Driving in France – A few basic tips

Driving in France – minimum age limit

Driving in France follows general rules similar to those in many other countries, but there are a few specifics to keep in mind:

1. Minimum Age: The legal age for driving in France is 18. However, if you plan to rent a car, rental agencies may have stricter age requirements. Some may require drivers to be at least 21 years old, while others may set the minimum age at 25. It’s essential to verify these requirements with the rental company in advance.
2. Driver’s License: Whether you’re renting a car or driving your own, you must have held a valid driver’s license for at least one year.
3. Documentation: When picking up a rental car, you’ll need to present several documents, including:
   • Your passport for identification purposes.
   • A valid driver’s license.
   • A valid credit card is usually used for the security deposit and other rental-related expenses.

Meeting these requirements and having the necessary documents will guarantee you a pleasant and hassle-free driving experience in France.

Compulsory equipment for driving in France

In addition to essential documents such as your driver’s license, insurance, and vehicle registration certificate, you must carry certain specific items when driving in France:

1. Warning Triangle: It is mandatory to have a warning triangle in your vehicle in case of a breakdown or emergency.
2. Spare Bulbs: Having spare bulbs can be crucial if your headlights fail while driving.
3. High-Visibility Jacket: Wearing a high-visibility vest ensures your safety if you need to exit your vehicle on a busy road.
4. Headlight adapters: If your vehicle’s headlights are not already set for right-hand drive (as in France), you will need headlight adapters to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers.

If you are driving your own car registered in an EU country, it likely already has European license plates. However, if your car does not have European license plates or if you are coming from a non-EU country, you must display the corresponding country code on the rear of your vehicle. Although car rental companies are required to provide this equipment, it is advisable to check that nothing is missing before setting off. The absence of these items could lead to prosecution if you are stopped by the police.

Note: It is no longer mandatory to carry a breathalyser in your vehicle in France.

Here you are… driving in France

Roundabouts: Approach roundabouts from the right and yield to vehicles already in the roundabout, which will be coming from your left.

After arriving at the ferry with your own car or after picking up a rental vehicle, here are some essential rules to remember before driving in France:

1. Drive on the Right: This is especially important for drivers used to driving on the left, such as those from the UK. Remember to drive on the right.
2. Overtake on the Left: The fast lane is on the left; therefore, overtaking must be done from this lane.
3. Roundabouts: Approach roundabouts from the right and yield to vehicles already in the roundabout, which will be coming from your left.
4. Give Way rules: Generally, you must yield to vehicles coming from your right on roads and in built-up areas, unless otherwise indicated by road signs. Main roads usually have priority.
5. Gear box position: If you are driving a French rental car, remember that the gear shift is on the right-hand side.
6. Seat Belt: Wearing a seat belt is mandatory at all times, in both the front and rear seats.
7. Mobile Phone Use: Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited, except with a hands-free device.
8. Child Car Seats: Child car seats must not be installed in the front passenger seat.

Remember that failure to comply with these rules can result in fines of €90 to €135 and points being deducted from your driving licence. It is also important to note that French rental agencies often have fewer automatic cars than manual cars; therefore, it is advisable to book in advance if you require an automatic vehicle.

At what speed should you be driving in France?

Adapting your speed to weather conditions and visibility is essential for safe driving in France. Here are the speed limits you should know:

• Two-way roads: The speed limit was reduced from 90 km/h to 80 km/h on July 1, 2018.
• Dual carriageways: The speed limit is 110 km/h, but it is reduced to 100 km/h in case of rain or wet roads.
• Motorways: The speed limit is 130 km/h, but it is reduced to 110 km/h in case of rain or wet roads.
• When visibility is less than 50 meters, the speed limit is 50 km/h on all roads.

In built-up areas, the speed limit is generally 50 km/h, unless otherwise indicated by road signs. It is increasingly common to encounter zones with specific speed limits such as 20km/h, 30km/h, or 70km/h.

So, always pay attention to road signs and markings to ensure you comply with speed limits and other regulations.

Safety distance when driving in France

Calculating the appropriate safe following distance can be complex, especially at high speeds. In France, the highway code mandates a safe following distance equivalent to the distance travelled in two seconds between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

At 130 km/h on a motorway, you will need 73 meters to brake effectively. Similarly, on a dual carriageway at 110 km/h, you will need 62 meters to come to a complete stop. To help drivers better judge this distance, broken white lines are painted between the right-hand lane (slow lane) and the emergency lane on motorways and dual carriageways.

These lines are spaced 13 meters apart and are 39 meters long. The distance covered by two solid lines ensures a safe following distance between vehicles: (39 m + 13 m + 39 m = 91 m = safe following distance).

An ingenious advertising campaign was launched in 2001, simultaneously with the implementation of this regulation, with the striking slogan: “One line = danger – Two lines = safety”.

Don’t forget!

It is mandatory for drivers of two- or four-wheeled vehicles to wear a high-visibility vest, especially in the event of an emergency or breakdown. Wearing glasses or contact lenses is mandatory if required by your driving licence. Although not mandatory, it is strongly recommended to keep a spare pair of glasses in your glove compartment. Vehicles registered in the UK must also comply with Low Emission Zones (LEZs) in cities such as Paris, Lyon, and Grenoble. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/L for drivers with a full licence and 0.2 g/L for those with a probationary licence.

These rules are in place not only for your safety and that of your family, but also for the well-being of other road users. Driving in France is often like going on holiday: so relax and take your time! Our roads are exceptionally well-maintained, and our extensive our road and motorway network makes driving in France a true pleasure.

Ultimately, the hardest decision you’ll have to make will be choosing your next destination, as we’re here to help you explore our beautiful regions and sites, so check out our drop-down menu!

Bonne route.