Driving in France

Driving in France can be a pleasure with quiet ,normally straight, roads (thank Bonaparte apparently ) or madness (roads through or during rush-hour -or any hour-in any big city).  
The majority of people travelling in France on holiday are more likely to experience the quieter more rural parts of France as drivers. However, wherever you drive there are some basic laws and common-sense tips to apply:

You will need a recognised full driving licence, the car's registration certificate (for cars registered in the UK, the V5C certificate), and proof of insurance. You should also always have your passport with you.
An international driving licence is not required for short term visitors (up to 90 days) from countries of the EU, EEA, USA, Canada; however it is either recommended for visitors from other countries.
•The wearing of front and rear seatbelts is compulsory.
•No children under 10 are allowed in the front seats of the car. When in the rear of the car, if they weigh between 9 and 15 kg they must use a child seat --over this a booster cushion can be used--to give proper restraint. 
• Carry a warning triangle-- it’s a legal requirement. (your hire car should have one)

From 1 July 2008 it has been compulsory for any vehicle being driven in France to be equipped with a warning triangle. This must be placed 30 metres behind your vehicle if it becomes immobilised after a breakdown. Emergency flashing lights must also be used.
The law also requires that there should be at least one high-visibility reflective jacket stored in the passenger compartment of the vehicle (not in the boot), for use by the driver on exiting the immobilised vehicle.

From 1 October 2008 a fine of 135€ will be imposed
for non-possession of these items.

If using a right-hand drive car please note the following:

• By law you must adjust the direction of your headlamp beams for driving on the right, either by using the stick-on adapters or (on more modern cars) by making an adjustment to the lights. Check your manual or consult your dealer if in doubt.

• Drive on the right! -- Yes we know you know but even the best and most diligent of drivers can, after a few days or weeks of successful right-side driving “forget”, especially when pulling out of filling stations or small side roads – drivers have come up with some ingenious (and some weird) ideas to remind them --look for the one gloved hands or the obstacles stuck to the screen -- a simple post-it note will do.

• Get familiar with the rules for priorities when entering and exiting roads junctions , roundabouts, etc; if in doubt give priority to the right. It can be helpful to have a Frenchman in front of you --to follow his lead so to speak --but remember the first rule of French rules-'they are there to be broken' so you might find yourself going through a red light!

 Come to a complete stop at STOP signs. (Why English?)

• Someone flashing their lights behind you on a motorway means ‘get out of my way-my time is more important than yours and anyway I want to go faster than you’ ; it’s best just to quietly move over and don’t let your ego get the better of you.

• A driver flashing their lights on a country road may mean there’s an obstruction or a police check ahead.

• It is illegal to drive with your side (parking) lights on at any time, (though you would not know this as you'll witness a lot of it) and you must use your dipped  headlamps when visibility is low. 

•  GB stickers are compulsory in France although apparently only about half of  the British cars going  abroad actually have one. 

• Your driving licence, insurance documents and car registration documents should be carried at all times, plus It is a good idea to have your passport with you. (Spot checks are quite common, even in country areas) Anyway your passports are sometimes needed at tourist attractions as security for hiring equipment.
 

• If you break the rules you will be fined. These vary from around 30 euros - to the equivalent of paying for your holiday again - for serious speeding offences or  drunken or reckless driving.

      Visitors must pay in cash on the spot. Residents have 30 days to pay up.

• Expect the unexpected is a good rule to follow in France. In rural areas don't  be surprised to meet  someone tottering along the middle of the road as if no-one else ever uses it ! Or to have the local driver 12 " away from you back bumper. You will most probably, on one of the more scenic and quiet roads, wonder why the driver coming towards you is on the wrong side of the road -don't- its most probably you !!!

So as we have said before -be diligent.

       • Speed Limits (the second figure indicating the reduced speed limit in rainy conditions)

 Motorways – 130/110 km/h (81/69 mph)
 Dual Carriageways – 110/100 km/h (69/62mph)
Other roads – 90/80 km/h (56/50mph)
Towns/built-up areas – 50 km/h (31mph) or as signposted

Breakdowns

If your car breaks down, try to move it to the side of the road so that it obstructs the traffic flow as little as possible. You are advised to seek local assistance as, at the present time there is no nationwide road assistance service in France. On auto routes use the orange SOS phones which are situated every 2 km on motorways and every 4 km on dual carriageways and other major roads. Each one has a number. You will be expected to give your name, your location and your vehicle details.The use of warning triangles or hazard warning lights is mandatory in the event of an accident or break down.

Know the signs.

Take special note of last two signs as the 'Prioity ends' means you can have someone pulling out in front of you from the right because they have Priority ! An apparently ancient rule that still applies, sometimes bizarrely but one you must adhere to. 

You should also know the following terms:

Autres Directions - other directions.

Cédez le passage - give way.

Déviation - Diversion.

Péage - Toll.

Sortie - exit.

Toutes Directions - All directions.

More.....

Aire de repos - Rest stops
Allumez vos lanterns (or feux) - Turn on your lights
Attention au feu - Beware of traffic signal
Attention travaux - Beware roadworks
Chaussèe dèformèe - Bumpy road ahead
Centre ville - Town centre
Ferme - Closed
Gendarmerie - Police station
Gravillons - Loose chippings
Nids de poules - Potholes
Ouvert - Open