Lesser known French rules of the road you need to follow

1. French Roundabout Rules

Priority to Vehicles Inside:

Vehicles entering a roundabout must yield to those already circulating. This is standard, but in rural areas, watch for signs like "Priorité à droite" (priority to the right), where vehicles entering from the right may have priority.

Common Mistake: Assuming all roundabouts follow the same rules as in the UK (e.g., signaling on entry). In France, signal only when exiting.

Signaling:

Use your right indicator just before your exit to alert others. Do not signal when entering.

Exception:

On very large roundabouts (like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris), follow directional signs and lane markings.

Lane Discipline:

Right lane: For exits 1 (first exit) or 2 (straight ahead).

Left lane: For exits 3 (left) or full U-turns.

Tip: Avoid switching lanes mid-roundabout; French drivers are strict about lane adherence.

 

2. Speed Enforcement Cameras

Types:

Fixed cameras (Radars Fixes): Often placed after speed limit signs or hidden in roadside boxes.

Mobile cameras (Radars Mobiles): Handheld devices used by police or mounted in unmarked vans.

Average-speed zones (Radars Tronçons): Common on autoroutes; cameras track your time between two points.

Private radar cars: Operated by contractors; fines are still valid.

Tolerance:

≤ 100 km/h: Fines start at 5 km/h over.

> 100 km/h: Fines start at 5% over the limit.

Penalties:

Minor speeding: €68–€135.

Severe speeding (>50 km/h over): Up to €1,500, license suspension, or vehicle confiscation.

 

3. Breathalysers

Status: Mandatory law was scrapped in 2020, but carrying an NF-certified breathalyser (available on Amazon/ferry shops) is still advised.

Why?: If stopped, police may ask you to self-test. Refusal could lead to suspicion of drink-driving.

Blood Alcohol Limit: 0.05% (lower than the UK’s 0.08%).

Essential European Travel Kit - Vital For UK Motorists Travelling Across Europe

 

4. Mobile Phone Use

Rule: Holding a phone while driving is illegal. Hands-free systems (e.g., Bluetooth) are allowed.

Penalty: €135 fine + 3 penalty points (on a French license).

Loophole: You can use a phone if parked with the engine off.

 

5. Breakdown Fees on French Motorways

Costs:

Daytime: €130–€200 (depending on vehicle size).

Night/weekends: €200–€300+.

Process:

Use orange emergency phones on autoroutes for free recovery to a safe area.

If using a private recovery service, confirm costs upfront.

Breakdown Cover:

European Cover: Essential for towing, repairs, and accommodation. Providers like AA/RAC offer policies.

Without Cover: Pay upfront; reclaim later if your insurer allows.

 

6. Headphones/Earpieces

Rule: Illegal to wear any device covering both ears (even for calls/music). Single earbud is technically allowed but discouraged.

Penalty: €135 fine.

Alternative: Use vehicle speakers or a fully hands-free system.

 

7. Civil Enforcement

Who Can Fine You?: Police, gendarmes, or municipal officers.

On-the-Spot Fines:

Non-residents must pay immediately (credit card preferred).

Unpaid fines may lead to border checks or future travel issues.

Language: Fines are issued in French, but officers often explain in basic English.

 

8. Clean Air Stickers (Crit’Air)

Cities Requiring Them: Paris, Lyon, Grenoble, Strasbourg, Toulouse (around 45 more added in 2025)

How to Buy: Apply online at the official portal (€3.70 + postage). Delivery takes ~30 days.

Zones:

ZCR (Permanent zones): Sticker required always.

ZPA (Temporary zones): Activated during high pollution.

Penalty: €68–€180 for non-compliance.

 

9. "Black Saturdays" (Samedis Noirs)

Dates: Peak Saturdays in July/August (e.g., Bastille Day weekend).

Routes Affected: Major autoroutes (A6, A7, A9) toward the Alps/Mediterranean.

Advice:

Travel before 7 AM or after 7 PM.

Use traffic apps like Bison Futé (www.bison-fute.gouv.fr) for real-time updates.

 

10. Pre-Trip Checklist

Documents:

Full UK driving license (no paper counterpart needed).

V5C logbook (if renting, carry the rental agreement).

Insurance certificate (check it covers France).

Safety Equipment:

Mandatory: Reflective jacket (within reach, not in the boot), warning triangle.

Recommended: Spare bulbs, first-aid kit.

Vehicle Prep:

Headlamp beam deflectors (for UK cars).

Clean Air sticker (if visiting cities).

 

11. European Breakdown Cover

Why You Need It:

Covers repatriation, accommodation, and onward travel if your car can’t be fixed.

Avoids language barriers with local garages.

Options:

Basic: Towing to a garage.

Comprehensive: Includes car hire, hotel costs, and repatriation.

Key Tips for Driving in France

Speed Limits in Rain: Reduce speed by 10–20 km/h on wet roads.

Tolls: Autoroutes (A-roads) are tolled; keep a credit card handy.

Fuel: Diesel is marked Gazole; unleaded is Sans Plomb 95/98.

Low Emission Zones: Expanding to 45+ cities by 2025.

For official updates, visit:

Sécurité Routière (French road safety).

UK Gov France Driving Guide.

 This blog is only a guide and European travel rules change frequently. Always check and verify with your own sources.