French driving Laws and regulations

It is quite understandable after spending 50 weeks of the year in our cold and wet climate with litter strewn streets to want to high tail it down the Autoroute on disembarking the ferry, but this will not be the best move you will make during your two or three weeks in France because that is exactly how the French Police expect we Brits to behave - and they are lying in wait! We deal with speeding issues later on.

There are a couple of laws which came into force during the summer of 2008 so if you haven't driven in France since then it we will deal with them later is so that you can catch up.

Firstly though, the mundane but commonsense driving laws which apply to UK or BRITISH drivers driving in France (This does not apply to immigrants to the UK who do not hold a UK licence:-

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. You could be stuffed if the police officer in question does not speak or read English though.

Minimum driving age if you hold a full UK licence, is 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. On the spot fine 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. Green cards are not necessary these days but 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.

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.

Light bulbs: We have understood for many years that it is the law in France to carry a replacement set of bulbs for your vehicle, but other sites seem to differ in this and only recommend carrying them.

First aid kit: Similar to the above. Our understanding is that 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.

New French driving laws:

Wanrning Triangle: It has become compulsory since July 1st 2008 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 has also become 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 (as of January 2008). 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: You can see the French speeding limits for various vehicles and various road/lighting conditions in our small chart below. 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, but straight away instead of keeping you there half of the day. They may well understand and speak English but rarely show it unless it is absolutely necessary.

Tip: Do not upset these guys. They have no sense of humour whatsoever and their parentage is in serious doubt (The editor has had a few altercations with them in the past and understands now that they always know best).