On the road
What to Do on the Road in Europe: Breakdowns, Tolls and Fines
Verdict
Know three things before the first border: the number to call, the tolls you pay afterwards, and who pays a fine.
112 works in every country on this site. Some motorways have no barrier, and paying is your job afterwards: 72 hours in France, 15 days in Italy. A fine on a hire car is yours, plus the rental company's admin fee.
This section is for the trip itself, once the planning is done. Each card below opens the page with the full rules and their sources.
Keep the car kit list on your phone before you leave: it holds the breakdown numbers for every country on this site and opens with no signal.
If something goes wrong
- GuideBreakdowns and accidents112, the motorway rules and when the police must comeChecked 4 October 2026
- Guide112 and who else to callThe breakdown numbers for every country on this site, on the car kit list
Pay after you drive
- GuideFree-flow tolls in France and ItalyNo barrier: 72 hours in France, 15 days in ItalyChecked 18 September 2026
- GuideBritain and IrelandDartford by midnight the next day, London's ULEZ and Dublin's M50Checked 5 October 2026
- GuideNorwayAutoPASS, Oslo's toll ring and road ferries, by postChecked 5 October 2026
Fines
- GuideTraffic fines comparedThe same six offences priced in four countriesChecked 1 October 2026
- GuideFines without a vignetteWhat being caught costs, country by countryChecked 18 September 2026
- GuideFines on a hire carWho pays, the notice that arrives months later, and the fee on topChecked 1 October 2026