugal has an overtaking ban for motorcycles. The road sign shows a black car on the right and a red motorcycle on the left, indicating that motorcycles and mopeds are not allowed to overtake motor vehicles.

Italy

• The maximum speed on Italian motorways is 130 km/h.
• Using dipped headlights is compulsory.
• It is forbidden to carry a child under the age of 5 as a passenger.
• Please note: Italy is quite strict with motorcyclists in an effort to reduce traffic casualties. Minor offences can quickly result in high fines.

Great Britain

• In Great Britain, traffic drives on the left and speed is measured in miles.
• Motorways: 70 mph (112 km/h), secondary roads: 60 mph (96 km/h), urban areas: 30 mph (48 km/h).
• Passengers in a sidecar are not required to wear a helmet.
• Using dipped headlights is not compulsory.
• Lane filtering is allowed, up to a maximum speed of 30 km/h.

Austria

• A motorway vignette is required.
• Children under the age of 12 may not be carried as a passenger.
• The daytime motorway speed limit is 130 km/h. Between midnight and 5:00 am, this is reduced to 100 km/h.
• A first aid kit is mandatory.
• Riders who wear glasses must carry a spare pair.

Switzerland

• Riders who wear glasses must carry a spare pair.
• Navigation systems with speed camera functions are strictly prohibited.
• A motorway vignette is mandatory.
• The maximum speed on motorways is 120 km/h.

The Netherlands

• Traffic coming from the right always has right of way, unless stated otherwise.
• Maximum speed on motorways is 130 km/h (80 mph).
• Lane splitting is not forbidden, as long as you use the leftmost lane and your speed does not exceed that of the cars by 10 km/h (6 mph).
• Lane splitting at traffic lights is also tolerated, as long as it is done carefully and neatly.

These are the most important traffic regulations for the European countries most frequently visited by motorcyclists. Ride safely with the right motorcycle helmet and motorcycle clothing. Ride safe and enjoy your holiday!