Driving Tips in Estonia

Car Hire Depot information in Estonia

DriveAway Holidays offer unbeatable rates and a wide range of vehicle with our suppliers in Estonia. Our suppliers are located either at the airport terminals, or just outside the terminal grounds with shuttle services available for your convenience.

Car Hire Driving Distances in Estonia

• Parnu to Talinn – 130 kms (2hrs)
• Parnu to Kuressaare – 155 kms (2hrs/ 45mins)
• Parnu to Tartu – 170 kms (2hrs/40mins)
• Tallinn to Tartu – 190 kms (2hrs/ 50mins)
• Tallinn to Kuressaare – 220 kms (3hrs/ 35 mins)
• Tartu to Kuressare – 330 kms (5 hrs/ 20mins)

Driving Licence

A full valid driver’s license is required for a minimum of 1 years. An International licence is recommended for Australian drivers licence holders.

Age Restrictions

The minimum age is 19 years, but can vary between the car hire company and location. Maximum age limits apply in some locations, a young/senior driver surcharge may apply. Please check Terms and Conditions when making an enquiry or booking.

Rules and Regulations

General driving rules and regulations in Estonia;

• Driving is on the right hand side of the road
• Overtaken is on the left hand side of the road.
• Dipped headlights are mandatory at all times.
• All passengers are to wear seat belts.
• Mobile phone usage is not permitted while driving, except with the use of a hands free system.
• A valid drivers licence must be held by the driver while driving.

Equipment

It is mandatory to carry the following equipment in your vehicle, which is to be used in the event of an accident, incident or breakdown.

• Warning Triangle; to be used at the event of an accident or breakdown to warn following traffic
• Fire Extinguisher
• First Aid Kit

Child Safety Seats

Children are to be safety fasted in a proper child seat.

Speed Limits

Speed camera's have been recently introduce to catch speeding motorists. If you don't want to end up with a traffic fine then best watch your speed. Below are the speed limits in Estonia, unless posted otherwise.

• Urban Areas (built up areas): 50km/h
• Rural Roads (outside towns): 90-110km/h
• Motorways: 90-110km/h

Drink Driving

Estonian laws against driving under the influence of alcohol are strict and follow a zero tolerance policy. You must have a zero (BAC) level while driving.

Tolls

There are no highway tolls in Estonia.

Road Signs

Road Signs in Estonia adopts the standardization of the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals which many European countries now utilize, but with slight variance. Signs in Estonia are commonly found in the countries local language however English is also used on city roads and state highways. The signs are very easy to understand as the vast majority of them are posted with symbols. Warning Signs are generally triangular in shape with a red border, white background or yellow and a symbol in the middle. Prohibitory Signs are signs which motorists must follow. These signs vary in shapes from a circle, octagon and a box. You will find these signs in either blue with a white symbol in the middle and white with a red border. Information Signs are indicated with a blue or green background and white text providing motorists with information.

Parking

The costs for parking in major towns are very reasonable in most areas but in others they can be dramatically high. Parking is to be paid either at a parking meter or by obatining a parking disk from local vendors and displayed on your dashboard. Unpaid parking will have their vehicle clamped and receive a parking ticket.

Visa Information

Visa, Passport and entry requirements for Australians visiting Estonia;

• Australian passport holders do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. Contact the Consulate of the Republic Estonia in your local state for special visa's or stays longer than 90 days.
• A valid passport is required with at least 6 months validity from entry into Estonia.

*Please note distances and time should only be used as a guide, and may vary according to the route taken.

Last Updated 28 May 2010