Traffic rules

Traffic rules France

General:

France has an excellent road network, especially in the Paris area and on all routes to Paris. The cross-connections are still in the process of being developed. Most motorways are privately operated and therefore subject to tolls.

Driving licence:

An international driving licence is not required.

Promise limit:

All over France, the 0.5 per mille limit applies.

Fines:

Alcohol can be quite expensive here. Between 0.5 and 0.79 per mille the penalty is still 750 euros, after that up to 4500 euros.

Exceeding the speed limit: from 90 euros
Red light: from 90 euros
Overtaking ban disregarded: from 90 euros
Parking ban: from 10 euros
Telephoning without a hands-free device: 135 euros

Other:

Red light: from 90 Euro
Overtaking despite prohibition: from 90 Euro
Parking despite prohibition: from 10 Euro
Telephoning without hands-free device: 35 Euro
Missing breathalyser: from 11 Euro
Driving too fast: from 90 Euro

Other:

Other than that, similar traffic rules apply as everywhere else in Europe. Outside built-up areas, 90 km/h may be driven and in the city 50 km/h. On motorways the maximum speed is 130 km/h. In wet conditions, take your foot off the accelerator. On country roads the speed limit is 80 and on motorways 110. Caution: Parking is prohibited on kerbs with a yellow line. During the day, it is recommended that you drive with your headlights on, but this is only compulsory for motorcyclists. In France, high-visibility vests have been compulsory since 1 July 2008. Children under the age of 10 are not allowed to sit in the front seat and carrying and using radar detectors in the vehicle is forbidden in France. In addition, you should know that parking in the “zone bleue” is only permitted with a parking disc and that priority roads end at the place name signs. Since 01.07.2012 it is compulsory to carry a breathalyser in every car. Vehicles driving uphill have priority.