Speed limits for minibuses in Europe - where and how fast can you go?
Travelling by minibus has many advantages - it provides plenty of space for the whole crew, luggage and comfortable seating. It is an ideal choice for family trips, corporate events and transporting sports teams. To ensure that your trip abroad is safe and without complications, it is important to know the traffic regulations of each country, especially the maximum speed limit. European countries have different rules, which vary not only according to the category of vehicle but also according to the type of road. In some countries, you need to allow for stricter limits in bad weather or special motorway restrictions. This article gives an overview of the current speed limits for minibuses and tips for safe driving.
Technical and legislative parameters of the minibus
Microbus is a type of road motor vehicle that is located between a passenger car and a bus. It is a smaller bus designed to carry more people, usually between 8 and 22 passengers (including the driver), depending on the specific model and legislation of the country. In Czech legislation, the terms microbus and minibus are not precisely defined, so they may overlap. In general, however, passenger transport vehicles are classified according to the number of seats and total weight as follows:
- Category M1: Motor vehicles intended for the carriage of passengers with a maximum of eight seats (excluding the driver's seat) - these vehicles can be driven with a Group B driving licence.
- Category M2: Motor vehicles intended for the carriage of persons having more than eight seats (excluding the driver's seat) and having a maximum permissible mass not exceeding 5 tonnes. A Group D licence is normally required to drive these vehicles.
- Category M3: Motor vehicles intended for the carriage of passengers which have more than eight seats (excluding the driver's seat) and whose maximum permissible weight exceeds 5 t. Here too, a Group D licence is required to drive.
Capacity: Usually 8-22 seats.
Total weight: It can vary, but most minibuses are between 2.5 and 5 tonnes.
Driving licence:
- Up to 3.5 tonnes and max. 9 seats (8+1 driver) → Group B licence.
- More than 9 seats or more than 3.5 tonnes → Driving licence group D1 (16 seats) or D (more than 16 seats).
Use:
- Personal transportation (family trips, corporate events, etc.).
- Public transport (shuttle buses, hotel transfers, etc.).
- Commercial passenger transport (e.g. taxi services, tour transport, etc.).
Mandatory equipment: Minibuses for commercial passenger transport are often subject to stricter regulations (tachograph, driver breaks, safety features such as ABS, ESP, fire extinguisher, etc.).
Maximum speed for minibuses under EU legislation
While passenger cars have fairly uniform speed limits across the EU, minibuses depend on several factors, such as the number of seats, the overall weight of the vehicle and the type of road they are on. In general, the larger and heavier the minibus, the lower its speed limits. On first-class roads and motorways, minibuses may have more restricted speed limits than conventional passenger vehicles, due not only to safety factors but also to national road rules.
General rules for minibuses in the EU:
- In the village: Usually 50 km/h (some countries allow higher speeds, e.g. 60 km/h in Poland)
- Outside the village: 80-100 km/h depending on the country
- On the highway: Usually 100-130 km/h, but often only 90 km/h for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes or with more than 8 seats
However, each country has its own specific speed limits.
Speed limits for minibuses up to 3.5t in some EU countries
| Country | Village | Despite the presence | Highway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 50 km/h | 100 km/h | 130 km/h |
| Austria | 50 km/h | 100 km/h | 130 km/h |
| France | 50 km/h | 90 km/h ** | 130 km/h** |
| Italy | 50 km/h | 90 km/h | 130 km/h |
| Spain | 50 km/h | 90 km/h | 120 km/h |
| Poland | 50 km/h | 90 km/h | 120 km/h |
| Hungary | 50 km/h | 90 km/h | 130 km/h |
| Slovakia | 50 km/h | 90 km/h | 130 km/h |
| Croatia | 50 km/h | 90 km/h | 110 km/h |
| Netherlands | 50 km/h | 80 km/h | 100 km/h |
Germany: If visibility is reduced to 50 m (fog, rain, snow), the maximum speed limit of 50 km/h applies throughout the road network. It is also strictly forbidden to overtake under these conditions! France If the surface is wet, the speed limit is 80 km/h outside the village and 100 km/h on the motorway.
The table applies only to minibuses up to 3.5 tonnes and with a maximum of 9 seats (8+1 driver).
Minibuses with more than 9 seats or over 3.5 tonnes usually have stricter restrictions, often similar to those for trucks:
- On motorways, the limit is usually 90 km/h (sometimes less).
- Outside a municipality, the limit may be 80 km/h.
- In some countries a tachograph and other safety measures are required.
| Country | Village | Despite the presence | Highway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 50 km/h | 80 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Austria | 50 km/h | 80 km/h | 100 km/h |
| France | 50 km/h | 80 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Italy | 50 km/h | 80 km/h | 100 km/h |
| Spain | 50 km/h | 80 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Poland | 50 km/h | 70 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Hungary | 50 km/h | 70 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Slovakia | 50 km/h | 90 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Croatia | 50 km/h | 80 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Netherlands | 50 km/h | 80 km/h | 90 km/h |
We always recommend that you check the current regulations before you travel, as they may be subject to change.
Safety rules for minibus drivers
When driving a minibus, it is not only essential to observe the speed limits, but also to pay attention to your overall driving style. Each country may have specific traffic regulations for minibuses, including those relating to mandatory equipment or restrictions on entering city centres. An overcrowded or improperly loaded vehicle can significantly affect handling, stability and braking distance, which can lead to dangerous situations. Due to the higher weight and larger size of minibuses, it is important to maintain sufficient distance from other vehicles and anticipate braking well in advance.
When driving a minibus you should definitely:
- Pay attention to road signs and specific restrictions for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.
- Observe the rules applicable to the specific country you are driving in.
- Adjust your speed to the current road and weather conditions.
- In urban areas, follow signs for low emission zones and other possible restrictions.
Which minibus to hire?
Whether you're looking for a minibus for a family holiday, a corporate event or to transport a large group, it's important to choose a model that suits your needs. Important factors include vehicle capacity, fuel type, transmission and ride comfort. Luxury variants offer maximum comfort and modern technology, while more robust models are suitable for long journeys or for carrying larger loads. Below you will find three popular models that differ in their equipment and use.
Luxury electric minibus
The premium minibus Mercedes Benz EQV is ideal for eco-friendly and comfortable driving, especially in urban environments or on short routes. Thanks to its electric drive, it offers quiet operation, low running costs and the possibility of entering city centres with restrictions on internal combustion engines. The automatic transmission ensures a smooth ride without the hassle of shifting gears. The downside can be limited range compared to diesel variants, which is important to consider on longer journeys.
The practical and spacious Volkswagen Transporter
If you are looking for a minibus with a large transport capacity, the Volkswagen Transporter is the ideal choice. Nine seats make it a great companion for transporting larger groups, for example on business trips or to sporting events. The diesel engine is both economical and powerful, which you'll appreciate on long journeys. The automatic transmission makes driving easy, especially when stopping frequently. This model also stands out for its robustness and reliability, making it suitable for even the toughest conditions.
Flexible and economical Toyota Proace Verso minibus for 7 people
The Toyota Proace Verso is a great choice for those looking for a compromise between comfort and economy. The manual transmission offers more control over the ride, and the diesel engine is fuel-efficient, reducing the cost of long trips. This model is ideal for family trips or transporting smaller groups who want to travel comfortably but economically. Its more compact dimensions make it easy to manoeuvre even in urban traffic.
Each of these minibuses has its own specific advantages and is suitable for different purposes. When choosing, it is important to consider whether you prefer an environmentally friendly ride, maximum passenger space or economical operation.
Travelling by minibus in Europe brings many benefits, but it also requires knowledge of local traffic rules and speed limits. Always make sure you check the current regulations before you travel, especially if you're heading to several different countries. Keeping to the maximum speed limits will not only save you from fines, but more importantly ensure a safe and comfortable ride for you and your passengers.
Whether you're going on holiday, a corporate event or a sporting outing, the right minibus makes the journey more enjoyable. Need a spacious and reliable vehicle for your trip? Book a minibus with us that suits you best - with no hidden charges and insurance for maximum peace of mind on the road.