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BridgeFrance

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of France. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
France

13. Bridge

A bridge is a structure that carries a road, path or railway over an obstacle such as a river, valley, railway line or another road. A road bridge may carry one or more roadways together with pedestrian or cycling facilities.

Drivers should follow any speed, weight, height, width or vehicle-access restrictions applying to the bridge. Particular care may be necessary on narrow, exposed or movable bridges and when weather conditions such as wind, rain or ice affect the road surface.

Warning for a movable bridge. (Charente-Maritime, France)
Wikimedia.org • KiwiNeko14 • CC BY-SA
What should I check before crossing a bridge in France?

Check the applicable weight, axle-load, width and height restrictions before committing to the crossing. Include the load, trailer and roof equipment when relevant. A bridge warning and a vehicle restriction serve different purposes; comply with both.

🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • French Road Code — R411-25, R413-17, R416-4, R417-10(II)(6), R421-6; 1967 order C111

Who goes first on a narrow bridge in France?

Follow any traffic lights, give-way controls or signs allocating priority over oncoming traffic. Do not force your way onto a bridge that cannot accommodate both directions safely. A bridge warning alone does not give your direction priority.

🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • French Road Code — R411-25, R413-17, R416-4, R417-10(II)(6), R421-6; 1967 order C111

May I stop or park on a bridge in France?

France generally prohibits voluntary stopping and parking on bridges under Article R417-10(II)(6), unless the competent traffic authority provides otherwise. Do not use a bridge carriageway as a viewpoint or passenger drop-off point. A stop required by traffic or an emergency must be distinguished from choosing to stop there.

🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • French Road Code — R411-25, R413-17, R416-4, R417-10(II)(6), R421-6; 1967 order C111

🔗 masecurite.interieur.gouv.fr • French Interior Ministry — bridge and tunnel parking restrictions, updated 8 October 2026

1 France 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Minimum speed 8 Advisory speed 9 Footpath 10 Bike path 11 Pedestrian warning 12 Tunnel 13 Bridge 14 Cycling street 15 Pedestrian zone 16 Speed bump 17 Toll road 18 Customs 19 One-way traffic 20 Quay 21 Slope 22 Bus lane 23 Bus stop 24 Dead end 25 Stop sign 26 Give way 27 Roundabout 28 Priority road 29 Road narrowing 30 Priority over oncoming traffic 31 Give way to oncoming traffic 32 Pedestrian crossing 33 Railway crossing 34 Mandatory direction 35 Turn prohibition 36 School area 37 Overtaking 38 Crossing animals 39 Slippery road 40 Rockfall 41 Aircraft 42 Curve 43 Chevron 44 Wrong-way driving 45 Roadworks 46 Crosswind 47 Height limit 48 Width limit 49 Length limit 50 Weight limit 51 Radar speed sign 52 Selective barriers 53 Low-emission zone 54 Priority at the next junction 55 Traffic lights 56 Traffic lights warning 57 Pedestrian lights 58 Road markings 59 Junction layout 60 Bike box 61 Speed feedback 62 Driving licence 63 Location marker 64 Road number 65 Countdown markers 66 Public toilet 67 Rest area 68 Traffic mirror 69 Emergency telephone 70 International border 71 Cycling route 72 End of restriction 73 Parking 74 No parking 75 No stopping 76 Parallel parking 77 Alternate-side parking 78 Parking meter 79 Parking disc 80 Disabled parking 81 Traffic management 82 Merging 83 Reversing 84 U-turn 85 Carpool 86 Traffic jam 87 Uncontrolled crossroad 88 Road surface 89 Ring road 90 Exit 91 Information point 92 Horse riding 93 Provisional licence 94 Hazardous cargo 95 Emergency exit 96 Runaway truck ramp 97 Radio service 98 Oversize load 99 Lane 100 Tyre inflation station ...