Driving

French driving rules that surprise foreign drivers

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

Photos: where to spot France's motorway art installations

Giant boars, cockerels, horses and strange geometric shapes sprout from the roadsides of the French motorway network

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

The British motorist charged his EV at a Shell Recharge station

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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

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

Traffic will once again reach critical levels on these dates

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

Red air pollution alerts raised in Brittany

Increasingly warm weather means air quality across the whole region will be ‘poor’ tomorrow (June 20)

Driver checks to increase around Lyon after high number of fatal crashes

Road deaths have more than doubled in the area since January compared to the same period last year

Car rentals in France: users provide feedback on sector

Leading consumer association notes drivers are satisfied with vehicles but face issues with contracts and pricing

French MPs vote to ban low-emission zones: what happens now?

‘Simplification’ bill passes after tight vote but matter is far from clear

More Citroën cars in France issued with ‘stop drive’ orders after driver death

Death of a driver in eastern France has been linked to a faulty airbag

France’s free blue parking zones: who can use them and for how long

Drivers need a time disc or risk a fine

Fatal car crash in France linked to faulty Takata airbag: how to check models affected

The incident involved a Citroën C3 car from 2014

Temporary driving restrictions imposed in parts of France due to air pollution

High ozone levels and fine particle concentrations caused by heat, dust, and transatlantic wildfire smoke blamed

Famous Le Mans 24 hour is steeped in British tradition

The venerable competition takes place this weekend continuing a tradition that dates from the 1920s - and a a Bentley win. Cloudy conditions are expected

Can non-French no claims bonuses be added to new policies?

France’s no claims system is different to many elsewhere

Over 100 drivers fined for filming motorway crash - what French law says

People who filmed lorry crash while driving face fines and points deductions

French licences show if you need glasses: fines possible if you drive without them

Insurers may not pay out in case of an accident

Major road tunnel between France and Italy to reopen this month after 12 years of works

The new Tende tunnel will be inaugurated on Friday, June 27

Why drivers should keep their Crit’Air stickers - even if low-emission zones end

MPs voted to end the ZFEs but this does not necessarily mean the end of the coloured windscreen stickers

What is the mysterious blue line on motorway exit in south-east France?

It runs along the hard shoulder of the A57 motorway

The six Crit’Air stickers for air pollution zones in France

Vehicles are required to display the vignettes in low-emission zones in several cities

400,000 illegal speed bumps can stay, French court rules

New bumps must comply with law

Nine more French departments to have unmarked speed radar cars

An increasing proportion of the cars will be operated by private contractors

Driving laws in France: can you ever take off your seatbelt?

Some countries allow drivers to remove seatbelt when reversing their vehicle

Over 77,000 Ford cars recalled in France over fuel leakage concern

Repair costs to be covered by manufacturer but slots are currently scarce

UN Conference brings extra police checks to south-east France

Police in towns across Alpes-Maritimes are on alert

Are dashcams legal to use for drivers in France?

A major court ruling applies to the use of cameras in vehicles

Are Crit’Air vignettes still needed in France after MPs vote to axe low-emission zones?

The sticker scheme came into force in 2017

Driving in France: do you need to wait for three seconds at stop signs?

This is a common driving school tip but it may not have legal basis

Beware of common scam linked to toll-free motorways in France after holiday weekend

Drivers warned of fake messages purportedly from a leading motorway payment service

Construction on half-built motorway can continue, rules French court

It is the latest court decision concerning the highly-contested and much-debated A69 road

Fewer drivers on phones but risky habits persist on French roads, report finds

Tailgating, road rage and driving while tired are also still prevalent

New speed cameras being installed along major coastal road in Nice

The cameras’ locations along the Promenade des Anglais will be frequently changed

Taxi driver protests continue in south and Paris: weekend disruption expected

Major demonstrations planned in prime minister’s hometown of Pau

French road network 'on brink of collapse', mayors warn

Lack of state funding for local authorities is sorely felt in some areas

MPs vote to end France's ZFE low-emission zones despite government opposition

Cross-party majority introduces amendment against them in a broader economic simplification bill on May 28

D-Day events: Residents and visitors warned to check driving and parking rules

Many towns holding major remembrance events are set to close roads and ban parking next weekend

How to avoid large traffic jams this long weekend in France

A ‘black day’ of traffic is expected in the north on Sunday

How to find EV charging points when towing a caravan in France?

There are several apps available with up-to-date information

Can over-70s renew UK driving licences from France?

Non-UK residents should not renew their licence with British authorities

Do French speed cameras adjust to lower limits in poor conditions?

Heavy rain, fog, hail, or snow demand lower speed limits - but do speed cameras reflect this?

Police increase checks on drivers in south of France due to rise in accidents

One department has recorded four times the number of deaths compared to the same period last year

Mystery of driving fines sent from France to UK homes post Brexit

This week’s new EU-UK partnership agreement includes measures to facilitate the sharing of driver data

Tips to avoid excessive extra charges when renting a car in France

The majority of hire companies investigated failed to provide a full quote or had other anomalies

Avoid a fine: French number plate installation and maintenance rules

The law is clear on the display and clarity of number plates, even if one woman disputes a recent fine handed to her

French taxi driver protests to continue for rest of week

Two protesters were injured in Marseille yesterday after a driver allegedly rammed into a blockade

What are ‘M’ signs on French roads near my home?

Roads can be maintained by departmental or local authorities

Roads, stations, and airport disrupted as taxi driver protests continue in south of France

Major roads around Marseille and Toulon are set to be blocked for second day

France-Italy Mont Blanc tunnel to close for over three months from September

Drivers must take alternative route through other Alpine passes or tunnels

Change to digital French driving licences - and who can have one

A new way to digitise your licence has been rolled out but not yet for everyone

Fatal HGV crashes: Goodyear in court in France over tyre defect claims

Investigators allege the firm knew about the problem but did not issue a recall

New parking fees on 'large' cars now in force in Bordeaux

Residents and visitors will have to pay extra to park SUVs in the city

Badly maintained roads in France - can you get compensation if your car is damaged?

The process depends on the circumstances that caused the damage

Driving

French driving rules that surprise foreign drivers

Photos: where to spot France's motorway art installations

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

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

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Paris plane tries to land four times at Nice and fails due to weather

French driving rules that surprise foreign drivers

Tourists face fines on France’s A13 motorway due to removal of toll booths

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

Mosquitoes in France: readers share what works to stop bites

Are you among the millions to receive a tax refund today in France?

Discover the Karbike: France's eco-friendly electric bike with car features

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do unused vehicles need to be insured in France?

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

Do high temperatures affect driving rules in France?

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

Red air pollution alerts raised in Brittany

Driver checks to increase around Lyon after high number of fatal crashes

Car rentals in France: users provide feedback on sector

French MPs vote to ban low-emission zones: what happens now?

More Citroën cars in France issued with ‘stop drive’ orders after driver death

France’s free blue parking zones: who can use them and for how long

Fatal car crash in France linked to faulty Takata airbag: how to check models affected

Temporary driving restrictions imposed in parts of France due to air pollution

Famous Le Mans 24 hour is steeped in British tradition

Can non-French no claims bonuses be added to new policies?

Over 100 drivers fined for filming motorway crash - what French law says

French licences show if you need glasses: fines possible if you drive without them

Major road tunnel between France and Italy to reopen this month after 12 years of works

Why drivers should keep their Crit’Air stickers - even if low-emission zones end

What is the mysterious blue line on motorway exit in south-east France?

The six Crit’Air stickers for air pollution zones in France

400,000 illegal speed bumps can stay, French court rules

Nine more French departments to have unmarked speed radar cars

Driving laws in France: can you ever take off your seatbelt?

Over 77,000 Ford cars recalled in France over fuel leakage concern

UN Conference brings extra police checks to south-east France

Are dashcams legal to use for drivers in France?

Are Crit’Air vignettes still needed in France after MPs vote to axe low-emission zones?

Driving in France: do you need to wait for three seconds at stop signs?

Beware of common scam linked to toll-free motorways in France after holiday weekend

Construction on half-built motorway can continue, rules French court

Fewer drivers on phones but risky habits persist on French roads, report finds

New speed cameras being installed along major coastal road in Nice

Taxi driver protests continue in south and Paris: weekend disruption expected

French road network 'on brink of collapse', mayors warn

MPs vote to end France's ZFE low-emission zones despite government opposition

D-Day events: Residents and visitors warned to check driving and parking rules

How to avoid large traffic jams this long weekend in France

How to find EV charging points when towing a caravan in France?

Can over-70s renew UK driving licences from France?

Do French speed cameras adjust to lower limits in poor conditions?