Renting a car in Europe in 2026: country conditions and accepted licences

Renting a car for a European road trip has become a French holiday classic. But conditions vary noticeably across countries: minimum age, young driver surcharge, insurance, excess, accepted licence type. In 2026, the French licence remains valid throughout the EU, but practical details can turn a simple rental into a costly surprise. Here is a country by country tour to prepare your rental safely.

Spain: French top destination

Spain is the first rental destination for the French. Minimum age is generally 21, sometimes 25 for sport categories. Drivers 21-25 pay a young surcharge (15 to 30 euros per day). The French licence (card or old pink version) is accepted with no international permit needed. CDW excess often reaches 1 200 to 1 500 euros, buyable for 10 to 15 euros per day. Watch out for rented scooters: insist on a homologated helmet.

Common pitfalls in Spain

Fuel tank must be returned full, otherwise the rental firm bills fuel at a marked-up rate. Some southern motorway tolls (Andalusia, Catalonia) are no longer free since 2024: budget 30 to 50 euros per week. Blue or orange zone parking is strict, fines can be passed to the rental firm which charges admin fees. Check scratches before departure with photos.

Italy: dense traffic and ZTL

In Italy, minimum age is 21, young surcharge up to 25. The French licence suffices. CDW excess is high (1 500 to 2 000 euros). Italian specifics: ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato) banned to non-residents in city centres (Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice pedestrian). A ZTL fine to the rental firm passes to your card with admin fees (up to 50 euros). Check before entering any major city.

Germany: unlimited motorway and strict rules

Germany requires minimum age 18 at some economy agencies, more often 21. The French licence is accepted without formality. Motorways (Autobahn) have unlimited sections, but recommended limit is 130 km/h. Beware aggressive German drivers in the left lane: stay right if going slower. CDW excess is moderate (700 to 1 000 euros). Fuel must be returned full.

German environmental sticker

Since 2008, German city centres (Berlin, Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt) require an environmental sticker (Umweltplakette). The rental firm normally fits it on the windshield, but check. Without a sticker in a banned zone, the fine is 80 euros. Recent rental cars are almost all green sticker (category 4), so allowed everywhere.

United Kingdom: left-hand driving

After Brexit, the French licence remains valid for short tourist stays up to 12 months. Minimum age is 21, sometimes 25 for London. Young surcharge up to 25 (10 to 25 pounds per day). CDW excess can exceed 2 000 pounds. Specific: left-hand driving, reverse roundabouts, different signage. If you are less experienced, avoid central London and favour the countryside. Top-up insurance is strongly recommended.

Portugal: economical and touristic

Portugal has conditions close to Spain: 21 minimum, young surcharge. CDW excess is moderate. Tolls on A1 motorway (Lisbon-Porto) are electronic with no booth: the rental firm often activates a Via Verde device and bills tolls plus fees on your card. Check the contract. Country roads can be narrow: take your time. Fuel is cheaper than France, about 0.15 euros per litre less in 2026.

International permit outside the EU

For non-EU countries (UK long stays, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Balkan countries), an international permit (IDP) may be required. It is obtained free via the Permis International online service of the Interior Ministry, 4 to 11 week delay. Check rental conditions at booking. Multi-risk travel insurance often covers part of the excess: compare offers before subscribing to the rental firm excess buyback, more expensive.