A Guide to Driving in France: Do’s and Don’ts

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Learn everything you need to know about driving in France: the do’s and don’ts to remember as well as the vocabulary and phrases to learn.

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Do: Bring the required documents to drive in FranceDo: Carry these items in your carDon’t: Break any French driving lawsDo: Learn and follow French road rulesDo: Follow speed limitsDo: Check parking signs in France“What if my car breaks down in France?”Do’s and Don’ts: Accidents in France“What do I do if I have a road accident in France?”Conclusion

Driving around France is a great way to see the country. Not only can you travel in your own time, but it’ll get you off the beaten track and to the more hidden areas.

There are some things you need to know before driving in France, but if you come prepared and aware of the existing French driving rules there will be nothing to worry about. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep you safe and on the right side of the law.

Do: Bring the required documents to drive in France

For a smooth driving trip through France, make sure you do have these documents:

• A full and valid driver’s license

European Union and European Economic Area (EEA) driving licences are valid in France.

Short-term visitors with a valid non-EU/EEA licence can generally drive during their visit. The licence must be in French or accompanied by an International Driving Permit or an official translation meeting French requirements; British licences have a specific exemption. Check the current rules for your licence and any car-hire conditions before travelling.

In reality, it’s unlikely that anyone will want to check your IDP, but some car hire companies may require one.

• Passport or national identification card
• Proof of vehicle ownership (registration certificate) or proof of car hire
• Proof of motor insurance; roadside assistance and travel insurance are separate cover

Do: Carry these items in your car

As of September 2026, French rules require a warning triangle and at least one reflective high-visibility vest in the vehicle. Keep the vest within reach so you can put it on before leaving the car. Place the triangle about 30 metres behind a stopped vehicle only when it is safe to do so; you do not have to place it if doing so would put you in danger. Check the current French government guidance before your trip.

• Warning triangle: Carry one in the vehicle and use it after a breakdown when safe.
• High-visibility vest: Carry at least one reflective vest where the driver can reach it before getting out.

Spare bulbs are recommended but are not a legal requirement. A breathalyser is no longer mandatory; the requirement was removed in 2020. Some low-emission zones require a Crit’Air sticker, so check the rules for the places you plan to drive.

Don’t: Break any French driving laws

To be sure you stay on the right side of French law, don’t be tempted to break these laws:

Age

The minimum age for a category B car licence in France is 17. Visitors must hold a valid licence recognised in France for the vehicle they intend to drive; car-hire companies may impose a higher minimum age.

Seatbelts

It is mandatory for all car passengers to wear a seatbelt at all times. Children under ten generally travel in the back using an appropriate restraint, subject to specific legal exceptions such as a suitable rear-facing seat in front with the airbag deactivated.

Drunk Driving

France may well be the land of fine wine, but don’t be fooled – drunk driving is a serious offence. Don’t be tempted to drink and drive, even if it’s just down the road, the consequences could be serious.

The French Police regularly carry out random breath tests, particularly during peak travel or holiday times.

Police may require alcohol testing after an offence or accident, or during a roadside check; some circumstances make testing mandatory.

Driving is prohibited at a blood alcohol concentration of 0.5 g/L (0.05%) or more for most drivers. The threshold is 0.2 g/L (0.02%) for drivers with a probationary licence; that probationary period is not always exactly three years.

Using Mobile Phones

Holding a mobile phone while driving is illegal. Even hands-free mobile phone use with a headset or Bluetooth connected earphones is banned. The only type of mobile phone usage that is legal while driving is completely hands and headset free.

Handheld phone or headset use can lead to a €135 fine and, where applicable, penalty points. A licence suspension is also possible, depending on the circumstances and applicable enforcement; it is not an automatic nationwide consequence of every offence.

Do: Learn and follow French road rules

Do follow the French road rules for a safe and incident-free trip.

• The French drive on the right side of the road.
• In France priority (giving way) is given to all vehicles on the right. In France, most main roads are priority roads, they are indicated with a yellow diamond sign. A yellow diamond with a black line through it indicates that priority has ended.
• At roundabouts, you must give way to traffic already in the roundabout (on the left), unless otherwise indicated. Some large roundabouts, such as the Place de l’étoile on the Champs Elysées in Paris, give priority to vehicles entering it.
• Overtaking should be done on the left in the majority of circumstances, however if you are driving on a multi-lane highway and the other lanes are moving slower due to traffic congestion, then you may overtake on the right.

Do: Follow speed limits

France enforces speed limits nationwide. You need to follow them, unless a different limit is indicated.

• Highways (motorways): 130km/h in normal conditions

110km/h in rain
50km/h if visibility is below 50 metres

• Dual carriageway with a central divider (outside built-up areas): 110km/h in normal conditions

100km/h in rain
50km/h if visibility is below 50 metres

• Undivided roads outside built-up areas: generally 80km/h in normal conditions; some sections permit 90km/h

80km/h in rain
50km/h if visibility is below 50 metres

• Residential/built-up areas: 50km/h

Pay close attention to the speed limits indicated around schools.

Exceeding the speed limit in France is against the law. If caught, you risk being pulled over by police and given a large fine. Speed cameras are widespread and their positions are not always indicated.

Speeding by 40km/h or more can lead to immediate retention and subsequent suspension of your licence. Vehicle impoundment and other penalties depend on the circumstances and the offence; do not treat them as automatic for every case.

Do: Check parking signs in France

Local parking areas and restrictions are usually indicated by signs. Before leaving your car to enjoy your outing, make sure to check that you’re allowed to park there.  Failure to do so may run you the risk of finding no car on your return, as it’s been towed by local authorities.

Don’t park on a single yellow line. This line indicates that parking and stopping are forbidden. Parking on one of these lines will likely result in a parking fine or your car potentially being towed away.

If the yellow line is broken, you may stop to unload, but you cannot park there.

“What if my car breaks down in France?”

Having your car break down is always unfortunate. On a motorway (autoroute), use an orange emergency call point if you can reach it safely; it connects you to the motorway assistance service without dialling 112. Only approved breakdown operators may intervene. If there is immediate danger or a medical emergency, call 112 or the appropriate emergency service.

Don’t call your roadside assistance company yet! A local company will tow your car to a recovery zone, where you can then contact your company.

If you break down on another road you can phone your own roadside assistance or insurance company.

Put on a high-visibility vest before leaving the vehicle and move to a safe place behind the barrier if you can. Place the warning triangle about 30 metres behind the car only if it is safe to do so. Do not risk your life to place a triangle, especially on a motorway. Follow the instructions of emergency services and roadside assistance.

Do’s and Don’ts: Accidents in France

Accidents can be unavoidable, but do take appropriate action to avoid them wherever possible.

Do’s to avoid accidents in bad weather

Use dipped headlights when visibility is poor. Front fog lights may be used in fog, snow or heavy rain; rear fog lights are permitted only in fog or snow, not in rain alone.

Make sure to leave a larger than usual safe distance between you and the vehicle in front.

Reduce your speed. Please refer to the previously discussed Speed Limit section.

“What do I do if I have a road accident in France?”

• If you are involved in an accident involving two or more vehicles, you will likely be asked to fill in a constat amiable (joint accident report) by the other driver involved.
• Call your insurance company, they may assist you with their local representative.
• If your vehicle is very badly damaged or unable to be moved, phone a roadside assistance company. Again, your insurance company may be able to assist you with this.
• If there is any sort of injury to anyone involved in the accident, even if you are not at fault, you must wait until the police have arrived. This is required by law.

Conclusion

While a driving trip through France may sound like a lot of work, it is a wonderful way to see the country, so don’t be put off. It always pays to be prepared when driving through another country and having a good understanding of the laws and road rules can help you avoid a number of problems or inconveniences. Once you’re familiar with the rules, you can enjoy driving in France!