Driving your hire car in France

Roads : Speed Limits : Age Limits : Parking : Headlights : Seatbelts : Drink Driving : Highway Code : Scenic Routes : Driving Licence Requirements

In France they drive on the right and until recently priority on French roads was always given to vehicles approaching from the right, except where otherwise indicated. Nowadays on the more main routes, traffic coming from the major road normally had priority. However care should be taken in smaller towns and in rural areas where there may not be any road markings, in which case it always best to give way to traffic coming from the right.

Remember that if an oncoming driver flashes their headlights it is to indicate that he/she has priority and not the other way around.

British, US, Canadian and Australian licences are all valid in France, however foreigners are not permitted to drive on a provisional licence.

The road network is very well developed in France with nearly a million kilometres of highway, approximately 8,000km of which are motorway.

There is usually a toll when driving on the motorways, details of which can be found at www.autoroute.fr an English Version link can be found at the top of their home page. This web site also provides interesting information on current toll charges, service and filling stations, as well as weather reports and rest areas for your journey.

Taking you own car to France? Here's what you'll need

Headlamp Beam Adapters
Failure to adapt your headlamps will render your vehicle UNFIT for use on the road and will
invalidate your motor insurance.

GB Sticker
A GB sticker/plate must be displayed at the rear of your vehicle.

Spare Bulbs
Should be carried

Warning Triangles
Must be carried to give advance warning of a hazard on the road. Hazard warning lights are not sufficient.

First Aid Kit
Every driver must be able to render first aid when required.

Fire Extinguisher
It is an offence to be unable to render assistance in the event of a fire.

Failure to meet local laws could invalidate your motor insurance. Ask your inurance company for more information before you travel.

Roads : Speed Limits : Age Limits : Parking : Headlights : Seatbelts : Drink Driving : Highway Code : Scenic Routes : Driving Licence Requirements