List: What you must carry in your car in France in 2026
French law requires drivers to carry certain safety equipment and ensure their vehicles meet basic standards year-round
A yellow fluorescent vest with a CE marking is one of the required items you must carry
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Drivers in France must carry some essential equipment in their vehicle for safety reasons, and can face fines if police discover that they do not have it.
The requirements are set out in the French driving code (Code de la Route), including article R416-19.
Safety equipment
The two main items drivers must have are:
A yellow fluorescent vest with a CE marking. This must be worn whenever you leave an immobilised vehicle that presents a danger to other road users, to make sure you are visible. It must be kept inside the vehicle and within easy reach, rather than stored in the boot.
Drivers who fail to comply with these requirements can face a fine of up to €135.
Vehicle standards
Drivers must also ensure that their vehicle is in good working order before setting off.
For example, article R313-33 of the Code de la Route states that:
All lights, including main beam and dipped beam headlights, must be working
The horn must function correctly and be audible from at least 50 metres away
Failure to comply can result in fines, depending on the offence.
Headlights
French road laws also set out detailed requirements for vehicle lighting, including the colour, position and strength of headlights.
Headlights must provide sufficient visibility without dazzling other drivers. Vehicles must have two main beam headlights and two dipped beam headlights, with the latter designed to illuminate the road ahead without causing a danger to oncoming traffic.
If a bulb stops working, drivers should replace it as soon as possible. Keeping spare bulbs in the vehicle can be useful, although many modern cars use lighting systems that cannot easily be replaced by drivers.
Driving with faulty lights can lead to fines, and more serious offences may result in additional penalties.
Drivers do not have to carry a spare tyre by law, but it is recommended as it can make dealing with a puncture easier, particularly on longer journeys.
Winter driving equipment
In some mountainous departments, drivers must also carry or use equipment suitable for winter conditions between November 1 and March 31.
The exact requirements depend on the area concerned, but generally vehicles must either:
The rules apply in areas covered by the winter equipment requirement, which is decided by local authorities.
