Driving Laws in France

Read up on all the do's and dont's when driving in France, before you leave for your holiday.

From July 2008 the laws about driving in France changed, and apply to French nationals and tourists alike. On-the-spot fines of between 90 and 135 euros became enforceable on 1st October 2008. The new and existing laws mean that:

• It is now compulsory to have at least one high visibility vest in the car, to be worn in the event of a breakdown. Reflective vests are available to buy from many places including online at Halfords.
  
   
• It also compulsory to carry a warning triangle in your car, to placed near your vehicle if you have to pull over. Once again, Halfords warning triangles can be purchased online.
  
   
• Seatbelts are compulsory for all passengers. Children up to the age of ten must sit in the rear of the car and must be protected by the use of car cots for small babies, and baby or child seats for toddlers and young children. Crash helmets must be worn for all forms of motorbike travel.
  
   
• You must carry your insurance, car log book - original not a photocopy, (or a letter from the car hire company if it is a company car), and your driving license with you at all times whilst driving. It is an offence not to do so.
  
   
• Unless otherwise indicated, the speed limit is 50 kph in built up areas, 90 kph on other roads, (80 in the rain) and 130 kph on autoroutes (110 in the rain).
  
   
• It is an offence to drive with levels of alcohol above 0.5 g per litre of blood (about two glasses of wine). Penalties are severe, so it is safest not to drink and drive at all when in France.