Driving rules and customs

Driving in France can be very relaxing, but make sure you know the rules and regulations before you set off. Traffic patrols are very common, and it is not unknown for them to lie in wait! If you are caught breaking the law, many fines are hefty and payable on the spot - and if you don't have the cash then your vehicle could be impounded.

Roadside enforcement cameras are also very common, often supplemented by portable units which aren't necessarily manned. If you are caught, you will still receive an penalty ticket due to cross-border co-operation.

Also make sure you bring the correct documentation - find out more here.

 

First things first - as with the rest of Europe, the French drive on the right!

 

Some critical rules...

	Minimum driving age				Mobile phones
	Motorists must be aged 18 or over and possess a valid full driving license. Youngsters aged 16 or 17 are only permitted to ride a motorcycle with a maximum 125cc engine.				It is against the law to use a handheld mobile phone whilst driving. Hands-free use is allowed, but the use of headphones or earpieces when driving is not.
	Alcohol				Food and drink
	The drink drive limit is 50mg. For professional drivers and those with less than 3 years' experience, the limit is reduced to 20mg.				It is recommended that you don't eat or drink whilst behind the wheel. Police could prosecute if they determine that you are "not in full control" of your vehicle.
	Smoking
	It is illegal to smoke in a vehicle carrying a child aged under 12. You can be prosecuted if police determine that you are "not in full control" of your vehicle. These rules apply to both traditional and electronic cigarettes.

In car safety...

	Seatbelts				Child seats
	You must wear a seatbelt if one is provided, as must all passengers.				All children aged 10 or under, who are below 36kg weight and below 135cm height, must travel in a car seat. The only exception is if there is no space due to other child seats (for example, three children sitting in the back of a car).
	Children and front seats
	Children aged 10 or below are not permitted to travel in the front seat, unless all rear seats are occupied by other children. However, children can travel in the front if there are no rear seats, or if the rear seats do not have seatbelts fitted.

Lights, horns and gadgets...

	Speed camera detectors				Headlights
	It is against the law to have a device that warns or detects the presence of speed cameras. If your sat-nav has a camera warning function, it must be turned off before entering the country.				It is recommended that dipped lights are used at all times, especially if the vehicle is not fitted with daytime running lights; usage is mandatory if you are riding a motorbike or moped. You must use dipped headlights if visibility is poor, such as in dense fog, heavy rain, or driving through tunnels. The French flash their lights to warn of danger or to say "I'm coming through", not to let someone turn!
	Horns
	Horns must not be used in urban areas, or between sunrise and sunset, except in an emergency. Novelty horns, sirens and whistles are not permitted.

Important rules when driving...

	Priorité à droite				Maintain a safe distanace
	An archaic rule that still applies in some areas, this means you're required to give way to traffic emerging from some side roads to your right. >>> find out more >>>				Keep a safe distance between you and the car in front. Just like in the UK, the general rule is to leave at least two seconds' gap On motorways and expressways, the hard shoulder line provides a visual indicator of the safe distance - two dashes equates to the minumum requirement. Distances in tunnels may be greater, so ensure you follow signage. Blue marker lights on the tunnel walls act as a guide in indicating the safe distance.
	Overtaking				Steep hills
	Keep in the right lane and move to the left in order to overtake a slower vehicle. It is customary to leave the indicator on until you have completed an overtake and moved back over. Beware of vehicles that may overtake to the right if the road ahead is congested. Don't change lanes to exit the motorway or dual carriageway where you see the longer dashed lines in the road - this indicates it is too late to move over and safely exit.				Vehicles travelling downhill on a steep road must give way to those heading uphill.
	Pedestrian priority				Trams
	Motorists must give way to pedestrians wishing to use a non-signalised crossing. If the speed limit is 20km/h or less, pedestrians always have priority over vehicles.				You must not overtake a tram if it has stopped to allow passengers to board or alight. Only overtake on the right, unless you are on a one-way street and there's only room to pass on the left.
	Motorway safety corridor
	If a mobile works vehicle is stationary on the hard shoulder, the nearside lane must be kept clear in order to provide a safe working area. It may be protecting a stranded vehicle, or workmen at the roadside. Motorists must change lane well in advance, and must not move back until they have passed the hazard.

 

Know your speed limits...

These are the default maximum speed limits that apply, unless signage indicates a lower speed limit is in force.

One feature of French roads is two different speed limits may be signposted, the lower limit applying to specific categories of vehicles which are indicated on supplementary plates beneath the main sign.

As with all other European countries, speed limits in France are posted in kilometres per hour.

	urban	rural	expressway	motorway
motorcycles	50	80 or 90	110	130
cars	50	80 or 90	110	130
towing vehicles	50	80	90	90
vans over 3.5t	50	80	80	90
trucks over 7.5t	50	60	80	90
buses	50	80	90	90

When raining, the speed limit for cars and motorcycles automatically reduces to 110 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on expressways and 70 km/h on rural roads.

A blanket speed limit of 50km/h applies when visibility is reduced to less than 50m, due to conditions such as fog, smoke or blizzards.