Driving in France

Driving in France

Driving in France is far safer than in the past due to a concerted effort from the French authorities. Back in 1972 around 17,000 people were killed in road accidents, this had dropped to around 5,000 in 2005 and last year the figure was 3,645.

Generally the roads here are a pleasure to drive with an excellent infrastructure, light traffic (apart from urban areas in rush hour) and pleasant scenery.

The French drive on the right and any expats bringing their right hand drive car into France must have their cars registered and headlights adjusted. It is compulsory to wear a seatbelt in both the front and back of the car, children under 10 must travel in the back. You must carry a luminous jacket for every person in the car and warning triangles are also compulsory. You are not allowed to use a mobile phone when driving unless it is “hands free”.

The French road network has three kinds of road. Motorways are knows as “Autoroutes”, major trunk roads are called “Routes Nationales” and local roads are called “Routes Departementales”. You will find that many motorways are toll roads – these are marked with the word “Peage”. You either pay a single rate when joining the motorway or a fee dependant upon how far you have driven where you pick up a ticket when you join the motorway and pay as you leave. If you use the motorway system often you can get an annual pass which helps avoid queuing during peak season.

Speed limits are as follows (unless otherwise stated on a road sign):

Motorways – 130 km/h when dry or 110km/h when wet
Dual carriageways – 110 km/h when dry or 100 km/h when wet
Regional roads – 90km/h when dry or 80 km/h when wet
Built up areas – 50 km/h

You will find that France has more than its fair share of speed traps both fixed and mobile. The drink drive limit is also stricter than in many countries (including the UK) with a limit of 0.5 grams per litre of blood alcohol so it is best not to drink and drive at all.

Anyone holding an EU driving licence does not have to change it for a French one until it expires or unless they have been convicted of an offence when points need to be added. In this case they will need to apply at their local Prefecture to exchange their licence. The French driving licence has a maximum of 12 penalty points. In fact, new drivers start with a six point licence and two points are added every year until they reach 12. The loss of all points results in a six month ban – to recover your licence you will need to take a written test.