The minimum age in France to drive a car 18 years. Drivers must have a valid driving licence. The minimum age to drive a scooter or motor bike under 80 CC is 16 years.
Regulations and Rules
- Drive on the right in France
- It is compulsory to wear a seat belt front and rear (if fitted)
- It is compulsory law for all children up to 10 years to travel in the back seat of a car and wear a seat belt or be strapped into a proper child seat. Only adults and children above 10 years may sit in the front passenger seat
- Mobile telephones may not be used while driving unless in conjunction with a "handsfree" system
- It is compulsory to carry a driving licence, car registration papers and insurance documents. (Endorsed photocopies of these documents may be carried in place of the originals.
- A red warning triangle must be kept in the car
Driving Licence
EU and EEA driving licences are valid in France provided no penalties have been issued to that licence.
International Driving Licences (IDL) accompanied by a valid foreign licence (non-EU or EEA) are accepted in France.
Speed limits UNLESS otherwise marked
- Autoroute (national highway/freeway system/motorway system): 130 Km/h and 110 Km/h when raining
- Expressways: 110 Km/h and 100 Km/h when raining
- Two lane roads or single lane roads separated by an island: 110 Km/h and 100 Km/h when raining
- Regional roads: 90 Km/h and 80 Km/h when raining
- Built up areas (towns and villages): 50 Km/h
- Any time visibility is less than 50m: 50 Km/h
Right of way
When driving in a city, town or village, the right of way at an intersection is automatically given to the vehicle on the right - la priorité à droite - This applies for even small side streets entering a major main road. The vehicle on the main road must give way to the vehicle entering on the right.
Autoroute
The autoroute road system is toll-paying. The price of the toll will be shown at the entrance to the toll station. Toll fees can be paid in cash or by credit card.
Petrol and Diesel
All garages sell diesel (gazole) and unleaded petrol (95 and 98 octane). some stock LPG (lead replacement petrol) (GPL). Many garages have automatic pumps to pay by credit card (beware some are card-operated only).
Accident
In the event of an accident you call the police DIAL 17 An ambulance will be called if one is needed. Those involved must fill in an accident report form (constat à l'amiable) and swap insurance details
Drink Driving
A driver is considered to be driving under the influence of alcohol - driving drunk - in France if the blood/alcohol level is equal to or exceeds 0.5 grams per litre (g/l).
- A driver who refuses to take the breathalyser, may face severve penalties.
Parking Conditions
- Parking cards: Pay-parking meters are operated by a parking card or cash (coins only) which can be bought at a tobacconist (Tabac)
