Are French speed limits lower when it is raining? How severe must weather be?

Reader Question: I heard that speed limits in France drop when it is raining. How do I know when exactly I should be slowing down?

French speed limits on major roads are lower during periods of rain. 

They decrease by between 10km/h and 20 km/h on roads with higher maximum speeds when it is raining, as stated by R413-2 of the Code de la Route (French driving safety rules).

The revised speed limits are:

• On autoroutes, down from 130 km/h to 110 km/h, or from 110 km/h to 100 km/h if the maximum speed limit is usually 110 km/h

• On national departmental roads of 90 km/h they reduce to 80 km/h. Roads with an 80 km/h limit are not affected

Roads with maximum speeds already below this, such as in urban areas, do not see limits automatically lower due to rain.

The Code says these reduced speed limits come into force immediately ‘en cas de pluie ou d'autres précipitations’, which can include snow or sleet.

Therefore, you should look to alter your driving as soon as rainfall begins, even if it is only light as there is no ‘minimum amount’ of rain to qualify.

Other drivers should be doing the same so should not be surprised by you slowing down. 

These lower speeds imposed during rainfall are also the general maximums for new drivers, so some drivers on French roads cannot legally drive faster than this even during dry weather.

Stick to the right-most lane available and adapt your driving based on how heavy the rain is.

This can include turning on your lights and leaving more space between the vehicle in front.

Most autoroutes and other major roads will have interactive electronic displays either roadside or on gantries. 

These provide live road updates, including reduced speed limits from accidents or adverse weather conditions. 

You can read our article here for more information about driving rules during other adverse weather conditions.