Driving in France
Complete guide for tourists and expats. Learn the road rules, speed limits, and essential information before you drive in France.
Can You Drive in France?
Accepted Licenses From
Validity Period: EU licenses valid; others valid for 1 year
Important Note
Translation required for non-Roman alphabet licenses
What to Carry in Your Car
Mandatory Items
- Warning triangle
- Reflective safety vest
- Valid driving license
- Vehicle registration document (carte grise)
- Valid insurance certificate
- Crit'Air vignette for low emission zones
Recommended Items
- Breathalyzer (no longer mandatory but recommended)
- Headlight beam deflectors if driving from UK
- GB/UK sticker if applicable
Speed Limits
Urban Areas
km/h
Rural Roads
km/h
Highways/Motorways
km/h
Toll Roads
Payment Methods
Average Cost
€7-20 per 100km on autoroutes
Tolls can be expensive; plan budget accordingly
Parking
Line Colors
Parking Tips
- Use a parking disc (disque de stationnement) in blue zones
- P+R (Park and Ride) available at metro stations
- Underground parking common in city centers
Average Cost: €2-4 per hour in city centers
Common Mistakes Tourists Make
- 1Not having Crit'Air vignette in low emission zones
- 2Ignoring priority to the right (priorité à droite)
- 3Speeding - extensive radar network
- 4Driving in bus lanes
- 5Parking facing against traffic flow
Traffic Fines
Speeding
€68-1500 depending on excess
No Seatbelt
€135
Phone Use
€135 + 3 points
Red Light
€135 + 4 points
Illegal Parking
€35-135
Ready to Drive in France?
Take a quick quiz to test your knowledge of the road rules.
Emergency Contacts
Police
17
Ambulance
15 (SAMU)
Fire
18
Roadside Assistance
Emergency phones every 2km on autoroutes
Partner link – opens GetYourGuide.com
Want to Master France Driving Rules?
Practice with our driving test questions and learn all the rules before you drive.
