Traffic signsFrance

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.


Information signs

An information sign identifies a route, destination, facility or regulated road or area. Some carry legal consequences, so apply the actual sign meaning and local traffic code.


Country border. Start of a priority road. End of the priority road. Start of a built-up area. End of the built-up area. Start of a motorway. End of the motorway. Start of an expressway. End of the expressway. Start of a residential area. End of the residential area. Start of a zone for pedestrians. End of the zone for pedestrians. Lane for cyclists. End of the lane for cyclists. Lane for pedestrians and cyclists. End of lane for pedestrians and cyclists. National speed limits. Advisory speed limit. End of the advisory speed limit. Start of a tunnel. End of the tunnel. Speed bump. Crossing for pedestrians. Crossing bus lane. Crossing trams. Bus stop. Road narrowing, oncoming drivers have to give way. Dead end street. Dead end street with a passage for pedestrians. Dead end street with a passage for pedestrians and cyclists. Road with one-way traffic. Taxi stand. Toll booth. Toll payment by card. Toll payment in cash. Electronic toll payment. Toll ticket. Overview of the lanes and their direction. Overview of the lanes and their direction. General information about the directions. Information about the destination and distance. Junction directions and destinations. End of a lane. Runaway truck ramp. Place where you can stop in case of a breakdown. Carsharing. The road is closed. Road open (with restrictions). Parking allowed. Parking only allowed if you pay. Parking only allowed for a limited time. Parking under video surveillance. Air pressure station. Traffic information radio. ATM. Services for the disabled. Ecotax for trucks. Fire extinguisher. First aid. Hiking route. Bed and breakfast. Café. Restaurant. Picnic site. Playground. Youth hostel. Hotel. Camping site. Caravan site. Camping and caravan site. Drainage for campers. Car ferry. Motorail service. Carpool. Information point. Public toilet. Place for boats. Cable car. Chairlift. Recreational area. Telephone. Emergency telephone. Tourist information. Viewpoint. Repair shop. Petrol station. Charging station. Charging station with LPG. Petrol and charging station. Petrol station with LPG. Petrol and charging station with LPG. Crossroad shape. Ordinary road number. Emergency exit. Direction to emergency exit. Signpost with distance to location. Skiing route. Snow chains and winter tyres zone. End of zone for snow chains and winter tyres. Fire risk.
Which signs provide information in France?

C signs give indications useful for driving; CE signs identify services. Direction guidance belongs to other catalogue groups.

🔗 equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • French road-sign order, Article 5-8, signs EB10 and EB20 — Current full published Order Articles3/4/5/5-1 and direction groups: A danger, AB priority, B prohibitions and obligations including B21, C indications, CE services; not a production-memory verification.

How can you recognise a built-up area in France?

The official entrance sign displays the place name on a white panel with a red border. The corresponding exit sign has a diagonal red line across the name. Observe any accompanying speed restrictions.

🔗 equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • French road-sign order, Article 5-8, signs EB10 and EB20 — Order Article5-8, EB10/EB20 entrance/exit design and town-name panels.

101. Fire risk

This traffic sign indicates an area with an increased risk of fire. Take particular care to avoid causing a fire and follow any accompanying restrictions or instructions.

Fire risk.

English • Traffic sign C3 • Fire risk.

Français • Panneau C3 • Risque d'incendie.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 3.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 self-made from source above • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Source revision 2013-04-27. Wikimedia original unmodified.