Going to France this summer? Here are som good advices for driving in France, that will keep you prepared and safe on your journey. General driving advice and special equipment for driving legaly in France. Use this as a checklist before you go to avoid any problems.


General driving advice France:
– A valid full driving licence. The original vehicle registration document and Your passport
– Make sure you have European breakdown cover.
– 112 is the emergency number across Europe.
– Don’t use a hand held mobile while driving.
– If you wear glasses, take a spare pair.
– It is recommended that you have a reflective jacket in the car – they are compulsory in many European countries.
– Speed camera / radar detection systems are illegal in most European countries. Come countries have also banned the use of sat navs which detect fixed speed cameras so ensure this is deactivated.
– Plan your journey
– There is only one safe rule when it comes to drinking and driving; if you drink, don’t drive.

Check your Car before taking of to France:
Service your car before you go to avoid expensive and frustrating breakdowns while away. Check the tread for wear – the legal limit in the summer for car tyres across Europe is 1.6mm but we recommend a minimum of 3mm as tyres wear quickly after 3mm. Check the tyre pressure – remember to check them when cold. Check tyres for any damage and replace them if you need to. Think about taking a puncture repair kit to get you on the road again without having to change a tyre, until you are able to get to a garage for a replacement.

Driving Advice France:
It is compulsory to have the following equipment in France:
– Warning triangle
– In built-up areas give way to traffic coming from the right “priorité a droite”.
– If a roundabout has a sign saying “Vous n’avez pas la priorité” or “Cédez le passage” then traffic on the roundabout has priority; where there is no sign, traffic entering the roundabout has priority.
– Overtaking stationary trams is prohibited when passengers are boarding / alighting.
– In built up areas the use of the horn is prohibited except in cases of immediate danger.
– It is absolutely prohibited to carry, transport or use radar detectors. Failure to comply with this regulation involves a fine of up to 1500 Euros and the vehicle and/or device may be confiscated.
– Speed limits for private vehicles without trailers:
In built-up areas 31 mph (50 km/h)Outside built-up areas 55 mph (90 km/h)Urban motorways and dual carriageways separated by a central reservation 68 mph (110 km/h)Motorways 80 mph (130 km/h)Minimum speed limit on motorways 49mph (80km/h). Wet weather speed limits: 49 mph (80 km/h) outside built-up areas62 mph (100 km/h) on dual carriageways68 mph (110 km/h) on motorways
These lower limits also apply to visiting motorists who have held a driving licence for less than two years.
Additionally, speed limits are reduced on stretches of motorways in built up areas.
– Holders of EU driving licences exceeding the speed limit by more than 40 km/h will have their licences confiscated on the spot by the police.
– It is compulsory to have third party motor insurance.
– Seat belts are compulsory for front/rear seat occupants (if fitted) Children under the age of 10 are not allowed to travel in the front seat (unless there are no rear seats or they are occupied with children under 10)
A baby up to 13kg must be carried in a rear facing baby seat. A child between 9 and 18kg must be seated in a child seat and a child from 15kg up to 10 years can use a booster seat with a seat belt or a harness.

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