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 second article (this one) deals with:
Alcohol
Types of roads
Deviations
City Parking
Customs/Habits
Roundabouts
Mandatory Equipment
Crit’Air
Laws
Speed Limits
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 the 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.