Being behind the wheel in France can be an exhilarating experience or a test of nerve, depending on the location.
The motorways, for example, are well maintained and generally traffic-jam free.
Most main routes are substantially less congested than their UK equivalents, unlike some of France's main cities, as anyone who has experienced driving around the Arc de Triomphe in Paris can confirm.
Generally though, driving in France is a highly practical and pleasurable way to take advantage of the beautiful and varied scenery.
For visitors new to driving in France, or perhaps returning to France after an absence, some basics around the French driving laws and traffic control are always useful.
Things to do before Driving a Car in France
Before setting off on a trip it is advisable to contact your motor insurance company. Some companies only provide third party cover in France, so it's always best to speak to them before you leave to ensure everything is in order and that you have appropriate cover.
French Road Signs and Legal Obligations when Driving a Car in France
- EU Citizens can drive in France on the driving licence issued by their particular country.
- Legally, drivers must keep their driving licence, insurance documents and car registration documents with them at all times. The driver may be liable for an immediate on the spot fine if stopped by a gendarme without these papers.
- It's advisable to carry a valid passport as an additional form of identification. Non -EU citizens are required to carry a valid passport at all times.
- Motorists in France are legally required to carry spare bulbs, a first aid kit, a warning triangle and a flourescent jacket in their vehicle.
- The jacket must be carried inside the car, not in the boot, so that it can be worn by the driver before exiting the car in the event of a breakdown or accident. Failure to carry a fluorescent jacket can result in an immediate 130euro fine.
- Alcohol limits are lower than in the UK and the best advice in France as with everywhere else is don't drink and drive.
- The wearing of front and rear seatbelts is compulsory.
- Children under the age of 10 years are not allowed to travel in the front seat of the vehicle. They must be suitably restrained in the back seat.
- If driving a right-hand drive car the headlights must be adjusted. This can be done either by using stick-on adapters or by manual adjustment.
- Drive on the right.
- Roundabouts in France are anti-clockwise, give way to the left.
- Over take in the left hand land on dual carraigeways or motorways.
- Always stop at a stop sign and solid white line. It is illegal not to.
- The minimum age to drive a car in France is 18 years old. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to drive a car in France, even if he/she holds a valid licence in another country.
Traffic Fines When Driving a Car in France
Police checks and the use of automatic radar are becoming increasingly common place throughout France. Fines range from 68 euros to over 30,000 euros depending on the severity of the offence. Non French residents must pay on the spot.
One rule worth bearing in mind is the 'right-of-way' rule.
Traditionally, all traffic joining a main route from the right had right of way. These days most roads have give way or stop signage and road markings preventing this, but on rural roads the old rule may still apply, or at least the locals may think it does so it's always worth being cautious.
French Speed Limits
- Motorways - 130km/h (81mph) in dry weather conditions and good visibility
- 110km/h (69mph) in wet weather and poor visibility
- Route Nationales/Dual Carraigeways - 110km/h (69mph) in dry weather and good visibility
- 100km/ (62mph) in wet weather and poor visibility
- Other Roads - 90km/h (56mph) in dry weather and good visibility
- 80km/h (50mph) in wet weather and poor visibility
- Built Up Areas/Towns -unless otherwise signposted -
- 50km/h (31mph) in dry weather and good visibility.
- 40km/h (25mph) in wet weather and poor visibility.
- If possible put on the fluorescent jacket before exiting the car, then place the warning triangle at least 50 metres from the rear of the car to alert oncoming motorists.
- At any accident involving 2 or more cars you will be asked to fill in a constat amiable, by the French driver involved.
- If possible call your insurance company as soon as possible. They may put you in touch with a French representative.
- In the case of an injury - even if the accident isn't your fault - you must remain at the scene and await the arrival of the police.
There are many websites dedicated to advising potential drivers in France or it might be worth investing in a copy of the 'Code de la Route' which is the French Highway Code.
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