European Motorcycle Rules for the Top 3 Holiday Destinations

TL;DR: If you’re planning a European ride this summer, you’ll need to get to grips with European motorcycle rules for each country you’re planning to tour. What’s fine in one country can be a no-no in another.

Dreaming of sun-drenched roads, breathtaking coastal views, and picturesque villages? Europe offers some of the most incredible motorcycle touring experiences in the world. But before you hit the road, you need to get a handle on the European motorcycle rules. Our ready to ride info box gives you a quick rundown of must-know rules for motorcyclists:

Rules to Know	France	Spain	Italy
Lane splitting/ filtering	Legal (50 km/h limit)	Illegal	Legal (Expected!)
High-vis Vest	Mandatory (carry with you)	Mandatory (carry with you)	Recommended
Gloves	Mandatory (CE Approved)	Mandatory	Recommended
Reflective Helmet Stickers	Mandatory (4 x reflective stickers)	Not Required	Not Required
Pillion Age	Any (with full gear)	12+ (or 7+ with a parent)	16+ (to carry a pillion)
Spare glasses	Recommended	Mandatory	Mandatory

Want a little more detail?

From European licensing requirements and helmet laws to essential gear and local traffic nuances, we’ve got you covered for the UK’s top 3 holiday destinations: Spain, France, and Italy. We cover everything you need for keeping to the right side of traffic rules and having a stress-free epic European motorcycle adventure. We’ve also thrown in details for some of the best riding routes for a little holiday inspiration.

So, whether you’re a seasoned rider or planning your first motorcycle trip across the channel, jump on. We’ve got miles to cover so you’re ready to explore foreign roads with confidence. Let’s roll!

Understanding the basics: European motorcycle rules

While each country has their own motorcycle traffic regulations, a few rules are the same. Before we get into the nitty-gritty of each of the top three holiday destinations, here’s the basics for European motorcycle rules:

• Nearly all European countries are right-hand drive. Stick to the right. Pay extra attention when turning left because you’ll be crossing traffic.
• Motorcycle helmet laws for Europe are the same as ours. You must wear a helmet when you ride. So must your pillion.
• Your full UK motorcycle licence is enough to show you’re qualified to ride in Europe. A CBT certificate is NOT a licence, so you can’t ride in ANY European countries with it—even if you hold a driving licence. You’ll need an A1, A2, or A licence with you whenever you’re riding. A fast-track motorcycle training course lets you upgrade to a full motorcycle licence faster.
• If you have a photocard licence, you’re good to go. If you have an old-style paper licence, or a licence from Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to show with it.
• Turn your lights on with your engine. Most European countries require riders to keep headlights on and dipped when riding – even during the day. It improves your visibility for other road users and keeps you safer. 

European tour paperwork checklist:

When you’re packing your panniers, remember to flat-pack your paperwork too. It’s best to take original documents as copies often aren’t accepted. Here’s what you need:

• UK motorcycle licence: Only an A1, A2 or A licence is acceptable when travelling abroad. CBT certificates are NOT licences, even if you have a UK driving licence. ONLY FULL MOTORCYCLE LICENCES ARE ACCEPTED ABROAD.
• UK passport: Passports must have at least three months validity from the date you plan to leave the countries you’re visiting.
• European insurance documents: Check with your bike insurer if they cover the countries you’ll be visiting. If they do, they’ll give you an insurance “Green Card” to prove you have the minimum required motor insurance coverage in the countries you’re visiting. This can be provided on green paper (hence the name) or as a digital copy to keep on your devices. Pack the paper copies in case devices fail when you need them.
• The V5C document: otherwise known as your logbook.
• Motorcycle tax certificate: To show your motorcycle is legal for road use in the UK.
• MOT certificate: To show your motorcycle is road worthy.

Holiday destination deep-dives

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of each of the top three European holiday destinations for motorcyclists. First on the menu is Spain…

Spain motorcycle lane-splitting laws and other rules you need to know

Spain offers some exhilarating riding experiences. From the awe-inspiring scenery of the Pyrenees to the super smooth tarmac of the Andalusian plains, it’s the perfect place for a motorcycle tour.

Better yet, motorcycle tourists are welcome! The vibrant culture, delicious local dishes, and warm, dry riding climate are ideal. Make sure you’re aware of the country’s specific traffic regulations. And, of course, the warmer climate calls for well-ventilated riding gear. So, let’s cover the essential information you need for a fantastic motorcycle holiday in Spain.

Riding rules for motorcycles in Spain

• Filtering through traffic isn’t allowed in Spain. Doing so could land you with a hefty fine.
• Pillion passengers must be 12 or older. If you’re their parent or guardian, you can pillion your child as young as 7 years old. Of course, they’ll need a European safety standard helmet and to sit with their feet firmly on their footpegs. 
• Speed limits through towns, villages and urban areas are 20 km/h. That’s just 12 mph. Pay close attention to speed signs as you ride into populated areas.
• Ride with headlights on but dipped—even in the middle of the day.
• Budget for toll roads. Spanish motorways (Autopistas) often have tolls, though many are becoming free. 

Essential safety gear must be worn or carried with you when you ride. Here’s what you need:

• Approved motorcycle helmet.
• Motorcycle gloves.
• Motorcycle boots.
• Carry a reflective high-visibility vest. You MUST put this on if you pull over on the side of the road—even if it’s just to take a few snaps of the amazing scenery. 
• A spare set of specs in your pack if you wear glasses for riding.

Best motorcycle routes in Spain

The twisty roads through the Pyrenees, and other routes through northern Spain get a great rap. The roads are well maintained and offer challenges for all levels of rider experience.

FAQs about motorcycle rules in Spain

Requirements for riding a motorcycle in France you need to know before you go

France is our second favourite place for a holiday for good reason. Expect delicious food, wines and some gorgeous scenery to boot. French people famously love motorcycles, and the best parts of France for motorcycle touring are in the south. But France also has some of the most finicky rules for motorcyclists, so be a stickler for details before you hit the roads there.

Riding a motorcycle in France

• Filtering through heavy traffic on motorways is legal. Only filter through traffic on motorways and dual carriageways. Limit your speed to 50 km. Don’t overtake other filtering motorcycles. Stick to the outside left lanes, specifically the two lanes furthest to the left, for filtering.
• Pillion passengers must have full safety gear in France, just like riders. That includes a helmet, high-visibility vest, and gloves. Your motorcycle must have a seat and pegs for your pillion passenger.
• Speed limits are usually higher than the UK and signed in kilometres, not miles. Speed limits change according to weather conditions on motorways. If it’s raining the speed limit drops from 130 kmph to 110 kmph, so stay alert for signs and changes.
• Essential safety gear includes a helmet and gloves. Sharp ratings, which are more common if you’re buying a lid in the UK, recognise UN ECE regulations. If your lid has a SHARP star rating of one star or more, you’ll be compliant across Europe.
• Four reflective stickers must be placed on your helmet to aid visibility.

You must carry a high-visibility vest.

Best motorcycle routes in France

The two to three day Great Alpine Road motorcycle tour from Switzerland to the border of Italy is highly recommended by Honda. Expect divine scenery and challenging twists and inclines. Route Napoleon is perfect for history buffs. Remember to plan your route carefully and carry the correct paperwork with you.

If the thought of Alpine hairpins makes you nervous, our Advanced Riding Training is the perfect way to build your confidence before you hit the Great Alpine Road. 

FAQs about French motorcycle rules

Tips for motorcycling in Italy

Italy offers vibrant culture, varied landscapes and plenty of history to soak in. No doubt, that’s why it’s the third most popular holiday destination for Brits. When it comes to motorcycle tours, the European motorcycle rules aren’t that far different from other countries on the continent.

Riding rules for motorcycles and scooters in Italy

• Filtering and lane splitting is legal in Italy. In fact, it’s not only legal, it’s expected. Not filtering is likely to confuse motorists behind you, so move to the front of traffic at red lights. Pay attention to what you’re doing, only filter in slow moving traffic, and be on high alert for hazards; just as you would do if filtering traffic in the UK.
• Rules about carrying pillion passengers differ depending on your age and your machine. Under 16s can’t carry a pillion at all. If you’re 18 or over, have a full licence and ride a motorcycle of 50cc or more, you can carry a pillion. Your passenger must wear proper protective gear, your bike needs a seat and footpegs, and you shouldn’t exceed your machine’s weight limit.
• Speed limits are a little higher than in the UK. Signs are in kilometres, not miles. When you hit the motorway, the speed sign showing 130 translates to around 80 mph. Main roads outside urban areas tend to be limited to around 110 km (68 mph). Many Autostrade use the “Tutor” average speed system, so pay attention to changing speed limit signs.
• Budget for toll roads. Many of the motorways have tolls. Prepare to pay along the way.
• Avoid ZTL areas unless you have the proper permit. These camera-policed travel areas are marked with white circular signs with a red border. Entering one without a permit is an automatic fine that often arrives in the post months later. They’re found in most historic Italian city centers (Florence, Rome, Pisa).
• Wear all essential motorcycle gear when riding in Italy, including an ECE 22-06 approved helmet. High-visibility vests, motorcycle gloves and first aid kits are optional but recommended, especially for motorcycle tours.

Keep your headlight on and dipped when riding, even on bright, sunshiney days.

Best motorcycle routes in Italy

The north west of the country is ideal for on and off-road touring. Here, you’ll find exciting tarmaced and off-road routes in the Liguria, Valle D’Aosta and Piedmont regions. The Italian Alps and lakes of Lombardy also beckon riders with an adventurous spirit.

Mastering slow-speed balance is key for those tight Italian hairpins and busy city filtering—our PROskills course or a day of trail riding with us are great ways to refine those technical skills before you go.

FAQs about motorcycle rules in Italy

Motorcycle laws in Europe

European motorcycle rules differ slightly from country to country. Think you know what’s what? Test yourself with our Ride-Ready quiz to see if you’ve mastered the rules of the road for Spain, France, and Italy. (No peeking back up the page!)

1. True or False? You can ride your 125cc in Spain on a CBT certificate if you have a full UK car licence.
2. True or False? French law requires you to add four reflective stickers on your helmet.
3. True or False? In Italy, filtering to the front of traffic is legal, but considered rude and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
4. True or False? You must carry a spare pair of glasses in Spain if you need them for riding.
5. True or False? If it rains on a French motorway, the speed limit drops from 130 km/h to 110 km/h.

(Answers: 1. False, 2. True, 3. False, 4. True, 5. True)

Covering more than one country in a single holiday means checking laws and rules before you go. It’ll make your amazing holiday on two wheels as stress-free as possible.If planning your own grand European motorcycle trip feels a little too much, why not check out our upcoming European Tours and let us take care of the finer details?