Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore the world on your own terms. However, to ensure your journey is safe and successful, it's crucial to understand the local traffic laws.

Before you start the engine, remember the most important rule: never drive after consuming alcohol. This is the foundation of responsible driving, no matter which country you're in. Now, let's look at what you need to know in the countries you can travel to with Flex To Go.

Poland: What to Know on Local Roads

When driving in Poland, there are a few key local rules that are important for every driver to know. In Poland, it's mandatory to drive with low-beam headlights on 24 hours a day, regardless of the season. This rule significantly improves visibility and safety. Using a mobile phone while driving is treated just as strictly—it's only allowed via a hands-free system, and the fine for violating this is steep.

Speed limits are clearly defined:

• 50 km/h in urban areas (note: the "urban area" sign is valid until a sign cancels it).

• 90 km/h outside urban areas on two-lane roads.

• 100 km/h on roads with at least two lanes in each direction.

• 120 km/h on expressways.

• 140 km/h on highways (autostrady).

It's also worth noting that average speed enforcement cameras are becoming increasingly common, so driving from memory can be costly.

Source:

Prawo o ruchu drogowym – Dziennik Ustaw (access: 22.09.2025)

USA, Florida: Different Units and a Red Light Rule

When traveling in Florida, the first thing to get used to is miles instead of kilometers (1 mile ≈ 1.6 km). All speed limits and distances are posted in miles per hour (mph).

Standard limits are around 30 mph (48 km/h) in residential areas. However, be extremely vigilant near schools—in "school zones" during specific morning and afternoon hours, the limit drops to just 15-20 mph (24-32 km/h) and is strictly enforced. On major roads and interstate highways, the limit is typically between 55 and 70 mph (88-112 km/h).

The biggest surprise for many European drivers is the common rule allowing a right turn on a red light. Unless a sign prohibits it, you may make the turn after coming to a complete stop and ensuring you do not obstruct traffic. On the other hand, the "Move Over Law" is taken very seriously; it requires you to change lanes or slow down significantly when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with its lights activated.

Sources:

1.     Florida Statutes §316.183 – Unlawful Speed (access: 22.09.2025)

2.     Florida Statutes §316.187 – Establishment of State Speed Zones (access: 22.09.2025)

3.     Florida Statutes §316.075 – Traffic Control Signal Devices (access: 22.09.2025)

4.     Florida Statutes §316.126 – Operation of Vehicles Approaching Emergency Vehicles (access: 22.09.2025)

Germany: Rules of the Autobahn and Beyond

The famous German Autobahn does not mean a complete absence of rules. While many sections have no legal speed limit, there is a recommended speed of 130 km/h. Importantly, if you are involved in a collision while driving faster than the recommended speed, a court may find you partially responsible, even if you didn't cause the accident.

Away from the Autobahn, the limits are fixed: 50 km/h in cities and 100 km/h outside urban areas. A fundamental rule is that the left lane is for passing only. After passing, you must immediately move back to the right. A key part of the driving culture is forming an emergency corridor (Rettungsgasse) during traffic jams: vehicles in the left lane move as far left as possible, while vehicles in all other lanes move to the right.

Sources:

1.     Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung (StVO) §3 – Geschwindigkeit (access: 22.09.2025)

2.     Autobahn-Richtgeschwindigkeits-Verordnung 1978 (access: 22.09.2025)

Saint Martin: Two Countries, One Relaxed Pace

The island of Saint-Martin / Sint Maarten is unique as it is divided into a French part (Saint-Martin) and a Dutch part (Sint Maarten). Drivers use the right side of the road across the entire island. In urban areas, a speed limit of 50 km/h applies to both the French and Dutch sides.

Formally, the French part adheres to the French Highway Code (50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h outside urban areas, 110 km/h on expressways, and 130 km/h on highways). In reality, the island is small and dominated by two-lane roads; wider sections do not meet the standard of expressways or highways. Actual speeds are often lower due to narrow, winding roads and the local driving style. Drivers should be especially cautious in tourist areas and where animals might be on the road.

Sources:

1.     Code de la route – Article R413-2 (Legifrance) (access: 22.09.2025)

2.     Visit St. Maarten – Travel Info, sekcja „Transportation” (access: 23.09.2025)

3.     St-Martin.org – Getting Around St. Martin (access: 23.09.2025)

Albania: What to Watch for on the Roads

Road conditions in Albania vary: main routes are often modern, but local roads can have uneven surfaces and other hazards. According to official regulations, the maximum speed limit is 40 km/h in cities, 80 km/h outside cities, and up to 110 km/h on highways. Adhering to these limits is important, as police checks are relatively frequent. Drivers should be particularly careful in mountainous areas where roads can be narrow and winding. It's wise to leave extra time when planning your journey, especially if you're traveling off the main routes or after dark.

Source:

WHO – Road Safety Country Profile: Albania 2023 (PDF) (access: 23.09.2025)

Morocco: The Driving Experience In and Out of the City

Traffic in Moroccan cities is intense and can seem chaotic to visitors. Speed limits in Morocco are as follows: 60 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h in urban areas on main routes, 100 km/h outside urban areas, and 120 km/h on highways. It is useful to have cash (dirhams) for highway tolls, though cards are accepted in many places. In cities, the horn is often used as a communication tool between drivers rather than a sign of aggression. At roundabouts, vehicles already on them generally have the right of way, although in practice, traffic is very fluid and requires assertiveness.

Source:

Wikipedia FR – Code de la route (Maroc) (access: 23.09.2025)

Greece: What to Know Behind the Wheel

Driving in Greece can be different from what drivers from other EU countries are used to, so it's always wise to pay close attention to signs and follow local rules. Nationwide speed limits are: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h outside urban areas, 110 km/h on expressways, and 130 km/h on highways. On mountainous and island roads, actual speeds are usually much lower due to sharp turns and the heavy presence of scooters and quads.

Source:

European Union – Your Europe: Driving in Greece (Speed limits) (access: 23.09.2025)

Speed Limits in Flex To Go Locations at a Glance