Tips for driving in Estonia
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Updated:
20 April 2024
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Advice, Checklist & Legal Requirements
Essentials
You can drive in Estonia on a UK driving licence. If you intend to drive your own vehicle in Estonia you must also have the original V5 C (Vehicle Registration Document). The Estonian Border Guards will impound your vehicle if you do not have this.
Driver's checklist:
- · Valid driving licence
- · Proof of identification (passport)
- · Insurance documents (third part or above)
- · Vehicle Registration Document (V5)
If you do not own the vehicle you are driving, you are advised to obtain written permission from the registered owner.
Driver safety
Road traffic accidents are common. Extra care must be taken at all times when driving, particularly after dark and on major highways. In 2012 there were 87 road deaths in Estonia. This equates to 6.5 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 2.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2012.
Legal Requirements
Seat belts are required for all passengers, whether in the front or back seat of the vehicle. All children must use a suitable restraining system.
Equipment required by drivers:
It is compulsory in Estonia to carry the following safety equipment within any vehicle with more than 2 wheels:
- · Two Warning triangles
- · Headlamp converters
- · First aid kit
- · Spare bulb kit
Speed Limits
Standard speed limits (km/h) unless otherwise stated by traffic signs:
Urban roads (31 mph).
Non-urban roads (56 mph).
Motorways / expressways (56 mph). Summer time: 110 km/h (68 mph) on dual carriageways.
In-car radar detectors are illegal whether they are in use or not. On-the-spot fines are severe.
Alcohol Consumption
Do not drink and drive. The legal limit is zero. Those found over the limit face a fine and possible imprisonment.
Mobile Phones
Using a mobile phone while driving is not allowed but the use of 'hands free' equipment is allowed.
Headlights
By law, headlights of vehicles must be on at all times, including daylight hours.
Driving in Winter
Winter tyres are a legal requirement from 1 December to 1 March every year, but if there are severe weather conditions outside these dates (likely in most years) the dates will change accordingly. You should therefore check local conditions if driving in Estonia between October and April.
General Driving Advice
So to recap here is our checklist for driving in Estonia:
- Ensure you have proper documentation: valid driving licence, ID, driving insurance covering driving in Estonia, vehicle registration document (V5), proof of ownership (registration certification).
- Take plenty of breaks when driving long distances.
- Ensure all passengers are wearing seat belts.
- Ensure your car is equipped with the following safety equipment: 2 Warning triangles, Headlamp converters, First aid kit, Spare bulb kit and snow chains. Especially if travelling to snowier parts of Estonia.
- Check fuel compatibility as some fuels may not be compatible with your vehicle.
- Do not drink and drive.
- Observe local speed limits – as a general rule built up areas have limits of 50km/h (31 mph), outside built up areas are 90km/h (56mph).
- Dipped headlights are mandatory even in daytime conditions.
Driving to Estonia through another destination? You might like to read our guides to:
Need breakdown cover for Estonia? Eurobreakdown.com can provide you with comprehensive single trip breakdown cover or annual multi trip breakdown policies with a best price guarantee.
Reference: The statistics mentioned on this page were sourced from the Reported Road Casualties Great Britain:2012 Annual Report and, to the best of Eurobreakdown.com’s knowledge, are correct at the time of publication (June 2014).
For general European driving tips click here