Originally Posted by
Mr Black
In Germany and Austria for example the law clearly requires you to carry their local ID card if you are a resident,
As a German you must possess either a passport or an ID card but you are not obliged to carry it with you while traveling in Germany. (Different rules apply to foreigners.)
However, in reality these Western European countries are not likely to haul you in and actually fine your or charge you with anything
In the Netherlands you must have an ID with you. I agree, chances that the police ask for an ID are low but if they do and you can't produce a valid ID, you'll most probably get fined (50 EUR).