Paperwork 

Keep your driving licence and all car paperwork with you as it must be produced on the spot if requested by the police. The driving licence must be a ‘pink’ one or pink and green – not an old green one.  A letter giving authority to drive the car must be kept with the paperwork if the car is not yours – including company cars. Get an international accident declaration form from your insurance broker. It is simple to follow and will help when sorting out any mishaps. Be sure before signing anything in French.

Rules of the Road

A set of spare bulbs is compulsory.  A warning triangle is a good idea – compulsory if you’re towing. Make sure headlights are adjusted to avoid dazzling other drivers or being pulled over by the police. The minimum age of driver is 18. Children under 10 are forbidden to travel in the front seat. 

• Always stop completely at STOP signs – or the police can fine you.

• Never drink and drive. Tests are random and common. Fines are very heavy and instant.

• Never speed. Speeding fines are heavy and must be paid on the spot. The police can impound the car in extreme cases.

• Beware of Priorité à droite – drivers from the right having priority. Still used in town centres and famously at the Arc de Triomphe.

• Always pay and display – clamping is on the increase.

• Seatbelts must be worn by all. No children under 10 in the front unless in a specially adapted rear-facing seat.

• Motorcyclists must wear crash helmets.

• Instant fines exist for illegal of bus lanes.

Speed Limits

• 130km/h on toll motorways (110 km/h when wet).

• 110km/h on dual carriageways and non toll motorways (110km/h when wet).

• 90 km/h on other main roads (80 km/h when wet).

• 50 km/h in towns and villages – sometimes slower so watch for signs.

• Portable speed cameras can flash from back and front.

• Speeding fines are normally charged on the spot.