Destinations / Estonia
Driving in Estonia as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Estonia drives on the right and keeps headlights on around the clock; non-EU visitors should carry an IDP alongside their national licence.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Estonia expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 90 km/h (110 on some roads in summer) |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in EUR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Lights | Headlights on day and night, all year. |
|---|---|
| Tyres | Winter tyres mandatory Dec–Mar. |
| Alcohol | 0.02% alcohol limit. |
| In the car | Reflective vest and triangle required. |
On the road in Estonia
At the pump
Unleaded petrol (95/98) and diesel are sold at self-service stations, usually paid by card; rentals are full-to-full, and returning under-full incurs a steep refuelling surcharge above pump price.
After a crash
Stop immediately and call 112 for police/ambulance; a police report is needed for injuries or significant damage, and you should complete the European Accident Statement form for the insurer.
Sources: rac.co.uk · sixt.com · drivingineu.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Estonia?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Estonia drives on the right and keeps headlights on around the clock; non-EU visitors should carry an IDP alongside their national licence.
Which translation format is used for Estonia?
Estonia uses the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Estonia ask for a translation?
Tallinn desks request an IDP for non-EU licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Estonia?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Europe
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.