Driving

Major traffic restrictions to be implemented in Lyon from June

It will become the fifth French city to implement a limited traffic zone. We review which vehicles will be exempt from rules

‘Dutch roundabouts’ now installed in France: how do they work?

The roundabouts are designed to make roads safer for cyclists

City in south of France will not penalise ZFE breaches until 2027

Local authorities have hailed the decision as a ‘political victory’

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Police urge drivers in Dordogne to be alert to return of this scam

Three drivers were scammed out of cash last month

Drivers in Switzerland need new ‘motorway sticker’: Are French vehicles included?

Motorway sticker is updated annually and can be purchased online or in person

2024 burglary statistics released: see data per department in France

Official figures show areas with improvements and those that got worse

French drivers will be exempted from new safety requirement on Spanish roads

Current ‘warning triangles’ will still be accepted

Is it possible to switch French vehicle registration to my name after spouse death?

The marriage regime you had with your spouse can affect the rules

Driving in France: what are the acceptable ‘error’ margins of speed cameras?

Rumour that margins of error are set to change in 2025 has been clarified

Missing this car registration detail in France may cost you €135

Widespread changes to French addresses may have left drivers in the lurch during an inspection

New carsharing lane to come into service on Paris ring road

Motorway lanes around Paris will also be limited to vehicles carrying at least one passenger

Four changes for drivers in France in February 2025

The changes include péage increases and projected lower electricity charging bills

New feature in Waze driving app should please French road safety officials

The sometimes-controversial sat-nav app is launching a long-awaited tool

New French contrôle technique test: 1 in 5 motorcyclists failed to attend

Licence-free cars also now need roadworthiness checks. Stricter rules are set to come in

Does my UK vehicle need to be registered to remain at French second home?

Residents in France must register their vehicle within one month of moving

French data protection body mulls legal case over Ulez fines

Fines have been sent to drivers in France despite Brexit ending data-sharing agreements

Can you overtake police vehicles in France?

Exploring the myths and legalities of overtaking police cars on French roads

Motorway tolls increase in France in February

Price rise is lower than initially forecast

French president issues social media response on fines for using phones at toll booths

A driver posted online about receiving a fine for using a phone to pay a toll

Road check operation in south-west France: what are rules if stopped?

Drug usage in Dordogne has increased leading to more checks

How to spot an unmarked speed radar car in France

The cars are being rolled out into three more regions this year

Why sales of motorbikes and scooters are falling fast in France

The second-hand market has fallen the most

Citroën extends its recall of cars due to airbag fault in France

Consumer association is calling for a parliamentary inquiry into the issue and for these drivers to receive compensation

Why was application to switch UK driving licence for French one rejected?

Residency rights affect whether licence switches can be made

Car fuel prices are rising in France: This is why - but will it continue?

Prices of diesel and petrol have been rising since last year

Use these websites to check against numberplate fraud on barrier-free French motorways

Email alerts inform you when your number plate is registered as passing through toll

Can drivers be fined for using their phone to pay at tolls in France?

Several social media posts show people claiming to have been fined for using smartphone while ‘driving’ when paying

Drivers of SUVs to face higher parking fees in Bordeaux

The decision to penalise larger vehicles follows a similar but stronger measure in Paris

MAP: Which French region has most speed radars? See locations near you

Speed cameras across France are slowly being upgraded

Owners of faulty Peugeot, Citroën and Opel cars can now make claims

Drivers can make claims on Stellantis website

Drivers will need new equipment soon to visit Spain from France

The ‘breakdown warning triangle’ required in France will no longer be permitted for this purpose in Spain

Can drivers have a personalised car number plate in France?

France changed its number plate system in 2009

Crit’Air air pollution car stickers: can you get these by post in France?

Dozens of new low-emissions zones were introduced earlier this month

Speed limits reduced in Normandy due to air pollution spike

Air pollution in some parts is described as ‘very poor’

Riding between lanes now legal for all motorcyclists in France – under certain conditions

Government legalises manoeuvre after eight years of trials

Barrier-free French motorway: driver complaints increase over extra fines

The ‘smart’ roads are meant to improve traffic flow

Driving in France: when you can overtake on the right-hand side

Undertaking is possible in certain situations, however illegal manoeuvres run the risk of accident, fine and licence suspension

Videos: hundreds of classic cars drive through Paris

‘Classic’ cars in France benefit from fewer driving restrictions and tests

U-turn (again) over motorbikes riding between lanes in queues on certain French roads

Trial has been extended to July 31, 2025 as government awaits study

Drivers face ‘stop’ sign every 30 metres in trial in western France

Tabac owner says signs have reduced number of clients by 20%

Ranking shows French cities with the most, and fewest, traffic jams

Surprisingly, Paris did not rank highest

How to pay French free-flow motorway fee in rental car without toll badge?

There is a limited amount of time in which the tolls must be paid

What changes with French driving licences in 2025?

There are new rules on document posting, tests and EU and international driving permits

Two Britons badly hurt after car leaves road in Normandy

A dog was also found in the vehicle

Are electric vehicle grants applicable for hybrid vehicles in France?

The system for electric vehicle grants has recently changed

Major road tunnel between France and Italy set to reopen after ten years of construction work

Traffic will only be one-way at first through the Tende Tunnel as original tunnel needs to be renovated

2025 MAP: France’s new clean air driving zones and their rules

All areas with a population of 150,000 or more now have rules in place restricting certain vehicles from entering, and require all vehicles to have 'Crit'Air' stickers on their windscreen

Can télépéage motorway toll badges be used in French hire cars?

Badges are the quickest way to pass through barriers

15 changes in France from January 1, 2025

Pensions, gardens, boilers, registering cars and postal costs are just some of the areas which change

More unmarked radar cars to catch speeders in France: where and how they work

The cars operate within strict parameters

Peugeot hit by cyberattack in France with clients’ personal data stolen

Identity information and number plates is to be released to public unless ransom is paid, hackers say

No snow tyre fines in France this winter – but insurers may require them

Tyres are required in mountainous communes, but non-compliance will not be sanctioned

Cars and driving: What's new in France in 2025

From AI speed cameras to low-emission zones, we look at the changes set to transform French roads and driving regulations next year

Traffic warnings in France as Christmas holidays begin: which roads to avoid?

Roads are expected to be especially busy near the capital

Car fuel sold at cost price at many Intermarché supermarkets today and tomorrow

Many - but not all - stores are taking part - see the list here

What fines do motorcyclists risk after trial for ‘inter-filing’ on French roads ends?

A report in 2025 on the trial will set the tone for legalisation of the manoeuvre

Are there rules to follow when changing a vehicle’s numberplate in France?

Plates can be ordered from garages or online

Camper vans on the road in France boost local economy

Happy campers are bringing new life and wealth to French towns

Police warn drivers of car headlights rules in France

It is advisable to carry spare bulbs when driving

Christmas parties: what are drink-drive limits and breathalyser rules in France?

Rules are stricter than in some parts of the UK

How to recognise French road signs for recommended, not obligatory, behaviour

The signs are becoming increasingly used in some areas

French road sign expands to Spain - but most drivers unaware of its meaning

Road sign is only in use for specific weather conditions

Photo: French police stop driver over car covered in Christmas lights

Officers were appreciative of the decorations and took photos - but demanded that they were all removed

New pollution bans from January: Which cars and which cities in France?

Changes mean vehicles with Crit’Air level 3 will be banned in four cities

Fréjus Tunnel that connects France and Italy to close this weekend

The tunnel will close for 12 hours and not the 56 hours originally announced

Do drivers have to change number plates if they move to new French department?

Plates show a regional logo as well as department code - a source of pride for some

What to do if télépéage badge not detected on French free-flow motorway?

Motorway toll badges are a convenient way to pay toll fees on barrier-free motorways

The Code de la route has changed for cyclists in France

New lights have been authorised and cyclists can now (legally) ride side by side in certain circumstances

12,500 French parking fines cancelled after IT bug

The fines had been issued in error after computer system was privatised

See which offences can result in a car being impounded in France

There is also a time limit and set procedure to follow to recover a car

Drivers can now get proof of driving licence online in France

The new service could be useful in certain situations such as if you are stopped by police

Pay to park by income: Where in France and how does it work?

Rennes is the most recent city to introduce the system

Driver arrested after dodging French motorway tolls with ‘kind words’ trick

The man used the same technique every time he passed through the péage

When is a CT roadworthiness test needed to sell a vehicle in France?

Motorbikes also needed a contrôle technique since April 2024

Hospital transport change: French taxi driver protests cause 490km of traffic jams

Blockades are underway as drivers fear redundancies and bankruptcies

Driving

Major traffic restrictions to be implemented in Lyon from June

‘Dutch roundabouts’ now installed in France: how do they work?

City in south of France will not penalise ZFE breaches until 2027

Police urge drivers in Dordogne to be alert to return of this scam

Trending

Mystery of British couple found dead at home in south of France

Drought alerts raised in France: where is impacted?

Skiers risk a fine (and even criminal charges) for these offences in France

‘Dutch roundabouts’ now installed in France: how do they work?

Help! We are surrounded by English people in France

Must gifts to grandchildren living abroad be declared to French tax authorities?

Snow hits central and northern France: Weekend weather outlook February 8 - 9

Drivers in Switzerland need new ‘motorway sticker’: Are French vehicles included?

2024 burglary statistics released: see data per department in France

French drivers will be exempted from new safety requirement on Spanish roads

Is it possible to switch French vehicle registration to my name after spouse death?

Driving in France: what are the acceptable ‘error’ margins of speed cameras?

Missing this car registration detail in France may cost you €135

New carsharing lane to come into service on Paris ring road

Four changes for drivers in France in February 2025

New feature in Waze driving app should please French road safety officials

New French contrôle technique test: 1 in 5 motorcyclists failed to attend

Drivers face tougher penalties for road infractions in south of France

MAP: Where did most fatal road crashes happen in France in 2024?

Is there financial help for foreign people in France towards driving test costs?

Does my UK vehicle need to be registered to remain at French second home?

Car-sharing: How do new road lanes work in France and how are drivers checked?

French app fighting speeding fines sees success

List: Car registration fees for drivers by department across France

The rules for buying and registering a trailer in France

Tips for electric car drivers on where to charge in France for least cost

French data protection body mulls legal case over Ulez fines

Can you overtake police vehicles in France?

Motorway tolls increase in France in February

French president issues social media response on fines for using phones at toll booths

Road check operation in south-west France: what are rules if stopped?

How to spot an unmarked speed radar car in France

Why sales of motorbikes and scooters are falling fast in France

Citroën extends its recall of cars due to airbag fault in France

Why was application to switch UK driving licence for French one rejected?

Car fuel prices are rising in France: This is why - but will it continue?

Use these websites to check against numberplate fraud on barrier-free French motorways

Can drivers be fined for using their phone to pay at tolls in France?

Drivers of SUVs to face higher parking fees in Bordeaux

MAP: Which French region has most speed radars? See locations near you

Owners of faulty Peugeot, Citroën and Opel cars can now make claims

Drivers will need new equipment soon to visit Spain from France

Can drivers have a personalised car number plate in France?

Crit’Air air pollution car stickers: can you get these by post in France?

Speed limits reduced in Normandy due to air pollution spike

Riding between lanes now legal for all motorcyclists in France – under certain conditions

Barrier-free French motorway: driver complaints increase over extra fines

Driving in France: when you can overtake on the right-hand side

Videos: hundreds of classic cars drive through Paris

U-turn (again) over motorbikes riding between lanes in queues on certain French roads

Drivers face ‘stop’ sign every 30 metres in trial in western France

Ranking shows French cities with the most, and fewest, traffic jams

How to pay French free-flow motorway fee in rental car without toll badge?

What changes with French driving licences in 2025?

Two Britons badly hurt after car leaves road in Normandy

Are electric vehicle grants applicable for hybrid vehicles in France?

Major road tunnel between France and Italy set to reopen after ten years of construction work

2025 MAP: France’s new clean air driving zones and their rules

Can télépéage motorway toll badges be used in French hire cars?

15 changes in France from January 1, 2025

More unmarked radar cars to catch speeders in France: where and how they work

Peugeot hit by cyberattack in France with clients’ personal data stolen

No snow tyre fines in France this winter – but insurers may require them

Cars and driving: What's new in France in 2025

Traffic warnings in France as Christmas holidays begin: which roads to avoid?

Car fuel sold at cost price at many Intermarché supermarkets today and tomorrow

What fines do motorcyclists risk after trial for ‘inter-filing’ on French roads ends?

Are there rules to follow when changing a vehicle’s numberplate in France?

Camper vans on the road in France boost local economy

Police warn drivers of car headlights rules in France

Christmas parties: what are drink-drive limits and breathalyser rules in France?

How to recognise French road signs for recommended, not obligatory, behaviour

French road sign expands to Spain - but most drivers unaware of its meaning

Photo: French police stop driver over car covered in Christmas lights