Safely through Europe with your trailer: You are travelling abroad with your trailer and don't know which speed limits apply in the respective country? While there are no speed limits on many motorways in Germany, the regulations in other countries are very different. In this article you will find all the important information on speed limits for cars and trailers in Europe.
Information on speed limits for trailers in Europe
Just like in Germany, other European countries have reduced speed limits when driving with trailers. Outside built-up areas, the maximum speed limit for trailers is usually 70-90 km/h. On motorways, the speed limit is 80-130 km/h. On motorways, 80-130 km/h are permitted with the trailer. In some countries there are exceptions to the speed limits for cars with trailers. For example, trailers with certain permits or 100 km/h stickers are allowed to drive 100 km/h outside towns and on motorways. In other countries, such as Belgium and France, speeds of over 100 km/h are even permitted.
Overview of current speed limits in Europe - cars and trailers
In the following table you will find an overview of the speed limits and exceptions currently in force in Europe for passenger cars and trailers (in km/h):
*Source: ADAC
In general, always pay attention to the signposting in the respective countries.
(1) Belgium:
- In the Brussels region, the maximum speed limit is 30 km/h in built-up areas, in the Walloon region, the maximum speed limit is 90 km/h in built-up areas.
- On motorways and dual carriageways, 90 km/h applies to combinations over 3.5 t.
(2) Denmark:
- Outside built-up areas, 70 km/h applies to caravans over 3.5 tonnes.
- On motorways, the speed limit is 100 km/h for caravans with a valid sticker.
(3) Germany: With a valid sticker, 100 km/h is permitted on motorways for caravans.
(4) Finland:
- From October to March, the speed limit is reduced by 20 km/h outside built-up areas and on motorways.
- For unbraked trailers, 60 km/h applies outside towns and on motorways.
(5) France:
- In case of precipitation or for novice drivers (driving licence under 3 years), 100 km/h applies on motorways and 110 km/h on motorways.
- For carriages over 3.5 t, 90 km/h on dual carriageways and motorways.
(6) Italy: In case of precipitation / snow or for novice drivers (driving licence under 3 years), 90 km/h applies on motorways and 100 km/h on motorways (cars, motorbikes and sidecars up to 3.5 t).
(7) Croatia: Different regulations apply for drivers under 25 years of age, see ADAC.
(8) Netherlands:
- From 6am-19pm 100 km/h applies, from 7pm-6pm 120-130 km/h applies depending on the signage (cars, motorbikes and sidecars up to 3.5 t).
- On motorways and motorways, 80 km/h applies to car and motorcycle combinations over 3.5 t.
(9) Norway: A maximum speed of 60 km/h applies to unbraked trailers outside built-up areas and on motorways.
(10) Austria:
- From 10-5 p.m., a maximum speed of 110 km/h applies to passenger cars on the following motorways: Tauern motorway (A10), Inntal motorway (A12), Brenner motorway (A13) and Rheintal motorway (A14).
- Four cases are distinguished in Austria with regard to speed limits for hitched vehicles, see ADAC.
(11) Sweden: For unbraked trailers, a speed limit of 40 km/h applies if the unladen weight or the permissible total weight of the trailer is half the unladen weight of the towing vehicle.
(12) Switzerland: For trailers under 3.5 t, 100 km/h applies on motorways and motorways.
(13-14) Slovakia and Slovenia: For trailers over 3.5 t, 80 km/h applies outside towns and on motorways.
(15) Spain:
- Depending on the type of road, different regulations apply, see ADAC.
- For trailers over 0.75 t, 80 km/h applies on motorways.
Fines for speeding abroad
Speeding abroad can be expensive. In some European countries, the fines are significantly higher than in Germany. For example, if you drive 20 km/h too fast in Norway, you can expect a fine of over 460 euros. Therefore, find out about the speed limits and traffic regulations in the country of entry before you start your journey. Here you will find an overview of the fines in Europe.