Tips for motorists vacationing in Lithuania

Different countries, different customs: If you’re driving in Lithuania on vacation, you should be aware of the differences and special rules that set Lithuanian roads and motorways apart from those in Germany.

As the online portal www.auto.de explained in its magazine, you should find out well before your vacation begins which rules apply to motorists in the country you’re visiting. There are numerous regulations, and failure to observe them can result in hefty fines.

Twenty-one European countries have recently become particularly strict about driving without lights during the day. In the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Poland, Norway, North Macedonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Croatia, Iceland, Finland, Estonia, Denmark, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, motorists must also turn on their headlights during the day. Forgetting or failing to do so can quickly put a dent in your vacation budget: in Norway, for example, the fine is 190 euros. The rule when vacationing in Lithuania is also: headlights on—at any time of day or night, or you could face a fine.

In addition, many countries require motorists to carry high-visibility vests. Wearing one is mandatory in the event of an accident or breakdown. The following EU countries require drivers to carry a high-visibility vest: Belgium, Italy, Croatia, Luxembourg, Norway, Austria, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Hungary, and France. France has also introduced a high-visibility vest requirement for cyclists, but only in foggy weather or poor visibility on roads outside built-up areas.

Before vacationing in Lithuania, you should find out about any differences between Lithuanian traffic rules and German regulations—otherwise, you could end up with a Lithuanian “ticket.” The ADAC and other German automobile clubs, for example, can provide information.