Speed Limits

All speed limits are shown in kilometres per hour (K/ph) NOT miles per hour (as a very rough guide, the MPH speed is approximately two thirds the K/ph speed). UK speedometers are usually marked in K/ph as well as MPH. The following list gives examples of speed limits found on French roads and typical applications.

30 - always signed, found in narrow streets, pedestrianised areas etc.

50 - Towns, villages etc. Also when visibility is below 50m.

70 - always signed, some villages on National Roads (Route Nationale)

90/80 - Usually unmarked, Routes Nationale etc, sharp bends, bridges etc. on Autoroutes

100/110 - Always signed, Dual Carriageways, sections of Autoroutes.

110/130 - Autoroutes.

The lower limits shown in the previous three examples apply during rain.

If you are stopped for speeding by the Gendarmes you will be required to pay an on-the-spot penalty. If you do not have sufficient cash you will be escorted to the nearest cashpoint. New agreements between EU police forces mean that you are now likely to be sent a penalty notice if you are flashed by a fixed camera or a mobile radar trap. Roadside checks and traps are very common. Best advice is DON'T SPEED.

Driving in France

- an intruduction to driving in France, French road signs, essential equipment

Apart from the obvious - that is to say driving on the right - most of the rules and traffic signs are the same as elsewhere or very easy to understand. There are, however, a number of very specific exceptions. Here is a quick guide to some of those.

You must be aware of priorité à droite - priority to the right. This means that vehicles joining the road you are on, from your right and in the direction you are travelling, have RIGHT OF WAY. There are exceptions - if the junction is marked by a Stop sign, traffic lights or a solid white line. Be very careful, especially on rural roads and in small villages.

You have the right of way and any vehicles joining your road from the right must give way to you. The sign with a black line crossing it (see right), signals that you no longer have priority.

Seat belts

Seat belts are compulsory front and rear. Children under 10 must travel in the rear and wear a seat belt or be strapped into an EU approved child seat.

Drink Driving

Limits for alcohol are much lower than those in the UK. A driver is considered to be driving under the influence of alcohol if their blood/alcohol limit is equal to or exceeds 0.5 grams per litre. The best advice is not to drink and drive.

Mobile Phones

It is illegal to drive whilst using a mobile telephone.

Roadside checks

Gendarmes make frequent roadside checks, so don't be alarmed if you are signalled to stop and pull over. This can happen anywhere on the roads and on either side of Toll barriers. You will be required to show your Driving Licence (Permis de Conduire) and your car documents - Insurance* (Assurance), and Registration (Carte Grise). You MUST have all of these with you at all times, and photocopies will not do. There is an on-the-spot fixed penalty for each item you do not present.

You may also be stopped by Customs (Douane), often at Toll Barriers, but again they have the authority to stop you anywhere. There is no need to be alarmed (unless you are carrying anything you shouldn't) - they will most likely want to know what you have in the way of merchandise - i.e. alcohol, tobacco etc., where you have been, whether you are on holiday or business, etc.

Naturally it will be a big help if you have practiced your French!

Items to Carry

Foreign-registered vehicles must display a country-of-origin sticker on the rear, even if this is already shown on the number plate.

Right hand drive vehicles must fit headlamp deflectors or adjust the lights (on modern vehicles where this is available).

There are certain items you are advised to have on board and certain items you are required to carry. Since 2008 you must carry a fluorescent safety vest for the driver and ALL passengers (some sources state that a vest need only be carried for the driver - a vest costs under €5, the on-the-spot fine is up to €135 FOR EVERY OFFENCE. If you have a car full that adds up to a lot of money, in any event they are designed for the safety of you and your passengers. It's your choice!). These must be to hand in the car (i.e. not in the boot underneath your luggage) and worn in emergency situations. You must also carry a warning triangle. These items must comply with EU standards.

You are required to change a faulty bulb immediately that you become aware of it. This means that, even if you were previously unaware, should a gendarme point out that you have a faulty light you may be ordered to change it straight away. Carry a full set of bulbs.

Warning Triangle

Fire Extinguisher

First Aid Kit

Spare Bulbs

Reflective Vest/s

Insurance

UK registered cars no longer require a Green Card, just a valid insurance certificate. Standard UK insurance normally only provides third party cover whilst outside the UK, so if you require comprehensive insurance you must arrange this before you travel.

Check that your insurance, MOT and road fund license will be valid for the duration of your stay.

Section à péage

(Toll Section in 1500 metres)

Most French motorways (Autoroutes) are Toll Roads, which, apart from a few fixed price sections, are levied according to the distance covered. You will usually collect a ticket at a barrier when you join the Autoroute, and pay either when the toll section ends or when you leave at an exit. This sign means that you are approaching a toll section. If you don't want to take the toll road you should take the next exit.