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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.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
France
Priority signs
Warning signs
Prohibitory signs
Mandatory signs
Information signs
Additional signs

Prohibitory signs

A prohibitory sign is a traffic sign that tells drivers what is not allowed on that specific road or in that situation. These signs impose restrictions such as no entry, no overtaking, no parking, speed limits, or bans on certain types of vehicles. Their purpose is to clearly indicate actions that are forbidden to ensure safety, maintain traffic flow, and protect vulnerable road users.

No entry. Access prohibited in both directions. Pedestrians prohibited. Cyclists prohibited. Mopeds prohibited. Motorcycles prohibited. Caravans prohibited. Trucks prohibited. Buses prohibited. Tractors prohibited. Handcarts prohibited. Horsecarts prohibited. Motorcycles and cars prohibited. Mopeds, motorcycles and cars prohibited. Vehicles carrying dangerous goods prohibited. Flammable or explosive goods prohibited. Vehicles carrying water-polluting substances prohibited. Vehicles wider than indicated prohibited. Vehicles higher than indicated prohibited. Vehicles longer than indicated prohibited. Vehicles heavier than indicated prohibited. Vehicles exceeding the axle-load limit prohibited. Minimum following distance. Road narrowing, give way to oncoming drivers. Turning left prohibited. Turning right prohibited. Turning around prohibited (U-turn). Overtaking prohibited. End of the overtaking prohibition. Overtaking prohibited for trucks. End of the overtaking prohibition for trucks. Start of a speed limit. End of the speed limit. Start of a zone with speed limit. End of the zone with speed limit. Start of a prohibited-access zone. End of prohibited-access zone. Using the horn prohibited. End of horn prohibition. Entry prohibited (checkpoint). Passing customs without stopping prohibited. Passing without payment prohibited. Parking prohibited. Parking prohibited from the 1st to the 15th. Parking prohibited from the 16th to month-end. Parking and stopping prohibited. Zone with a limited parking time. End of limited-time parking zone. Start of no-parking zone. End of no-parking zone. Start of paid parking zone. End of paid parking zone.
How are prohibitory signs classified in France?

Prohibitions belong to the B catalogue, including entry restrictions and maximum-speed signs.

🔗 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.

What does a no-turn sign prohibit in France?

It prohibits the left, right or other turn shown at the junction or position controlled by the sign in France. Follow any supplementary panel or authorised direction and choose another legal route.

🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • French Road Code — R411-25, R412-10, R415-11; 1967 order article 4

Can a no-turn restriction apply only to certain vehicles or hours in France?

Yes, where the local sign system provides a supplementary condition or exemption, such as a vehicle class, time or authorised access. Without a valid exception, comply with the prohibited movement shown.

🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • French Road Code — R411-25, R412-10, R415-11; 1967 order article 4

51. Start of paid parking zone

This traffic sign indicates the start of a paid parking zone. Payment is required when parking within the zone according to the indicated conditions and applicable local rules. The requirement applies until the zone is ended or another parking rule replaces it.

Start of paid parking zone.

English • Traffic sign B6b4 • Beginning of a paid parking zone.

Français • Panneau B6b4 • Entrée d’une zone à stationnement payant.

Sources

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

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2007-12-02. Wikimedia original unmodified.

52. End of paid parking zone

This traffic sign indicates the end of the paid parking zone. The zonal payment requirement ends at this point. Other parking restrictions, charges or conditions may still apply.

End of paid parking zone.

English • Traffic sign B50d • End of a paid parking zone.

Français • Panneau B50d • Sortie de zone à stationnement payant.

Sources

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

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2007-12-02. Wikimedia original unmodified.