FranceFrance

Drive on the right and normally overtake on the left. On multi-lane roads, drivers should return to the right-hand lane after overtaking.

Call 112 for the European emergency number, 15 for emergency medical assistance, 17 for police and 18 for the fire and rescue service.

The maximum blood-alcohol level is 0.5 g/l for most drivers. A lower limit of 0.2 g/l applies to drivers with a probationary licence.

The general maximum speed is 50 km/h, unless a lower or higher permitted limit is indicated. Many towns and cities use lower limits, particularly 30 km/h zones.

On ordinary two-way roads without a central separator, the general maximum speed is 80 km/h. The competent local authority may increase certain suitable sections to 90 km/h.

On roads with two carriageways separated by a central reservation, the general maximum speed for cars is 110 km/h, unless signs indicate another limit.

The general maximum speed on French motorways is 130 km/h, unless signs indicate a lower limit.

Yes. In rain or other precipitation, the maximum is generally reduced to 110 km/h on motorways and 100 km/h on divided roads. Other higher-speed roads are generally limited to 80 km/h.

When visibility is below 50 metres, the maximum speed is 50 km/h on all roads, including motorways.

Yes. Drivers with a probationary licence are generally limited to 110 km/h on motorways, 100 km/h on divided roads and 80 km/h on other roads where a higher limit would normally apply.

France does not use a general motorway vignette for private cars. Instead, many autoroutes charge tolls, while other motorway sections are toll-free.

Drivers must not travel unnecessarily slowly and obstruct normal traffic. On the leftmost motorway lane, a minimum speed of 80 km/h applies when traffic is flowing freely and weather conditions are good.

Between 1 November and 31 March, vehicles travelling in designated municipalities in mountainous areas must carry suitable snow chains or equivalent devices, or be equipped with qualifying winter tyres, according to the applicable winter-equipment rules.

Seat belts are mandatory for drivers and passengers on seats equipped with them, subject to specific legal exemptions.

Children under 10 years old must generally use an approved child-restraint system appropriate for their size and weight. They must normally travel in the rear seats, although specific exceptions allow front-seat travel.

Motorcycle and moped riders and passengers must wear an approved, fastened helmet and must also wear compliant protective gloves. Children under 12 must wear a helmet when riding or travelling as a passenger on a bicycle.

Holding a mobile phone while driving is prohibited. Drivers are also prohibited from wearing headphones, earphones or similar devices that emit sound, except approved hearing-assistance devices.

At an intersection where priority is not otherwise regulated, the driver approaching from the left must give way to the driver approaching from the right. Traffic signs, signals and special priority rules can override this rule.

At a carrefour à sens giratoire, drivers entering the circular roadway must give way to traffic already circulating on it. Drivers should still follow the signs because priority arrangements can differ at other types of circular junction.

Drivers must give way, stopping if necessary, to a pedestrian who is crossing or clearly showing an intention to cross. Pedestrians also have priority in pedestrian areas and meeting zones under the applicable rules.

Drivers must leave at least 1 metre in built-up areas and 1.5 metres outside built-up areas when overtaking a cyclist.

Red means stop. A steady amber light also requires drivers to stop, unless the vehicle is already too close to the signal to stop safely when the light changes.

Cars must carry a high-visibility safety vest and warning triangle. The vest should be accessible from inside the vehicle. A spare wheel and breathalyser are not generally mandatory.

When approaching a stopped emergency, recovery or road-maintenance vehicle displaying warning signals, drivers must slow down and move away from the vehicle as far as safely possible, changing lane where possible to create a safety corridor.

Yes, under specific conditions. Certain two- and three-wheeled motorcycles may use inter-lane filtering on motorways and suitable divided roads during dense, continuous traffic. The maximum filtering speed is 50 km/h, reduced to 30 km/h when one of the traffic lanes is stationary.

A Crit'Air sticker classifies a vehicle according to its emissions. It is required when driving in French low-emission zones where the Crit'Air system applies and may also be required during temporary pollution-related traffic restrictions. Foreign-registered vehicles can obtain a French Crit'Air sticker.