All you need to know about driving in France

Road regulations

Speed limit

The speed limit in France varies depending on the type of road you are driving on.  The maximum speed on the motorway in good weather is 130kph (80 mph) and in bad weather conditions or low visibility the maximum speed is reduced to 100 kph (68 mph). Speeding in France really isn’t worth the consequences, which can be hefty fines or worse. For example, going over the speed limit by 30 km/h can cause you to have your license revoked and your vehicle can be taken away when you go over the speed limit by 50 km/h.

Alcohol limit

It’s never a good idea to have an alcoholic beverage and then drive. In France, the alcohol limits are lower than in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, so consider this before enjoying a beer or a glass of wine and getting in the car. Your years of driving experience also determine your alcohol limits. If you've been driving for less than three years, you can’t have more than 0.2 grams per litre. Driving experience that’s above three years, the alcohol limit increases to 0.5 grams per litre. 

Headsets

Drivers cannot use headphones or headsets to make phone calls or listen to music.

Radar detectors

Want to know where the radar detectors are so you don't get caught speeding? You should reconsider that because any device or navigation system that detects radars or speed cameras is illegal. Remove or disable these features on your device or GPS to avoid fines of up to €1500.

France emission rules

France has an Air Quality Emissions Certificate that has been in effect since April 2017 with the goal of reducing emissions in specific areas in France. These locations include Grenoble, Lyon and Paris, and any UK-registered vehicles must have a certificate if driving into or through these areas. The certificate sticker, known as Crit’Air, has to be displayed in the windscreen. If you’re caught driving without this sticker, you could get a spot fine of up to €135.

Purchase certificates online from the official government for a small fee, starting at €4.51, with shipping costs and allow enough time before you arrive in France. Ensure you know the Euro Type Approval Classification and Vehicle Category since there are six different types of certificates.
Some vehicles will not qualify for this sticker based on when the car was registered. Any car with a registration before 1997 is banned from entering city limits and motorcycles and scooters must be registered earlier than June 2000; otherwise they are prohibited.

Driving license laws for EU and non-EU

Before you get behind the driver's seat, you must have a valid driver's license from a country in the UK, EU or EEA and be at least 18 years old, which is the legal driving age. United States citizens can use their state driver’s license in France for up to 90 days and need to also have an international driver’s license. Citizens from other countries who want to drive in France should check the requirements as each country has a different agreement with France for what type of license they need and it’s validity. 

Do you need an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit (IDP)  isn’t required in France if you have a UK, EU or EEA drivers’ licence. However, if your licence is paper instead of plastic or it was issued in a specific place, such as the Isle of Man, Gibraltar, Guernsey or Jersey you may need to use an IDP.

If you’re residing in France for less than a year and your licence was obtained after January 1, 2021, your licence is valid and can be used in France. After a year of residency, you’ll need to get a French driver's licence. 

What paperwork should you carry with you?

When driving in France, make sure you have a valid driver's licence, motor insurance certificate, your V5 registration document and identification, such as a passport.

What are the car requirements if you drive yours over?

Bringing your UK vehicle to France is possible as long as you meet specific requirements. 

• You need to have your motor insurance certificate. 
• UK car insurance provides the minimum for third party coverage while in any EU country. 
• You also need to have your log book or V5C and 
• place a UK identifier or sticker on the rear windscreen while in the EU.
• UK vehicles can be in France for six months during a period of 12 months.

If you’ve moved to France, within a month of receiving your residency you need to get French plates and the process can be done online and in French.  

Reflective jackets 

In case of a breakdown or an emergency, all drivers are required to have a reflective jacket and warning triangle stored in their car. These two safety items must be accessible without exiting the vehicle. This is a safety measure for everyone on the road. Failure to carry these items in the car can result in a fine of €90.

How does filling up with fuel work?

When it’s time to add petrol to the tank, pull into any service station. Many supermarkets have petrol stations and usually offer cheaper prices so consider this when planning your route. There are three types of fuel: petrol (super/super 97)l, unleaded petrol (98 & 95)  and diesel. Most service stations allow you to use UK debit and credit cards and have automatic pumps to make filling up easy. 

Rules of the road in France

Driving rules in France may be different than what you’re accustomed to. In France, they drive on the right side of the road, so give yourself time to practice and adapt. Passing someone or overtaking is done on the left. When driving you have to give the right of way to any traffic on your right side. In a roundabout? You need to give priority to vehicles who are already in the roundabout. You must give way to traffic on the right side in an intersection.

Tolls 

Be prepared to pay tolls when using the motorways in France. Most tolls are automated and you can pay with coins or with a debit or credit card.   If you will be in France for a while and using the motorways, consider an Emovis Tag that deducts the toll from the device and lets you go through the toll booth quicker than lining up in lanes where you have to pay by cash.

Heading to Paris? Be prepared to sit in traffic as part of your travel time. But if Paris isn’t part of your itinerary and you’re headed south, avoid passing through the capital to save you time and headaches.

Headlights 

When driving a UK vehicle in France, you must have headlamp beam converters or deflector stickers. 

Travelling with children?

If you have children, you may be familiar with bickering over who gets the front seat but in France, the law decides who rides up front. Any child under 10 years old must sit in the backseat with their seatbelt fastened. If the child weighs under 15 kg, they must be in a child seat.

What happens if you break the rules?

Failure to comply and follow the rules while driving in France can result in hefty fines, including on- the-spot fines or worse your driver's licence can be revoked.

In cases where drivers are caught going over the speed limit by 50 km/h, driving under the influence, a hit and run, or driving without a valid licence and more, they risk having their vehicle confiscated.

What happens when you need to park in France?

Parking can be a challenge when you’re in big cities. Some parking areas or street parking may be free but make sure your read street signs to confirm its okay to park. In some places, such as in Paris, you can’t be parked in the same spot for more than 24 hours.

When you see a dotted white line or no indication or markings, street parking is free. Many towns and cities have a blue zone and these types of parkings allow you to park for free up to a certain amount of time. Make sure you have a parking disc that shows your arrival time. Most can be purchased at tobacco shops and newsagents.

In residential areas, make sure you check parking signs and rules to avoid any surprises. Some towns allow free parking on one side of the street for part of the month or it may alternate by the day or by the week.  

Disabled: For people who are disabled and have the badge, you can park in spaces reserved for the disabled. In some areas, such as in Paris, you may be able to park for free in paying zones but check the signage to confirm. Most disabled parking spots may still require you to pay a fee if it’s in a paying parking zone.

Top tips for driving on the right-hand side if you aren’t used to it or you have a left-hand drive

• Give yourself time to practice.
• Familiarise yourself with being on the opposite side of the car
• Learn the French road signs so they are familiar
• Have a co-pilot to help you navigate

Road safety and security

It’s important when driving long distances in France to plan for rest stops, unfamiliar roads, weather and getting tired from long periods of driving. Taking periodic breaks is important to stretch your legs and move your body.

As a safety precaution, keep your doors locked when in traffic or anytime you leave your vehicle, even when it’s within sight.

Conclusion

Once you gather all your required documents and stickers, you’re ready for an adventure driving in France. Remember to give yourself time to adjust to driving on the right side of the road. Driving in France can be fun so make sure you plan, prepare and are ready for different road rules.