| | |

Where Can You Drive a Car with EU Plates? Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning a long road trip across Europe or exploring the continent in your own vehicle, understanding where you can drive a car with EU plates is crucial. At CarTurf, we help travelers register and insure vehicles for seamless European adventures. But what happens when you want to venture outside the European Union (EU)? Which countries are covered under insurance, and where do you need extra precautions?

This guide answers all your questions, ensuring you can enjoy hassle-free driving across Europe and beyond.

Where Can You Drive a Car with EU Plates?

The good news is that a vehicle registered in the EU can be driven across most of Europe—and in some neighboring countries—without major complications. However, there are important factors to consider: insurance coverage, temporary import limits, and border regulations.

Let’s break it down.

Countries Covered by CarTurf’s Default Insurance

By default, CarTurf’s vehicle insurance is valid in the following regions:

1. EU and EEA Countries:

  • Austria (A)
  • Belgium (B)
  • Bulgaria (BG)
  • Cyprus (CY)**
  • Czech Republic (CZ)
  • Denmark (DK)
  • Estonia (EST)
  • Finland (FIN)
  • France (F)
  • Germany (D)
  • Greece (GR)
  • Hungary (H)
  • Ireland (IRL)
  • Italy (I)
  • Latvia (LV)
  • Lithuania (LT)
  • Luxembourg (L)
  • Malta (M)
  • Netherlands (NL)
  • Poland (PL)
  • Portugal (P)
  • Romania (RO)
  • Slovakia (SK)
  • Slovenia (SLO)
  • Spain (E)
  • Sweden (S)

2. Other European Countries (Non-EU):

  • Albania (AL)
  • Andorra (AND)
  • Azerbaijan (AZ)**
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH)
  • Iceland (IS)
  • Moldova (MD)
  • Montenegro (MNE)
  • North Macedonia (MK)
  • Norway (N)
  • Serbia (SRB)**
  • Switzerland (CH)
  • Turkey (TR)
  • Ukraine (UA)
  • United Kingdom (UK)

Important Note:
In Cyprus, Serbia, and Azerbaijan, insurance is limited to areas controlled by their respective governments. Double-check these restrictions before you go to avoid any surprises.

Where EU Plates Are NOT Covered by Default Insurance

If you’re driving to these countries, CarTurf’s default insurance does not provide coverage:

  • Belarus (BY)
  • Iran (IR)
  • Morocco (MA)
  • Russia (RUS)
  • Tunisia (TN)

What does this mean?
You can still drive to these destinations, but you’ll need to secure additional insurance. Policies can often be purchased at the border or ahead of time from international providers. Driving uninsured is illegal and can result in significant fines or complications in case of an accident.

Time Limits: Temporary Import Rules

One critical factor to remember is that vehicles with EU plates cannot remain in certain countries indefinitely without being officially imported. Many countries allow temporary use but impose strict time limits. For example:

  • EU/EEA Countries: Typically up to 6 months within a 12-month period.
  • Non-EU Countries: Varies. Some allow only 3 months, while others permit 6 months to 1 year.

Pro Tip: Always check the local regulations before entering a non-EU country to avoid penalties. For example, if you plan to drive your vehicle in Turkey for an extended period, you’ll need to monitor the 6-month rule closely.

Driving Beyond Europe: What to Watch For

When driving in regions like North Africa (Morocco or Tunisia) or further into Eastern Europe (Belarus or Russia), pay attention to:

  1. Insurance Coverage:
    Purchase a short-term policy at the border or from a recognized provider in advance. Always carry your Green Card or equivalent international insurance document.
  2. Vehicle Inspections:
    Some countries require a special inspection or additional documentation at the border, especially for extended stays.
  3. Customs Regulations:
    Overstaying temporary import limits can result in significant fines or even the confiscation of your vehicle. Keep track of your entry and exit dates.

Tips for Stress-Free European Road Trips

  1. Plan Your Route: Map out countries you plan to visit and verify insurance coverage for each. Use CarTurf’s Autopilot Plan to ensure smooth registration and compliance.
  2. Monitor Time Limits: Set reminders to track temporary import durations, especially in non-EU countries.
  3. Secure Additional Insurance: For countries like Morocco, Russia, Azerbaijan, or Belarus, purchase additional policies to stay covered.
  4. Carry Key Documents: Always keep your vehicle registration, insurance papers, and passport handy when crossing borders.

CarTurf: Your Solution for Hassle-Free Vehicle Registration

At CarTurf, we take the guesswork out of buying, registering, and insuring vehicles for long-term European adventures. Whether you’re traveling within the EU or exploring non-EU destinations, we ensure your vehicle is road-legal and compliant with local laws.

Our services include:

  • Registration of any vehicle in Germany (cars, motorhomes, motorcycles, trailers, and more).
  • Reliable insurance coverage across most European countries.
  • Assistance with vehicle purchases, delivery, and selling after your trip.

Ready to Explore Europe by Car?

Driving across Europe with EU plates offers incredible freedom, but it requires careful planning to stay compliant and insured. Whether you’re a retiree, digital nomad, or family traveler, CarTurf ensures you can drive confidently across borders.

Need help getting started?
Contact CarTurf today to learn more about our Autopilot plan and flexible solutions. Let’s get you on the road for your European adventure!

Marcus is from Oregon, USA and has more than 20 years' experience abroad in Russia, Germany, Turkey and other countries. He finds the best of each country and shares that with others whether they are expats, digital nomads or travelers.

Similar Posts