Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has put together a short blog with everything you need to know when driving in France
France is a popular choice for driving holidays with their vast expanses of beautiful landscape and exciting towns to discover. However, it's critical that you understand how driving in France differs from driving in the UK if you're organising a road trip.
You must also have the correct permission to take your car out of the UK. For example, if you are leasing the vehicle you are planning on driving abroad, check out our Can I Take My Lease Vehicle Abroad Guide for more information.
We have put together everything you need to know, from the required documents to the rules of the road, meaning you can spend your trip enjoying France's exquisite cuisine, breath-taking scenery, and of course, it’s great driving roads.
Driving licence laws in France
To legally drive in France, visitors must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's licence. Driving licences issued in the UK, the EU and EEA countries are accepted.
The Latest French road regulations
Please be aware of the latest laws if you are driving a vehicle in France:
Alcohol limit: The legal limit for alcohol consumption for drivers with less than three years of experience is 0.2 grams per litre. The restriction is 0.5 grammes per litre for those with more than three years of experience. Both are below the 0.8 grammes per litre standard that applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (the Scottish limit is 0.5).
Headphones: Whether listening to music or making phone calls, using headsets and headphones while operating a vehicle is illegal for all drivers.
Low emission zones: Paris has a Low Emission Zone meaning petrol and diesel vehicles manufactured before 1997 are prohibited Monday through Friday from 8 am to 8 pm. As of 2020, only vehicles made in or after 2011 are allowed.
Clean air sticker: French cities are now adopting clean-air zones known as Crit'Air, similar to London's ULEZ. To drive in these areas, you must buy a pollution sticker for your car. By submitting your vehicle's information online, the system will classify your vehicle into one of several numbered categories based on the amount of pollution it produces. The sticker makes this category number apparent to the French authorities, and drivers who don't have one will face an on-the-spot fine.
Speed limits: In France, many A and B roads have been reduced to 80 km/h speed limits (50mph)
What documents do I need to drive in France?
The following documents should always be carried when in France:
- Valid UK driving licence
- Proof of ID (passport)
- Motor insurance certificate
- V5 registration document
A full and valid UK driver's licence will still allow you to drive in all European Union countries, including France. However, in terms of documents, UK drivers will also require proof of insurance and ownership (V5C) and a passport or national identification card to present to the French authorities.
After Brexit, there is more certainty about any additional paperwork needed for a road trip to France. For example, driving in France does not require an international driving permit anymore, and as of August 2021, it does not call for a green card for insurance.
What Items do I need to drive in France?
You are required by law to carry the following items in your vehicle:
Warning triangle: Compulsory in every vehicle
Reflective jackets: These must be stored inside the vehicle and within easy reach, one for each occupant.
Spare bulbs: It is recommended you should have a spare bulb kit for your car, but it's not required.
Headlamp beam deflectors: You will either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually, depending on your car.
Snow chains: During the winter season, from November 1st through March 31st, drivers within 'snow zones' must legally equip their vehicles with winter tyres and/or snow chains.
Do I need a GB or UK sticker for driving in France?
The distinguishing national identifier displayed on vehicles registered in the United Kingdom that are driven abroad changed from GB to UK back in September 2021. This means GB stickers are no longer valid, and vehicles registered in the UK must display the letters "UK" when driven in France.
The UK identifier can be included on vehicle number plates (with the Union Flag) or displayed separately on stickers. However, vehicles with the initials GB and the golden stars of the Council of Europe are no longer valid for driving abroad.
French rules of the road
Overtaking and passing:
- Drive on the right and pass on the left as a general rule. However, cars may overtake on the right of slower moving vehicles in lanes where traffic is divided into lanes.
- Vehicles travelling downhill must give way to those travelling uphill on steep inclines.
- Overtaking trams in motion is often only authorised on the right; if there is not enough room on the right, it is also permitted on the left in one-way streets.
Who has priority?
- At intersections, unless otherwise stated, you must give way to cars coming from the right.
- When approaching a roundabout, approaching vehicles must give way to traffic already on the roundabout.
- Emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens must also be given the right of way
Traffic lights
- France uses the international three-colour traffic light system. However, there isn't an amber light after the red light.
- Flashing amber lights are a warning to continue with caution, slow down, or give way to oncoming traffic on the right.
- Flashing red lights indicates no entry. It may also indicate a level crossing or an exit used by emergency vehicles.
- If a yellow arrow follows a red light, you are permitted to move forward in the direction indicated by the arrow as long as you give way to any oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
French road sign colours
Make sure you are familiar with French road signs, many of which will be recognisable to UK drivers, but there are a few significant exceptions. For instance, you must adhere to the major road markers if you want to travel across the country. A main road is symbolised by green, and the Autoroute (motorway) network is indicated in blue.
Top tips for driving in France
Drive on the right-hand-side: Remember that in France, you drive on the right side of the road, not on the left like in the UK.
Different speed limits in the wet and dry: Unless otherwise stated, the maximum speed restriction on French highways is 130 km/h (80 mph) and 110 km/h in wet conditions (70 mph). Similar to motorways, dual-carriageways and other roads frequently feature two-speed restrictions; under wet and bad driving conditions, the lower of the two must be followed.
Pay careful attention to changes in speed limits: Once you reach cities, the speed limit drops to 50km/h (30mph) unless the signs say otherwise. Be careful with your speed, as any UK/EU driver found driving 40km/h above the limit will have their licence confiscated by the French authorities.
Look out for any changes in speed limits: Unless otherwise indicated by signs, the speed limit decreases to 50 km/h (30 mph) once you enter cities. French police can seize the licence of any UK or EU driver caught exceeding the speed limit by 40 km/h.
Give way to the right: Especially when driving in crowded cities, always give traffic from the right the right-of-way, unless otherwise indicated, at unmarked junctions. This is why it's always a good idea to remember to take a second glance to the right.
Find out more about Car Leasing by calling Nationwide Vehicle Contracts on 0345 811 9595 to speak to one of our skilled leasing specialists about the right option for you.
Originally posted: 16th January 2023
