How ‘margin of error’ works for French speed cameras

How fast is too fast when it comes to a speed camera in France? In fact, the margin of error allowed depends on the type of speed camera, giving drivers some leeway when it comes to getting fined.

The speed recorded by a camera is based on a simple formula: [measured speed - margin of error].

The margin depends on the type of camera recording the speed.

This enables the camera to record a ‘rounded up or down’ speed. Any sanctions are based on this speed, rather than the exact km/h at which you were driving.

Types of cameras

Over the past 10 years, the widespread introduction of speed cameras nationwide has led to the recording of 172 million potential infractions. 

There are three main kinds of speed cameras in France. They are: 

• Tower or turret (radars tourelles): Can detect up to five offences (speeding, running a red light, using a mobile phone while driving, etc.)

• Mobile speed cameras: Unmarked cars, operated by private companies in certain regions

• Section speed cameras: Calculate your average speed over several kilometres

Speeding sanctions

Sanctions for speeding are usually fixed in France, particularly for the first offence.

• Speeding at less than 20km/h over the limit: Fine of €68 (where the speed limit is above 50 km/h) or €135 (anywhere else), and 1 point from your licence

• Speeding at 20-29 km/h over the limit: Fine of €135, and 2 points from your licence

• Speeding at 30-39 km/h over the limit: Fine of €135, and 3 points from your licence

• Speeding at 40-49 km/h over the limit: Fine of €135, and 4 points from your licence

• Speeding at over 50 km/h over the limit: Fine of €1,500, 6 points from your licence, and usually, licence suspension

In contrast to the UK, driving licences in France have six points on issue, and each year thereafter a driver gains two points until they reach the maximum 12. It is a penalty to have a point taken away, rather than added (the opposite of the UK system). 

If all points are lost, the driver will lose their licence for at least six months. In some cases, taking a stage de sensibilisation course can restore up to four points.

Points deducted can range from one to six, and up to eight can be taken at once if the driver is found to have committed multiple serious offences together.

Speeding conditions

Maximum speeds depend on the type of road, the location or surroundings, and the conditions.

• Motorways: 130 kph, and 110 kph in rain, hail, snow, or other bad weather

• Two carriageways and central reservation: 110 kph, and 100 kph in bad weather

• At least two lanes in the same direction: 90 kph, and 80 kph in bad weather

• Two-way roads without a central reservation: 80 kph (same in bad weather)

• Built up areas: 50 kph (same in bad weather)

• Busy villages/built up areas, winding roads, or near schools etc: 30 kph (same in bad weather)

In fog, or when visibility is less than 50 metres, the maximum speed limit is 50 km/h on all French roads and motorways.

Speed limits allowed are also lower for young or new drivers.

How do you know if you have been caught speeding in France?

There are two main ways that drivers are caught speeding in France: 

• A camera, either a fixed roadside device, or one on a private radar car

• A police roadside check.

In the first instance, you will be sent your notice and fine within 15 days, although this can sometimes take up to a month or longer.

If you are caught by a police roadside check, the police will show you evidence of your offence, and have the authority to require you to pay a fine immediately. This can usually be paid by credit card, cash, or cheque.

You can find out more about how to pay a fine or to contest it, as well as what to do if you are caught speeding but are only visiting France, or are not a permanent resident, in our article here.

Fighting fines

Several million speeding fines are issued each year in France, and there have been a number of high-profile cases of incorrectly levied speeding and other driving offence fines. 

This includes one for a driver who successfully challenged a fine in court, after proving that he had not used that road the day where he was purportedly photographed speeding.