Road rules and safety - France

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The use of seat belts and child restraint systems is MANDATORY (Directive 91/671/EEC as amended).

Exemptions for:

  • people whose shape prevents them from using seat belts
  • people exempt for medical reasons
  • taxi drivers on duty
  • priority vehicles
  • public service vehicles making frequent stops
  • delivery businesses making frequent stops

No information

Motorcycles
Vehicles below 3.5 t

Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]

Urban roads
Non-urban roads
  • If the visibility is less than 50 m: 50 km/h
Motorways/expressways
  • In rainy/wet conditions: 100 km/h
  • If the visibility is less than 50 m: 50 km/h
Some non-urban roads, with specific 90 km/h signs

Passenger cars & vans
Vehicles below 3.5 t

Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]

Urban roads
Non-urban roads
  • 50 km/h if the visibility is less than 50 m
Motorways/expressways
  • 100 km/h in rainy/wet conditions
  • 50 km/h if the visibility is less than 50 m
Some non-urban roads, with specific 90 km/h signs

Heavy goods vehicles
over 3.5 t

Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]

Urban roads
Non-urban roads
  • 60 km/h for combination of vehicles over 12t
Motorways/expressways

Buses

Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]

Urban roads
Non-urban roads
  • 70 km/h for buses and coaches with standing passengers
Motorways/expressways
  • 100 km/h for buses below 10 t
  • 70 km/h for buses and coaches with standing passengers
Some non-urban roads, with specific 90 km/h signs
0,5 g/l

Standard drivers

0,2 g/l

Novice drivers (who have held a driving licence for (a) less than 3 years, or (b) less than 2 years if the driver – in addition to completing 20 hours of hands-on driving lessons with an instructor - has driven at least 3000 km over a minimum of 2 years, accompanied by an experienced driver, before passing the driving test)

0,5 g/l

Professional drivers (For bus and coach drivers the limit is 0.2 g/l)

Forbidden drugs

THC (cannabis)

Methylamphetamine

MDMA (ecstasy)

It is prohibited to drive whilst under the influence of illicit drugs. There are no rules concerning specific types of drugs.

There are lanes reserved for various types of vehicles. No further information available

Bicycles(Mandatory certified helmet for children under 12)
Mopeds
Motorcycles with/without a sidecar
Light and heavy tricycles
Light and heavy quadricycles
Drivers may not use their mobile phone without a hand-free set
May be used only with a bluetooth hands-free setMay not be used with earphones (whether for calls or music)
Safety equipment for carsWarning triangle
Reflective vest/jacket (cars, trucks, buses, motorbikes, mopeds and tractors) for use in the event of breakdowns, accidents or other problems on the road

All motorcycle and moped riders (including passengers) must wear certified gloves


Winter tyres (or possession of snow chains) are compulsory from 1 November to 31 March in mountainous areas when this road sign is posted on the road


Disclaimer

This content on road safety and traffic rules is provided by the national authorities according to Article 8(1) of Directive (EU) 2015/413/EU. The European Commission does not assume liability for this content or its accuracy. For the most accurate and up-to-date information check national websites, where you can also find information on other national rules covering time-based charges (vignettes), emission stickers and road tolls.

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Road rules and safety

Last checked: 12/06/2023
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