Navigating foreign roads can frequently induce stress; distinct regulations, unfamiliar language on street signs, and unique driving practices can make it unlike driving at home. Here are some notable distinctions or specific elements to be mindful of when you drive your car in France.
The paramount rule for UK drivers is that driving is on the RIGHT side of the road, and in the majority of instances (unless otherwise indicated by signage), the right-of-way is also given to those coming from the RIGHT!
Here's a comprehensive rundown of all the unique aspects and potential challenges to keep an eye out for when driving in France. This overview has been divided into 2 different articles. The first article (this one) deals with:
Roundabouts
Mandatory Equipment
Crit’Air
Laws
Speed Limits
Part 2 can be read by clicking here:
Alcohol
Types of roads
Deviations
City Parking
Customs/Habits
Roundabouts
The construction of roundabouts in France is on the rise, possibly emulating the UK's road design. Typically, unless indicated otherwise, you do NOT hold the right of way when entering these roundabouts.
Vehicles already within the roundabout, including cyclists, take precedence!
NOTE: Keep in mind, if you're visiting from the UK, you navigate roundabouts in an ANTI-CLOCKWISE direction (right turn)! This means you'll be circulating AGAINST the clock.
Priority
In instances where you do not hold the right of way, the corresponding road sign will appear as follows:
Indicators
Activating your turn signals while leaving the roundabout is compulsory (in other words, engage your right turn signal when you are about to exit the roundabout). It's also considered good etiquette to keep your left indicator on while circulating, signalling to incoming vehicles that you intend to continue rotating within the roundabout.
CAUTION: Neglecting to use your turn signals, whether when overtaking or changing lanes, can result in a fine of €22 and a deduction of 3 points from your driving license!
Mandatory Equipment
Apart from the indispensable driving license, insurance, and car registration documents, there are certain items that you are required to keep in your car at all times. That is to say, if you get pulled over, law enforcement officers may request you to present these items, regardless of whether you're a foreigner operating a vehicle registered in another country.
The compulsory items include:
High Visibility Vest: Mandated by law, high visibility vests, usually in fluorescent yellow or orange, are a must-have. According to the law, if you need to stop beside the road, both you MUST wear these vests, vacate the car, and distance yourselves from the roadway. In case of a flat tire, try to change it safely while ensuring your passengers maintain a safe distance from the car.
Breathalyzer: It's mandatory to have at least one breathalyzer in your vehicle (two are recommended, considering if you use one and get stopped subsequently, you won't have any left). However, you won't be penalized if you don't have one, due to an unusual law stemming from widespread protests by French drivers. Therefore, while it's required, the absence of it doesn't attract a fine.
Snow Chains: These are required when driving in mountainous regions during winter. When you enter an area where chains are compulsory, a specific sign will notify you.
Warning Triangle: A red, reflective breakdown triangle is a compulsory item in your car.
Spare Light Bulbs: It's required to keep a set of spare light bulbs in your vehicle
Country Sticker: Your car must display a sticker indicating its country of registration at the back. In other words, if your car is registered in Britain, you need to display a "GB" sticker, regardless of your personal nationality.
Clean Air Stickers: These are not compulsory unless you're driving through a city that requires them (some ONLY during days with high pollution levels). Known as Crit'Air in French, these windshield stickers display a number and color representing your car's pollution level. The specific number and color depend on the date your car was initially registered for use on the roads.
Crit’Air
An increasing number of cities in France are implementing restrictions on vehicles that cause pollution. For instance, the city of Rouen has recently established a zone, known as a ZFE, within which entry is denied to vehicles with a Crit'Air ranking higher than 3.
Currently 11 cities (as of 2023/06) have implemented the ZFE zones, but they are expanding every year (click here to see an actualized list):
Grand Paris (Paris and suburbs),
Lyon,
Aix-Marseille,
Toulouse,
Nice,
Montpellier,
Strasbourg,
Grenoble,
Rouen,
Reims,
Saint-Étienne
ZFE Zones are marked with the following signs:
During days of high pollution (as experienced in Paris and a few other cities), only vehicles below a certain Crit'Air level are permitted within the city. For instance, electric vehicles are at Crit'Air level 0, whereas diesel cars that are 30 years old are level 5. The stickers are quite affordable, but if you are caught without one during a high pollution day, you'll be subjected to an on-the-spot fine of €68 for cars (€135 for trucks).
You can procure your Crit'Air sticker by clicking here.
NOTE: These restrictions primarily apply to cities that invoke them during high-pollution days.
Laws
Mobile Phones: Utilizing mobile phones without a hands-free car speaker system is strictly prohibited. In other words, even if you possess a wireless (Bluetooth) headset, it's NOT permissible to use it while driving. Only hands-free speaker sets are authorized.
Penalty: A €135 fine and the deduction of 3 license points. Police officers also have the authority to revoke your driving license immediately on site!
Seat Belts: It's compulsory for everyone in the vehicle.
Penalty: Deduction of 3 points and a fine of €135.
Children: Children under 10 years old must use specially adapted & approved seats or boosters equipped with harnesses.
Age: You must be 18 years old or older to drive a car in France, regardless of whether your home country permits driving at a younger age.
Radar Detectors: These are strictly illegal! Violators can face significant fines, confiscation of your vehicle, and suspension of driver license. There are no exceptions!
Penalty: €1500 fine, deduction of 6 points, and confiscation of your equipment.
GPS: GPS devices are acceptable as long as they don't identify radar locations. Make sure your GPS software (not just the maps) is updated, ensuring compliance with current laws.
PEDESTRIANS: Pedestrians have absolute right of way! You MUST STOP the moment a pedestrian steps onto a zebra crossing. However, new laws put the responsibility for any accidents involving a vehicle and a pedestrian, even outside of designated crossing zones, on the driver. Be aware! However, it does not guarantee that all drivers will respect the law, given the cultural tendencies.
Studded tires: Studded tires are permitted from November 1st until March 31st, unless the weather conditions are extremely adverse. The maximum speed limit is 90 kph and you must display a 90 kph sticker at the back of your vehicle.
White lines 1: Continuous white lines are to be respected without exception, particularly in the eyes of law enforcement. Accidentally crossing a full white line with two wheels will attract a fine.
Penalty: €90 fine and the deduction of 1 license point.
White lines 2: Completely crossing (with all wheels) a continuous white line can lead to severe penalties.
Penalty: €90 fine and the deduction of 3 license points.
Overtaking: Accelerating while being overtaken: If you speed up while another vehicle is overtaking you, you'll be fined.
Penalty: €90 fine and the deduction of 2 license points.
Tinted Windows: The tinting of front and driver/passenger windows must not exceed 30%. Tinting is allowed for rear passenger and rear windows. Exceptions are made for certain medical conditions (protoporphyries érythropoïétiques, porphyries érythropoïétiques congénitales, xeroderma pigmentosum), but a medical certificate must always be carried.
Penalty: €90 fine and 3 license points (plus possible immobilization of your car).
Tunnels: Upon approaching a tunnel and seeing a specific sign, it signifies you MUST switch on your lights!
Speed Limits
The speed limits vary depending on the type of road. Be aware that speed limits decrease in rainy conditions. WARNING, pay close attention to changes in weather:
* National road speed limits depend on the Prefet (=governor). Some are 80, some are 90 kph. The National roads letter, N indicates a National Road while D represents a local province (Departement) number.
City limits are shown with the following signs:
The commencement and termination of the 50 kph speed limit are marked, unless a distinct speed limit is specified (usually 70 or 30 kph). Smaller settlements, referred to as "Lieu-Dit" in French, typically adhere to the same speed limits, but exceptions will be clearly marked if they exist. A "Lieu-Dit" is indicated by the following type of sign:
After a speed limit has been posted, you will often see signs like this:
This serves as a reminder of the speed limit and is typically reiterated multiple times throughout the stretch where the speed limit applies.
Penalties for exceeding speed limits are quite severe and could result in court proceedings:
Speeding less than 20 kph (with maximum allowed speed above 50 kph)
Fixed fine of 68 euros;
Withdrawal of 1 point from the driver's license.
Speeding less than 20 kph (with maximum allowed speed equal to or below 50 kph)
Fixed fine of 135 euros;
Withdrawal of 1 point from the driver's license.
Speeding equal to or greater than 20 kph and less than 30 kph
Fixed fine of 135 euros;
Withdrawal of 2 points from the driver's license.
Speeding equal to or greater than 30 kph and less than 40 kph
Fixed fine of 135 euros;
Withdrawal of 3 points from the driver's license;
Suspension of driver's license for 3 years;
Prohibition of driving certain motor vehicles for up to 3 years;
Completion of a road safety awareness course.
Speeding equal to or greater than 40 kph and less than 50 kph
Fixed fine of 135 euros;
Withdrawal of 4 points from the driver's license;
Suspension of driver's license for 3 years;
Prohibition of driving certain motor vehicles for up to 3 years;
Completion of a road safety awareness course.
Speeding greater than or equal to 50 kph
Fine of 1,500 euros;
Withdrawal of 6 points from the driver's license;
Suspension of driver's license for 3 years (without probation or "white license");
Prohibition of driving certain motor vehicles for up to 3 years;
Possible confiscation of the vehicle if the driver is the owner;
Completion of a road safety awareness course.
Recidivism of speeding greater than or equal to 50 kph
Fine of 3,750 euros;
3 months imprisonment;
Withdrawal of 6 points from the driver's license;
Suspension of driver's license for 3 years (without probation or "white license");
Mandatory confiscation of the vehicle if the driver is the owner;
Prohibition of driving certain motor vehicles for up to 5 years;
Completion of a road safety awareness course.
Please note: For speeding of 50 kph or more, the vehicle can be immobilized and impounded.
Speed Radars
Speed radars have been extensively installed across France, with many being the newest generation capable of detecting vehicles on both directions of travel and across multiple lanes simultaneously.
These radars are primarily located on motorways, but they can also be occasionally spotted on rural roads. The sign indicating the proximity of a radar appears as follows:
This sign is typically positioned ahead of a zone stretching around 5 kilometres, with the radar potentially located anywhere within this area. The actual radar apparatus can be either on the left or right side of the road.
You may often encounter these signs on various roadways or within cities:
The presence of these signs does not necessarily mean there is a radar immediately ahead. Instead, they serve as a warning that a radar might be positioned there at certain times. This is due to the hundreds of mobile radars deployed by the police along roads, including handheld devices and units installed inside unmarked vehicles.
An emerging radar technology that's gaining popularity is the "Average Speed Radar". This system works by capturing a photo at a specific location along the motorway (across all lanes), on frequently travelled country roads, or in tunnels. Then, several kilometres ahead, another photo is taken. A computer then analyses the time it took for you to travel between these two points.
NOTE: As for the rumors circulating, the travel time between two toll stations is not considered. Though politicians are pushing for its implementation due to the minimal cost involved, highway operators are resisting. However, it might be a reality in the future. As of now, there's no cause for concern.
Alcohol
The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration has been significantly reduced, approximately equating to one glass of alcohol. The legal limit is now 0.5mg/ml!
Penalties for driving with a blood alcohol level between 0.5 and 0.8 mg/ml can result in a €135 fine and the deduction of 6 points from your driver's license. If caught driving with a blood alcohol level exceeding 0.8 mg/ml, the fine escalates to a substantial €4500, along with the deduction of 6 license points.
Types of Roads
Similar to other nations, there is a hierarchy of road types in France. The most significant category includes the highways, referred to as "autoroutes" in French.
Motorways
Motorways are identified by the letter "A" followed by a numerical sequence, and only automobiles capable of achieving the minimum speed—typically 80 kilometers per hour—are permitted to use them. In the French language, these highways are referred to as "Autoroutes". Predominantly, these are toll roads, known as "Peage" in French, but some non-toll motorways do exist. The autoroute system is impressively vast, stretching across every region of France. These highways are kept in excellent condition and offer numerous services. You will usually find fuel stations and rest areas—known in French as "Aires"—interspersed along the route, roughly every 20 to 50 kilometers.
Fees for the autoroutes vary depending on the type of vehicle, with the cost determined by the highway operator. These categories are generally standard across the board, with a few minor exceptions due to unique regulations. The vehicle categories are as follows:
Here are some unique features of French motorways that might be of interest to you:
Distance Markers
All along the motorways, in the centre, you will see every kilometre, a distance marker and the autoroute number:
The upper number represents the autoroute's designation, while the lower number indicates the distance in kilometers either from the principal city where the autoroute originated or to the city where it will conclude.
Rest Stops
Rest stops, known as "Aires" in French, are typically located about every 20 kilometers or so, though the exact distance can vary depending on the specific motorway operator. Signs indicating these areas will appear along the route as follows:
At the very least, these areas provide toilet facilities, but they often also include amenities such as gas stations, food services, and/or recreational options.
Respect Vehicle Distance
At times during your journey, you might encounter the following signs:
The right-hand white road markers have been strategically placed to assist you in determining your distance from the vehicle ahead. A single white stripe suggests you're too close, whereas two stripes indicate the ideal distance for the maximum permitted speed on that specific motorway.
Failure to maintain the correct distance can result in a fine of €90 and a deduction of three points from your driving license. However, it appears that this rule is seldom enforced.
Toll Roads
Just before you enter them, toll roads, referred to as 'Peage' in French, are clearly indicated.
The term "Peage" will be displayed on blue signs indicating an impending toll road, as depicted in the above photo with the RED Autoroute number and the GREEN European motorway numbers.
The cross symbols at the base of the two poles serve as a warning that a crossing or intersection is within 500 meters.
You'll encounter the following sign shortly before you approach the toll booth:
Your arrival at a toll station will appear as follows:
There are specific signs for each type of gate:
The traditional manned toll gates are gradually being phased out, giving way to automated systems. Gates designated for badges are reserved for those possessing an electronic badge and subscription.
Toll roads can fall into two categories:
Those that charge a fixed fee for each type of vehicle, regardless of the distance travelled.
Those where the fee is determined by the distance you've driven.
For the distance-based tolls, you'll need to collect a ticket when entering the motorway, and insert this ticket into the reader when exiting the motorway. The following sign will be visible upon entry to the motorway:
The majority of toll roads feature a dedicated radio station that provides updates on road and traffic conditions. These stations have predominantly been synchronized to the same frequency, FM 107.7. Generally, where the radio signal is accessible, the beginning of the coverage area is marked by the following sign:
While the radio broadcasts are primarily in French, English segments are often included for regular or special road and traffic updates (usually delivered with a heavy French accent). The remainder of the broadcast typically features music.
Deviations
In instances of road construction or closures, it's common, though not guaranteed, for a sign indicating a detour to be put up. The sign appears as follows:
In theory, there should be multiple such signs guiding you until you're returned to your original route. However, as you might expect, this isn't always the reality. You'll often have to search for the signs on your own. Alternatively, you could rely on your GPS for direction.
City Parking
Parking regulations can vary significantly, not just from city to city, but also within different areas of the same city. An increasing number of cities are installing ticketing machines near roadside parking spaces, enabling you to purchase parking time using just your smartphone. Other machines may still require payment in coins or with credit cards.
Many cities that have transitioned to smartphone-operated ticketing machines now employ unmarked cars equipped with license plate readers that scan parked cars on the move. The days of meter-maids manually issuing handwritten fines are becoming a thing of the past.
Certain villages in France still employ the use of traditional cardboard parking cards. These parking spaces are available for use free of charge, but usage is time-limited. You position the cardboard or plastic parking card, indicating your arrival time, on the dashboard. This enables a police officer to determine if you've overstayed your welcome, and issue a fine if necessary.
These zones, where a parking card is necessary, are identified by this sign:
You can purchase the cards, known as "Disque de stationnement", from a "Tabac" (a store that sells tobacco and magazines). They are also available on Amazon France for a price range between €1 and €5.
A parking card looks like this:
Residential Parking
Parking in residential areas can sometimes be restricted to permit holders only. However, you'll frequently encounter the following signs, especially in narrower streets:
These signs indicate that parking is permitted only on one side of the street and this depends on the date of the month, either left or right. For instance, as per the signs above, parking is allowed on the left side during the first half of the month and on the right side during the second half.
Customs/Habits
While customs can vary by region and even by individual, these are broad generalizations. However, one constant is this: for French drivers, the "Rules of the Road" are more of a suggestion! They may improvise their own rules while driving, yet they expect you to adhere strictly to the regulations!
On motorways, the left lane is traditionally viewed as the "fast" lane. In today's regulated world this distinction may seem less relevant, yet vehicles are still expected (and it's law) to merge to the right when possible. However, as the left lane is the "fast" lane, on motorways with more than two lanes, the farthest right lane is seen as the "slow" lane. Many drivers do not consider themselves slow and thus gravitate towards the middle lanes (and you should NOT overtake them on the right).
Few French drivers signal when turning, even though they are legally obliged to do so. After all, "Pierre has been driving this road for 30 years, and he always turns right at the junction. Why should he signal? Everyone knows this, right?"
When a motorcycle appears behind you on country roads, shift to the right to allow it to pass. If you're on the left lane of a motorway, move more towards the left to let the bike filter between lanes. As the biker passes, they may extend their foot. This is not an insult but a sign of gratitude (as their hands are occupied on the handlebar).
Honking and tailgating are common in large cities, but they're not advised in rural areas.
Particularly in major cities like Paris, parking can be quite a creative "art". Don't be taken aback if you see cars parked haphazardly, potentially blocking other vehicles or pedestrians.
Part 2 of driving in France with a car can be read by clicking here.