Big chance you?re planning on taking your bike on holiday with you. We don?t blame you, as there is nothing as relaxing as discovering new countries and terrains on bike. However, there are some interesting rules when it comes to motorcycles. That?s why we?ve put together a list of the most important rules per country:
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.
Germany
- Lane splitting is illegal.
- You are permitted to ride as fast as you want (unless there is a speed limit). Advised speed is 130 km/h (80 mph) on motorways.
- Maximum speed on secondary roads is 100 km/h (60 mph).
- German police regularly patrol the popular roads during the weekend. They are also very strict when it comes to noise, so make sure your dB-killers are installed.
- You are required by law to carry a reflective vest.
Belgium
- You are required by law to wear clothing that covers your arms and legs, and shoes that cover your ankles. Motorcycle gloves are also mandatory.
- It is mandatory to wear (and also to carry) a reflective vest in case of a breakdown.
- The maximum speed on motorways is 120km/h (75 mph).
- Children are only allowed to ride on the back of a motorcycle (125cc or higher) if they 8 years of age or older.
France
- The maximum speed on motorways is 130 km/h (80 mph), unless stated otherwise.
- Motorists who have had their driving license for less than two years have a maximum speed of 100 km/h (60 mph) on the motorways.
- Every motorist is required by law to carry an alcohol tester with them, this included motorcylists.
- CE certified gloves are mandatory.
- Using your low beam is mandatory.
- Navigation devices with speed camera alerts are not permitted (this function must be disabled).
- Lane splitting is illegal.
- It is mandatory to wear motorcycle clothing with a minimum of 150 cm2 reflective material.
- During bad weather or when riding at night it is required by law to wear a yellow reflective vest.
Spain
- The maximum speed on motorways is 120 km/h (75 mph).
- On secondary roads the limit is 90 km/h (55 mph).
- Using your low beam is mandatory.
- Children under 12 are not allowed to be transported by motorcycle.
Portugal
- The maximum speed on motorways is 120 km/h (75 mph).
- Motorists who have had their driving license for less than a year have a maximum speed of 90 km/h (55 mph). This is the general speed limit for all motorists on secondary roads.
- Using your low beam is mandatory.
- Children under 7 are not allowed to be transported by motorcycle.
- There is a peculiar overtaking ban for motorcyclists. The traffic sign pictures a black car on the right and a red motorcycle on the left: ?It is forbidden for motorcycles and mopeds to overtake motor vehicles?.
Italy
- The speed limit on the Italian motorways is 130 km/h (80 mph).
- Using your low beam is mandatory.
- It is illegal to transport children under 5 by motorcycle.
- Attention: Italy is very strict when it comes to motorcycles, this is due to reducing the amount of traffic victims. Small things can turn into large fines.
Great Britain
- In Great Britain all traffic drives on the left, and the speed over a distance is expressed in miles per hour.
- Motorway speed limit is 70 mph (112 km/h), secondary roads is 60 mph (96 km/h) and built-up areas is 30 mph (48 km/h).
- Passengers in a side-car are not required to wear a motorcycle helmet.
- Using your low beam is not mandatory.
- Lane splitting is permitted in Great-Britain (max. 30 km/h - 18 mph).
Austria
- A vignette is required for motorways.
- Children under 12 are not allowed to be transported by motorcycle.
- During the day the maximum speed on the motorway is 130 km/h (80 mph). Between 12AM and 5AM the maximum speed is 100 km/h (60 mph).
- EHBO-kit is required by law.
- Wearers of glasses are required by law to carry an extra pair of glasses.
Switzerland
- Wearers of glasses are required by law to carry an extra pair of glasses.
- Navigation devices with speed camera alerts are strictly forbidden.
- A vignette is required for motorways.
- ? Maximum speed on the motorway is 120 km/h (75 mph).
Drive safe and have fun on holiday!
2020-10-30 15:09:27