Can I eat food while driving in France?

Reader question: I drove a French friend to the airport and on the way ate a sandwich, but they told me this was illegal in France. Is this true? 

There is no specific law against eating while driving – but this does not mean that it is allowed. 

Article R412-6 of France’s Code de la route (driving safety rules) states that “every driver must at all times remain in a state and position enabling them to easily and promptly perform all manoeuvres required of them.” 

Eating while driving could therefore lead to a fine if police consider that it prevents you from being in a position to carry out driving manoeuvres and to react properly.

If stopped by police while driving, you could face a €35 fine and the law even says the car can be immobilised (temporarily taken off the road).

In practice, the circumstances matter. Briefly taking a sip of water is less likely to be considered a breach than eating something that occupies one hand for a prolonged period or requires significant attention, but there is no specific legal exemption for particular foods or drinks.

The same rule can apply to someone, for example, putting on makeup while driving their car.

According to French insurers GMF, not having both hands on the wheel due to eating can be seen as contributing to the R412-6 offence, especially if also undertaking a manoeuvre needing particular care and attention, such as overtaking.

Taking attention away from the road to unwrap food, for example, could also make you more likely to have an accident. 

Insurance may not cover you

If you cause an accident while eating and driving simultaneously, your insurance may consider it negligence on your part, and reduce your coverage or refuse to cover the damages altogether, depending on your policy. 

For longer journeys, plan in advance to ensure you pass a service station or roadside stop so you can pull over and eat. 

You cannot simply pull over on the hard shoulder (bande d'arrêt d'urgence) to eat, as this is only for emergencies.

However, if there are dedicated roadside rest areas (aires de repos) you can use these to park safely and eat some food.