Is it possible to be fined for driving too slowly in France?
Driving too slowly could disrupt traffic on roads and cause an accident, especially on motorways. There are also rules for ‘middle-lane drivers’
It is illegal to go less than 80km/h in the fast lane of a motorwayTTstudio / Shutterstock
Liv RowlandLivRowland
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Reader question: Are there any penalties in France for driving too slowly? R.G.
Yes, it is possible to be fined for going too slowly.
The Code de la Route, article R413- 19 states that you should not “disturb the normal movement of vehicles by driving abnormally slowly for no good reason”.
In particular, it is illegal to go less than 80km/h in the fast lane of a motorway, under normal conditions.
It is also illegal to drive in the middle lane if there is no vehicle blocking the right-hand (slower) lane.
However, the penalty if the police catch you going too slowly or driving in the middle lane is not steep – a €35 fine, reduced to €22 for quick payment. You will also not lose any driving licence points from a French licence.
For a driver in the right-hand lane of a motorway with a vehicle in the middle lane preventing him from overtaking, it is essential to cross the two left-hand lanes to overtake.
Overtaking from the right is a Class 4 offence which means a fine of €135, reduced to €90 if paid within 15 days, and a loss of 3 points on the driving licence.
Also, you must not forget to turn on your indicator, otherwise three extra points will be deducted, along with a fine of €35, reduced to €22 for quick payment.
