Driving

EV grants, low-emission zones, winter tyres: seven French driving updates for October

Including EV leasing returns, recalls, malus changes, and winter tyre rules

Are French driving licences valid for life?

Rules around renewing depend on which kind you have

Is it worth getting breakdown cover in France?

Can be optional extra if not already provided in insurance policy

practical

How can I check my car is registered for French barrier-free motorway tolls?

Several barrier-free motorway péages now exist in France

Who is eligible for France's new electric vehicle leasing scheme?

Rates to have use of a new electric car start at €95 per month, with the new scheme open today

France tightens number plate rules – but certain plates now more at risk of fraud

The reforms have been planned since 2021

Are major changes to France’s contrôle technique taking place next year?

Transport Ministry has responded after several articles sparked confusion

Confusion over list of electric vehicles set to benefit from new eco-discount in France

Official list of vehicles that can benefit from €1,000 bonus contains several errors

French driving rules: what is ‘right of way abuse’?

‘Abus de priorité’ means drivers can be penalised even if they have right of way

Roadside police checks increase in southern France to combat accident rate

Police can ask drivers to pull over to confirm documents or check they are driving safely

How to contest incorrect speeding fines in France

Have you fallen victim to a defective camera or incorrect information? Here is what to do

Can new arrivals in France insure vehicle on foreign licence?

Insurers should bear in mind validity rules for different countries’ licences

‘Lizard’ road sign in France - this is what it means

Livestock, deer…lizard? The sign warning of a rare kind of animal hazard

Driver in Brittany dies after being swept away on flooded road

Woman was driving to work in the early morning after heavy storms

Driving in France: Rules around when to use hazard lights

Drivers risk fines for misusing these warnings

France looks to digitalise traffic fines

Online platform set to simplify administrative procedures and end the problem of fines getting lost in the post

Car part thefts on rise in France: Item stolen every five minutes

Headlights, wheels and catalytic converters are most common items stolen

Speed cameras in France: how far from warning signs are they?

The authorities use these signs to inform drivers they are approaching a speed camera

What to be aware of when lending a car to family or friends in France

Vehicle insurance policies include specific clauses detailing who is authorised to borrow it

Issues with my new French camping car: who should I contact?

New purchases in France are covered by warranties

‘120km/h to zero in seconds’: Phantom car-braking on motorway near Lyon

Driver calls for urgent recognition of the risks posed by automatic systems

EV charging in France: tips from a Tesla driver with second home in south

Jonathan Wort, 73, regularly travels across from the UK

Connexion reader US-bound after driving licence issue resolved in France

Ron Kirk lost his ‘A’ category for riding large bikes after moving to France 15 years ago

Electric car leasing, winter tyres, ‘malus’ system expanded: What will impact drivers in France in coming months?

We look at what you need to know to make savings, avoid fines and penalties and stay within the law

Mont Blanc tunnel closure - see alternative options

The tunnel will close from September until mid December

Can British classic car be registered in France?

There are both benefits and restrictions to registration as a véhicule de collection

Mass fines issued as speed limit lowers on key road near Nice

Locals claim change was not made clear, but mairie says information was given in several ways

What is the meaning behind these sombre roadside signs in France?

The black silhouettes are not common but can be seen along certain accident-prone roads

French taxi strikes in September called off... for now

Drivers threatened airport and station blockade amid incoming medical transport fee changes

Graph: Increase in road deaths across France in July 2025

Several departments are attempting to tackle the issue of road deaths with increased police presence and more frequent checks

Peugeot 308 cars recalled in France due to seatbelt fault

Drivers must contact dealership if vehicle affected

Drivers of popular family car warned over seat theft risk in France

Warning comes after spate of thefts targeting rear seats

Unnecessarily driving in the middle lane in France can result in a fine

More than half of motorists drive in this lane on motorways at night and weekends

Reports of ‘phantom braking’ by cars on French roads raise safety concerns

Fear that potentially faulty braking assistance systems could lead to major crashes

Tips for saving money on motorway travel in north France

Some motorway service stations in France offer discount deals on food, drink, and fuel

Section of major French motorway to close for most of August

Closure of A14 that links Paris to western suburbs will heighten busy summer traffic for holidaymakers returning to the capital

Spanish authorities are systematically stopping cars with certain French number plates

Police believe the cars may be stolen or linked to crime

Two French companies to sell fuel at cost price this weekend

Some 1,500 stations will sell petrol at reduced rate during busy holiday traffic period

What to do if your French vehicle breaks down abroad

There are steps to follow to ensure that you are best prepared should this happen

Can neighbours park outside of my house in France?

It is sometimes illegal to park in front of your own property

French driving rules that surprise foreign drivers

Priorité à droite, alcohol limits and mandatory equipment can catch drivers out

Why does France have so many quirky motorway sculptures?

Giant boars, cockerels, horses and strange geometric shapes - all can be traced back to a law that says a certain amount of the budget for new infrastructures must be spent on art

France resident hit with €1,195 bill for charging car in Spain

The British motorist charged his EV at a Shell Recharge station

Second-home owners: used car or rental in France?

Choice between registering a vehicle or renting one depends on number of factors

Can someone take a car for French roadworthiness test when its owner is away?

Vehicles without a test certificate cannot be used

French MP proposes all vehicles carry extinguisher to prevent wildfires

The rule is already in place in some other EU countries

France’s priorité à droite rule – what it means and when it applies

The priority to the right rule is a core – albeit confusing – principle of French driving law

Private speed camera cars to start operating on the French Riviera

It is one of several measures to reduce speeding drivers along Nice’s Promenade des Anglais

Road deaths on Nice’s Promenade des Anglais spark alarm over safety crisis

Popular seaside route described as ‘an open-air cemetery’

Are driving licence points deducted in France for cycling offences?

Cars are not the only vehicles in France regulated by the Code de la route

Can French radars flash drivers in both directions?

The country is upgrading how it monitors speeding, including new cameras and unmarked cars

France to change the rules to legitimise illegal speed bumps

Up to 400,000 speed bumps are to be legalised, angering road safety associations

Explained: Motorway rules and tolls in France

The changes in France's autoroute system, from new routes to toll innovations and speed limit debates

Car that caused Marseille wildfire did not have valid roadworthiness test

Flames from engine led to devastating fire - but car should not have been on road

How do drivers prove French vehicle is insured when driving in the EU?

Green insurance stickers were replaced in 2024

Driving in summer in France: rules and tips to remember

Driving barefoot, items on your vehicle, air conditioning - check what is different in France

Flashed by a French speed camera but did not receive a fine: are you off the hook?

Fines can be issued up to one year after a speeding incident

France summer holiday traffic: worst days to travel in July and August 2025

Traffic will once again reach critical levels on these dates

More car recalls impact many drivers in France

Hundreds of thousands of Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, DS Automobiles, and Opel vehicles are affected by engine problem

Reader tips on how to save money on driving and tolls in France

Here are your suggestions on how can motorists save on their summer road trips

Public electric car recharging points in France: how they work and why fees vary so much

From calculating prices to payment methods, we look at electric vehicle recharge options

More French roads return to 90km/h speed limit

Updated map as Morbihan in Brittany becomes latest department to cancel the 80km/h limit

Part of French motorway to run 'charge‑as‑you‑drive' trial for electric cars

The technology is fitted beneath a 1.5km stretch of the A10 near Paris

French lawmakers finalise new ‘driving homicide’ offence after campaign by grieving families

New offence will not increase penalties for under-the-influence drivers but bring relief to victims

French car registration documents go digital - but not yet for foreign residents

La carte grise can now be uploaded into France Identité app alongside driving licences, ID cards and cartes Vitale

Refuelling your car is cheaper at certain times of the day in France

Commuter rush sees morning prices spike but there are cheaper periods

Will I keep tow trailer and caravan rights when swapping to French driving licence?

Rules changed for drivers after Brexit

Be aware of the rules when driving from France to Italy, Germany or Spain

Failing to follow country-specific rules can incur fines

Takata airbags: 800,000 more vehicles in France affected by ‘stop drive’ alert

You can check if and how your vehicle is affected on a dedicated government website

What are the current rules for children using booster seats in France?

There are strict regulations on booster seat manufacturing

Graph: New fuel rises in France put in context of recent years

Increase in price comes after several months of falling costs

Do unused vehicles need to be insured in France?

Uninsured vehicles can expose their owner to fines of up to €3,750

What are the rules on using air conditioning in your car in France?

Drivers should be careful about using certain features when parked

Do high temperatures affect driving rules in France?

Speed limits have been lowered in recent weeks after pollution spikes

Good news for drivers crossing into Italy from France as radar rules changed

Radars must be focused on preventing accidents and not generating revenue

Driving

EV grants, low-emission zones, winter tyres: seven French driving updates for October

Are French driving licences valid for life?

Is it worth getting breakdown cover in France?

How can I check my car is registered for French barrier-free motorway tolls?

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French air traffic control strike called off, Ryanair reinstate flights

Retired Britons in France rejected for citizenship over foreign income – what you can do

Ryanair summer 2026 schedule: Bergerac back, but not Brive nor Béziers

EV grants, low-emission zones, winter tyres: seven French driving updates for October

Village in south-west France celebrates its world-famous peppers

New ‘Frankenstein’ Covid-19 variant in France: What symptoms to look out for?

How to renew a five-year Brexit WA residency card online in France

Who is eligible for France's new electric vehicle leasing scheme?

France tightens number plate rules – but certain plates now more at risk of fraud

Are major changes to France’s contrôle technique taking place next year?

Confusion over list of electric vehicles set to benefit from new eco-discount in France

French driving rules: what is ‘right of way abuse’?

Roadside police checks increase in southern France to combat accident rate

How to contest incorrect speeding fines in France

Can new arrivals in France insure vehicle on foreign licence?

‘Lizard’ road sign in France - this is what it means

Driver in Brittany dies after being swept away on flooded road

What are the rules for UK driving licences for people who live in France?

Are older drivers in France required to take a medical test for licence renewal?

Graph: last month was deadliest August on French roads since 2011

Driving in France: Rules around when to use hazard lights

Prefecture in south-west France launches ‘accidentoscope’ to improve road safety: what is this?

French prefecture threatens to suspend licences for using phone when driving

New road signs drivers in France should be aware of

Unmarked radar cars to begin patrols in two new French departments

France launches new €1,000 grant for electric cars with European-made batteries

France looks to digitalise traffic fines

Car part thefts on rise in France: Item stolen every five minutes

Speed cameras in France: how far from warning signs are they?

What to be aware of when lending a car to family or friends in France

Issues with my new French camping car: who should I contact?

‘120km/h to zero in seconds’: Phantom car-braking on motorway near Lyon

EV charging in France: tips from a Tesla driver with second home in south

Connexion reader US-bound after driving licence issue resolved in France

Electric car leasing, winter tyres, ‘malus’ system expanded: What will impact drivers in France in coming months?

Mont Blanc tunnel closure - see alternative options

Can British classic car be registered in France?

Mass fines issued as speed limit lowers on key road near Nice

What is the meaning behind these sombre roadside signs in France?

French taxi strikes in September called off... for now

Graph: Increase in road deaths across France in July 2025

Peugeot 308 cars recalled in France due to seatbelt fault

Drivers of popular family car warned over seat theft risk in France

Unnecessarily driving in the middle lane in France can result in a fine

Reports of ‘phantom braking’ by cars on French roads raise safety concerns

Tips for saving money on motorway travel in north France

Section of major French motorway to close for most of August

Spanish authorities are systematically stopping cars with certain French number plates

Two French companies to sell fuel at cost price this weekend

What to do if your French vehicle breaks down abroad

Can neighbours park outside of my house in France?

French driving rules that surprise foreign drivers

Why does France have so many quirky motorway sculptures?

France resident hit with €1,195 bill for charging car in Spain

Second-home owners: used car or rental in France?

Can someone take a car for French roadworthiness test when its owner is away?

French MP proposes all vehicles carry extinguisher to prevent wildfires

France’s priorité à droite rule – what it means and when it applies

Private speed camera cars to start operating on the French Riviera

Road deaths on Nice’s Promenade des Anglais spark alarm over safety crisis

Are driving licence points deducted in France for cycling offences?

Can French radars flash drivers in both directions?

France to change the rules to legitimise illegal speed bumps

Explained: Motorway rules and tolls in France

Car that caused Marseille wildfire did not have valid roadworthiness test

How do drivers prove French vehicle is insured when driving in the EU?

Driving in summer in France: rules and tips to remember

Flashed by a French speed camera but did not receive a fine: are you off the hook?

France summer holiday traffic: worst days to travel in July and August 2025

More car recalls impact many drivers in France

Reader tips on how to save money on driving and tolls in France

Public electric car recharging points in France: how they work and why fees vary so much

More French roads return to 90km/h speed limit

Part of French motorway to run 'charge‑as‑you‑drive' trial for electric cars