Driving Tips
We have collected some of the rules of the road for your use while in France, please note that these rules are only applicable to France and should not be applied to other EU countries you may be visiting.

It is important if you are not overly familiar with driving in countries abroad to familiarise yourself with the rules of the road for that country, as each country has different laws in relation to mobile phones, alcohol levels, parking regulations and age limits. Hopefully you will find everything you need to know here.

It is suggested to get yourself a decent road map and learn the different road signs that will tell you speed limits, lane changes etc, as this will help you with navigating around the country.

To mention the obvious, you must drive on the right hand side of the road at all times while on French roads.
In most cases you must give way to traffic from the left unless otherwise marked. Do not pull into the middle of the road to turn left if there is a solid line in the road. Take care in built-up areas where the old rule giving priority to traffic coming from the right still applies unless a yellow diamond indicates you have priority.

Roundabouts are particularly trecherous while driving in a foreign country, the best advise we can give is to take your time and be aware of what other drivers are doing around you.

The maximum speed limit on most motorways in France is 130kph, keep your eyes peeled for signs as they vary quite often. Dual Carriageway speed limit is 110kph, country roads and other none specific roads will be 90kph and around towns you will be restricted to 50kph.

Driving Laws
You should always carry your driving license also your vehicle registration document and a certificate of motor insurance. Some driving licenses don't include a photograph, if this is the case then you should ensure you carry your passport to validate the license. If the vehicle is not registered in your name, carry a letter from the registered owner giving you permission to drive.
If you are driving a hired car and received insurance from a independent company then they should of provided you with documentation to this affect, make sure you have this to hand also.

It may be wiser to not drink at all if you are driving in France. There is a 0.05% limit which is strictly enforced by the French police. You could face anything from an on the spot fine or even imprisonment.
Headlamp converters are required while driving through France for all vehicles that are from the UK or Ireland.
Seat belts must be worn by all passengers in both the front and the rear of the vehicle. Children under 12 years of age must not sit in the front. Any small children should be secured in a baby seat in the rear of the vehicle. Your car-hire company will provide these if necessary.

Speaking on mobile phones while driving is strictly prohibited by French law. You can however use a hands free kit without any problems, but a noteworthy comment is that use of earpieces and earphones are prohibited.

Wearing a visibility vest are compulsory in France (since July 1st 2008). The rules vary from country to country concerning number of vests required and whether they should be carried in the car or boot. It is our suggestion that the vests should be worn when visibility is low, that there should be a vest for every occupant, and that the vests should be carried in the car as this minimizes the risk if you were in a dangerous situation where getting out of the car not wearing hi visible clothing could be hazardous to yourself and other drivers. Another noteworthy point is that a warning triangle is compulsory as from July 1st 2008.

Parking
There will normally be a charge for parking in any town in France. Parking spaces will be marked by white dotted lines on the road itself. Within a short distance of any parking space there will be a ticket machine. You will need to pay for the length of time you intend on leaving your car. Make sure to place this ticket on your dashboard where it will be visible to the ticket warden as not displaying your ticket even though you have one can still result in a fine.
Most towns in France will also have underground car parking available, it is advised that you consult your road map for directions to these parking areas. We will hopefully have a section before too long to assist you in this.

Please remember that the parking spaces marked 'Payant' are the spaces that require a parking ticket. Spaces not marked so are free of charge. Any yellow markings on the road mean that space is reserved for people with disabilities and utility vehicles.
Yellow markings along the edge of the payment mean that you can stop briefly to drop off passengers etc.
If you break the laws of parking in France you risk a fine of up to 75F.