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French Driving Laws & Regulations
We have put together a brief, yet comprehensive guide to the do's and don'ts of driving in France during your camping holiday.
Driving Licence and Driving Documentation: You will need a full British (UK) driving licence, preferably with a photo, which should be carried with you or at least be in the car. If your licence does not have a photo then you need to have your passport handy for validation purposes. If the vehicle is not registered in your name you will need documentary proof from the owner that you have their permission to drive it in France.
Minimum Driving Age: If you hold a full UK licence, it's 18 for a car and a motorcycle over 125cc and 15 for a motorcycle under 125cc. Motorcycle and scooter riders and pillions must wear crash helmets. An on the spot fine is payable for non compliance.
Drinking and driving: Don't do it, it simply isn't worth the hassle. Over 0.05 per cent and you could face the full force of French law which could be anything up to imprisonment.
Motor insurance: Third-party insurance is the minimum insurance needed to be able to drive in France, though for a hassle free trip we suggest upgrading to fully comprehensive. Your insurer should be advised of your trip. Most comprehensive insurance policies now cover driving in Europe for a vertain length of time but we advise that you check individual policies to see if this is so.
Driving: Drive on the right of course and take care at roundabouts, especially the first few when you may still be unsure of yourself on foreign roads. Normally you give way to traffic coming from the right unless you see a yellow diamond which indicates that you have priority. On the spot fine for non compliance.
Roundabouts: Give way to traffic already on the roundabout - they will be coming from your left as you enter it. On the spot fine for non compliance.
Dual carriageways/Autoroutes: Remember that traffic coming from the right has the right of way in France and it is YOU who have to change lanes or slow down for them - not expect them to wait to enter the road. Many an accident has happened because UK drivers forget this vital rule. On the spot fine for non compliance.
Wanrning Triangle: It is compulsory to carry a red warning triangle in your vehicle. On the spot fine for non compliance. Please note: The triangle has to be placed at a distance of 100m (109 yards) from the car on motorways and 30m (32 yards) on other roads. If not possible (towns for instance), the distance can be reduced.
There are orange SOS emergency phone located on the side of the road every 2 kilometres on all autoroutes (motorways). There are road patrols on all sections of the autoroutes if you are worried about leaving your car unattended.
High visibility vest/jacket: It is compulsory to carry either high visibility vests or jackets in the vehicle. The grey area is how many, but we seriously suggest that for the sake of a couple of pounds each you should have one per person actually IN the car. Certainly the driver needs to have one stored in the vehicle which he/she can put on before getting out in emergency. On the spot fine for non compliance.
Winter tyres: Are recommended but not compulsory. Snow chains are recommended to be carried in mountainous regions, especially the Alps, during winter, and if you do not carry and fit them when conditions demand the police can prevent you continuing your journey. Again, this is more a commonsense rule than anything, but if you get stuck in heavy snow and do not have the correct tyres or chains then you can expect a smack or two, and you should remeber that if this happens then you may well be placing other lives in danger when they have to come to your aid.
Speeding: Please see our Speeding Fines in France page for further information. If the French police stop you for speeding or any other offence we strongly recommend that you look suitably humble and above all POLITE. If you are a French speaker then so much the better. If not then at least have a try. It won't get you any brownie points but it will ease the situation somewhat though they will still fine you anyway.
Seat belts: Must be used in both the front and rear. On the spot fine for non compliance.
Lights: Headlamp converters are compulsory and dipped headlights must be used in poor daytime visibility. Motorcycles over 125cc must use dipped headlights during the day at all times. On the spot fine for non compliance.
First Aid Kit: A good first aid kit should be carried in your vehicle at all times.
Children in Cars: Children under 10 are not allowed in the front. In the rear they must use a proper restraint system appropriate to their weight, which means a child seat if they weigh between 9 and 15 kg. Over this weight they can use seat belts with a booster cushion.
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