Did you know? Slow drivers can be fined in France

Drivers in France are no strangers to penalties for driving too quickly, with millions of fines being sent out by fixed and mobile radars each year. 

However, did you know it is not just over-eager drivers that need to be wary of their speedometer, but also those who are too cautious on the road? 

People driving too slowly, presenting either a risk to themselves or other drivers, can be fined for this. 

What are the rules? 

Generally, drivers are aware of upper speed limits – generally 30km/h to 50 km/h in urban areas, 80km/h to 110km/h on departmental and national roads (‘D’ and ‘N’) and reaching a maximum of 130 km/h on some motorways (‘A’ or autoroutes). 

Drivers who have recently passed their test and are on a probationary licence (permis probatoire) face slightly lower maximum speeds on larger roads and motorways, and the weather can also reduce maximum limits for all drivers. 

When it comes to driving too slowly however, the rules are slightly different. 

The Code de la route (France’s driving safety laws) includes one specific minimum speed limit. 

Drivers on the far-left (fastest) lane of a motorway must drive at a minimum of 80 km/h (barring heavy traffic or poor weather) or risk a second-class fine of €35 states Article R413-19. 

No points are deducted from a driver’s licence for the infraction, however.

Otherwise, drivers can be pulled over if police officers believe the vehicle is driving slowly enough to endanger the driver or others on the road. 

There is no specific speed associated with this and officers use their judgment on a case-by-case basis. 

One recent case saw a driver intercepted by police on the A7, with his vehicle only going 30 km/h along the major motorway. 

The driver was found to be over the maximum alcohol limit, and told officers the reason for his slow speed was because he ‘was on his telephone’ (as reported in local media La Dauphiné). 

Realistically, many cases where a driver is pulled over for driving too slowly often see them committing another penalty, such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or driving dangerously.

In this case they will also be penalised for the additional infractions, risking higher fines, a loss of points on their licence or a possible prison sentence.

It is worth noting that as of now, speed cameras and radars are not equipped to catch or penalise drivers going at a speed judged ‘too slow’, and only officers on patrol or being notified of a slow driver can intercept a vehicle for this reason.