Tips for driving in France

Thousands of drivers venture to France and Europe each year from the UK, but there are certain things that you need to be aware of before you book your ferry trip.

Breakdown cover

Getting European breakdown cover is essential, so it is wise to check the cover you already have to see if it covers you for your destination. If not, you can get single-trip cover, but upgrading to annual cover may make more financial sense if you intend to travel abroad with your vehicle often.

Emergency SOS telephones are located every 2km along the motorways in France. You can dial 112 to connect to the emergency services, and the operator can connect you with a speaker of your own language. Check with your breakdown provider and policy about the details you will need to provide.

Car insurance

You should always check your insurance policy to ensure that there are no hidden clauses about travelling abroad with your vehicle. Some policies may ask to be made aware, some not, but the last thing you need is to have a policy voided because you need to make the insurance company aware. As long as you are an insured third party, you are legally allowed to drive in France, but of course, fully comprehensive is always the best decision as that may include courtesy cars or onward travel options that could be very valuable, especially if you are a long way from home.

Travel Insurance

With any holiday outside of the UK, travel insurance is a must; this will help with not only last-minute problems occurring with your holiday arrangements happening from your end, such as illness but also ferry and hotel cancellations happening out of your control. You can perhaps claim some costs back.  It will also help with any medical expenses should you be taken ill while away.

Driving licence laws

Drivers must be 18 and hold a full, valid driving licence. Moped or motorbike riders up to 125cc must be 16 or over. Licenses issued in the UK, EU, or EEA are permitted, and international driving permits are accepted but not required.

Documents you need to carry with you

It is essential to always carry the documents below with you to save any issues.

  • Full valid driving licence
  • Proof of ID, passport
  • Motor insurance
  • V5 Registration document (log book)

Essential items that you will need to have in the car with you

You must now carry the following items in your vehicle while driving in France.

  • Reflective jackets
  • Warning triangle
  • Headlamp beam deflectors
  • Snow chains when driving through ‘snow zones’

From 2021 it is law to have the county of destination sticker attached to your vehicle, now changed from GB to UK.

Crit’Air sticker categories (Clean Air Stickers)

If you intend to drive through certain regions, you must ensure that you have a Clean Air Sticker—a ‘Crit’Air sticker’—which will cost less than £4 and can save you a fine of up to £120 if you do not have one.

  • Crit’Air 0/E – zero-emission electric and hydrogen vehicles – green sticker
  • Crit’Air 1 – plug-in hybrid vehicles and Euro 5, 6 petrol vehicles – purple sticker
  • Crit’Air 2 – Euro 4 petrol vehicles, and Euro 5, 6 diesel vehicles – yellow sticker
  • Crit’Air 3 – Euro 2, 3 petrol vehicles and Euro 4 diesel vehicles – orange sticker
  • Crit’Air 4 – Euro 3 diesel vehicles – burgundy sticker
  • Crit’Air 5 – Euro 2 diesel vehicles – dark grey sticker

Driving in France

The first thing to be aware of is that as soon as you alight the ferry, you will be driving on the right side of the road. If this is your first time driving on the right side, then take your time to get used to it, stay calm, and always drive in the slower right-hand lanes.

Overtaking   

Use the left-hand lanes to overtake, and on steep gradients, the downhill traffic must give way to uphill traffic and overtaking trams is permitted on the right but on the left in street with less space.

Road Priority

Priority is given to vehicles approaching from the left and on a roundabout, priority is given to vehicles already on the roundabout and of course, emergency vehicles are always given priority, same as the UK.

Warnings                            

Horns may only be used during daylight hours, and flashing lights must be used at other times. Only in extreme cases of danger should the horn be sounded. In all built-up areas, sirens, multi-toned horns, and whistles are banned.          

Seat Belt Laws

All passengers must wear seat belts. It is up to the driver to ensure all passengers under the age of 18 are secured by seat belts, and a fine of up to £135 is imposed if caught without.

Traffic Lights

Traffic lights in France are still the 3-way, red, amber, and green lights, but there is no amber light after the red. Flashing amber means caution; you can slow down or proceed but give way to vehicles approaching from the right. Flashing red means no entry; it may also show a level crossing or exits used by emergency vehicles. If a yellow arrow accompanies a red light, you may carry on in the direction of the arrow as long as you give way to vehicles travelling in that same direction and any pedestrians crossing.

French Speed limits

Speed limits in France are shown in kilometres and are lowered in certain weather conditions such as rain, snow, and ice, and there is a minimum speed for travelling in the outside (fast lane) of the motorway, which is 80 KM/H. In normal dry conditions, the speed limit is 130 KM/H on a motorway, in rain or snow, 110 KM/H, and if visibility is less than 50m, it is 50 km/H. In built-up areas, it is never any more than 50 KM/H

There are several other regulations if you are in a campervan or motorhome or will be towing a trailer or caravan in France, so it is wise to read up and ensure you know all you need to be safe and legal when driving abroad.