A Guide To Driving in France

Driving In France - An overview

* The first thing to remember when driving in France is easily the most obvious but most often overlooked, stick to the right hand side all the time. Most people on arrival are extremely aware and alert, but when they spend more time on the highway and become accustom to conditions have a tendency to relax somewhat. That's where most accidents can occur, be cautious in particular from leaving from road side services and restaurants/cafes on the left hand side on the road. On roundabouts give way to traffic already on there from the left.

* The minimum age for driving in France for UK residents is 18 for a temporarily imported car, the same applies for motorcycles (over 80cc) and 16 for a moped/motorcycle (under 80cc).

* The documentation you have got to carry all of the time when driving in France are your driving license, your motor vehicle registration document (V5 within the uk) and also your certificate of motor insurance. For those who have a license that does not have an image on it, ensure you possess a copy of your passport available as evidence of identity. Finally if you aren't the owner of the vehicle you need a written letter from the legal owner giving you permission to drive it.

* A minimum cover of 3rd party cover for vehicle insurance policies are compulsory when driving in France.

Driving In France - Safety

* Seat belts need to be worn in any vehicles continually when driving in France by passengers both in the front and the rear, as is the situation now in many countries in Europe.

* Dipped headlights must be used in bad visibility in the daytime, the government advise that vehicles using more than 4 wheels use dipped headlights both daytime and night time, and it is compulsory for all motorcycles.

* Crash helmets on motorcycles and mopeds must be worn all of the time.

* When driving in France First-aid Kits are advised, but are not compulsory.

* Headlamp converters are compulsory when driving in France.

* County stickers from EU countries shall no longer be necessary for vehicles that carry EU number plates you are driving in France.

* Warning triangles and Visibility Vests are compulsory. There should be a vest for each and every occupant within the vehicle. (Note they ought to be put on just before getting out your vehicle in an emergency).

* Snow Chains are recommend to carried in France in the winter, the police may prevent you continuing our journey should you not have them, and also the conditions dictate they must be used.

* Winter Tyres are recommended however, not compulsory for driving in winter conditions.

* It is recommended you have a set of replacement headlamp bulbs when driving in France.

Driving in France - Child Safety

* Children under the age of ten are certainly not permitted to travel in the front seats of vehicles. However exceptions are made if there isn't any rear seats (for instance a convertible car), or rear seat belts or if the seats are already occupied by children younger than ten.

* Children may not be placed in a facing to the rear seat unless the front air bags are deactivated. They must be placed in a forward facing appropriate seat when driving in France.

* Babies up to a weight of 13kg will have to be transported within a facing to the rear baby seat.

* A child weighing between 9kg and 8kg will have to be seated within a specialised child seat.

* A young child from 15kg and up to 10 years of age can use a booster seat using a seat belt or harness attached.

* All of the time it will be the responsibility of your driver to ensure that all passengers younger than 18 are restrained.

Driving In France - Speed Limits

* When driving in France the speed limits in are dictated by the place, type of the vehicle as well as the weather, so keep in mind all these factors.

* Standard legal limits vary by different signs for private vehicles which have no trailers attached. They are :

1. Built Up Areas - 50 km/ph

2. Outside Built Up Area - 90 km/ph

3. Urban Motorways and Dual Carriageways (separated by the central reservation) - 110 km/ph

4. Non Urban Motorways - 130 km/ph

* Lower speed limits in damp/wet weather conditions apply to visiting motorists who have held a license for under 24 months. These are :

1. Outside Built Up Area - 80 km/ph

2. Urban Motorways and Dual Carriageways (separated by the central reservation) - 80 km/h

3. Non Urban Motorways - 110 km/ph

* Then and there fines are issued by the French police and might be 'severe', and anyone caught exceeding the speed limit by greater than 40 km/ph will have their licenses confiscated instantly when driving in France. Ensure should any one of theses actions occur, you get and official receipt from the officer issuing the penalty.

* Radar Traps set by French police are often very common, especially around the tourist routes.

* Radar speed detectors (Snoopers etc) in cars are illegal and have a fine as high as 1500 Euros and maybe the vehicle and device being confiscated.

Driving in France - Fuel

* Unleaded (95 & 98 Octane) , Diesel (Gazole) and LPG are available, lead petrol or any alternatives aren't available.

* Credit cards are accepted generally in most petrol stations, but you'll want to seek advice from your card company in advance of departure. Many automated pumps also don't accept UK charge cards, so always carry enough money with you on your journey (some rural stations only operate these pumps 12-3pm).

* Keep in mind a new form of fuel is now available in France which has 10% Ethanol, this isn't always ideal for all vehicles (Sans Plomb 95 Octane).

Driving in France - Drink Driving Laws

* The amount of alcohol within the blood needed in France for someone to get convicted of drink driving is 0.05% and 0.02% for Bus/Coach drivers and carry's penalties of fines, license confiscation and imprisonment....basically don't do it if you intend to go driving in France!

Driving in France - Hints & Tips

* Avoid parking in unauthorised areas, vehicles will be towed away!

* When overtaking allow plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front to improve your distinctive line of sight.

* Petrol cans in cars are permitted but are not allowed by ferry operators, so bear in mind before you board your vessel to go driving in France.

* In towns drivers must give way to traffic coming from the right hand side, this is whats called 'priorite a droite'

* Overtaking a stationary tram isn't permitted whilst driving in France.

* You can obtain a 'blue disc' for parking zones from Police Offices and Tourist Information Shops.

* Using car horns in built up areas is not permitted unless it comes with an immediate danger when driving in France.

* Visual in car entertainment should not be in the drivers eye line, DVD's and TV etc. GPS systems are allowed.

To discover more about the basics of driving in France and also learn more on advanced driving in France, visit the Driving in France website today.