Driving Rules of France

We have outlined below some of the most important driving rules of France, in order to help awareness of different driving
laws in foreign countries.

Please use below rules as guide, but keep in mind that rules are subject to change and they are corrected as of November 2012.

Please contact your local Avis representative about toll charges and road charges before leaving the Avis car hire location
and whether snow tyres or chains are needed.

Which Side of the Road?

Please drive on the RIGHT side of the road in France.

Unique Country Driving Laws

• You should give way to traffic coming from the right “priorité a droite” in built-up areas
• On roundabout the traffic from the right has priority
• Bus lanes are only for buses, taxis and bicycles.
• All motor vehicles and motorcycles (excluding mopeds) must carry two breathalysers. Anyone stopped who fails to produce a breathalyser may receive an on the spot fine.
• French laws prohibit drivers from carrying any device capable of detecting speed cameras. This includes devices able to warn or inform of the location of speed cameras, e.g. satnav or GPS systems capable of showing speed camera sites as Points of Interest.

• Urban areas: 50 km/h
• Rural areas: 90 km/h or 100 km/h
• Motorways: 130 km/h

• Children under 10 years old must use a child seat.

• Warning triangle
• Reflective jacket
• Breathalyser

Police: 112

Ambulance: 112

Fire Department: 112