France is one of the most popular vacation destinations for Germans. Thanks to its geographical proximity, the destination can be reached quickly and easily with your own vehicle. But anyone who travels abroad knows that there can be some peculiarities when driving, especially with a motorhome or camper van. This is also the case in France. But what are the traffic rules in France, what speed limit applies and what about tolls in France? In the following, I will give you an insight into what you should bear in mind when driving a motorhome, caravan or car in France.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
- Speed limits France
- Parking in France
- Dimensions of vehicles / restrictions on vehicle size
- Tolls in France
- Blood alcohol limit in France
- High visibility vests in France
- Low emission zones in France
- Winter tires and snow chains in France
- Blind spot stickers in France
- Emergency numbers in France
- Driving with children in France
- Other important traffic rules in France
- Good to know
Speed limits France
France’s traffic regulations naturally include speed limits. But how fast can I drive in France? You can find an overview here:
Maximum speed in France for cars and motorhomes up to 3.5 t
- In urban areas: 50 km/h
- Out of town: 80 km/h
- Expressways: 110 km/h
(exception: 100 km/h in wet conditions and if you have held your driver’s license for less than three years) - Freeways: 130 km/h
(exception: 110 km/h in wet conditions and if you have held your driver’s license for less than three years)
Speed limit in France for motorhomes over 3.5 t and up to 7.5 t
- In urban areas 50 km/h
- Out of town 80 km/h
- Expressways: 100 km/h
- Freeways: 110 km/h
Maximum speed in France for caravan combinations up to 3.5 t GVW
- In urban areas 50 km/h
- Out of town 80 km/h
- Expressways: 110 km/h
(exception: 100 km/h for drivers with a license for less than three years) - Freeways: 130 km/h
(exception: 110 km/h for drivers with a license under three years old)
Info
As a general rule, even if the speed limit in France is over 100 km/h, you should only drive your trailer as fast as the design allows. This means 80km/h, with the 100km/h sticker 100km/h. If you drive faster than this, you will have to reckon with a restriction or invalidation of the insurance cover in the event of an accident.
Speed limit in France for caravan-trailer combinations over 3.5 t GVW
- In urban areas 50 km/h
- Out of town 80 km/h
- Expressways: 90 km/h
- Freeways: 90 km/h
Even minimal speeding violations can result in a hefty fine in France. And don’t think you’re off the hook because your vehicle is registered in Germany: from 70 euros – and that adds up quickly – the fine can also be collected in Germany!
Parking in France
There are special regulations in France, not only for driving but also for parking. I have compiled the most important ones for you here:
- Dashed, white line on the edge of the road: parking possibility (with parking ticket if necessary)
- Solid yellow line: absolute stopping ban
- Dashed yellow line: No parking
- Blue line on the roadside: 1 hour free parking with parking disk Mon – Sat 9 am to 12 noon & 2/14.30 pm to 7 pm. Sundays also longer
- Further parking rules possible depending on signage
- Parking on the sidewalk is generally prohibited
- crossed-out P or sign with “Stationnement interdit”: parking prohibited
- Maximum parking duration of 7 days must not be exceeded
- Motorhomes may park in public parking areas provided that traffic and the visibility of road users are not impaired
Dimensions of vehicles / restrictions on vehicle size
In France, a maximum width of 2.55 meters applies for trailers/caravans (with load) and a maximum length of 12 meters (without drawbar). The combination of towing vehicle and trailer may not exceed a maximum length of 18 meters. Exceptions are only possible after approval. These traffic regulations apply to both locals and tourists.
Tolls in France
Freeway tolls are the order of the day in France, with tolls being charged on numerous freeways. City highways – in and around conurbations – and a few other exceptions in Alsace, Auvergne and Brittany are exempt. Otherwise, you will have to deal with the issue of tolls in France if you do not want to reach your vacation destination exclusively via country roads.
A blue sign with the designation“péage” indicates which highways are subject to tolls. In France, tolls are calculated on the basis of the distance traveled and the vehicle class or size. For cars and motorhomes, the toll is based on the height of the vehicle and the number of axles. For caravans, the total permissible mass, the height of the entire combination and the number of axles are included in the calculation of the highway toll.
You can pay the highway tolls in France directly at the toll stations in cash or by credit card. The stations are located at every highway entrance and exit. Alternatively, there are also electronic payment systems. You can find out more in the article“Tolls and vignettes in Europe“, where you will find detailed information on tolls in France and special features. Here you will also find a reference to a toll calculator for France. It may be worth using it to roughly estimate your travel costs to and from France for your vacation.
If you want to drive toll-free to or through France, there are numerous routes that allow you to avoid highway tolls and are often very scenic. But beware: the French are very strict when it comes to speeding, so you should always drive very carefully. In addition, the countless traffic circles before and in the towns you drive through can be a bit tiring in the long run, especially with larger vehicles or trailers.
Blood alcohol limit in France
In France , the drink-drive limit is 0.5 per mille. Non-compliance is punishable by a fine of at least 135 euros. From 0.8 per mille, the fine is considerably higher and a prison sentence can also be expected.
Lower blood alcohol limits apply to novice drivers and professional drivers. For example, the blood alcohol limit for novice drivers in France is 0.2 per mille, which applies for the first three years of driving license possession. Incidentally, the vehicles of novice drivers in France are marked with a sticker with the letter F.
Breathalyzers in France
There has been a lot of uncertainty in recent years on the subject of breathalyzers in France. Are they compulsory or not? Update: Since May 22, 2020, breathalyzers are no longer mandatory in France!
Officially, every vehicle must carry a breathalyzer in France since 2012. The testers can be disposable or electronic, but must be unused and “NF” certified. This certificate confirms compliance with the French standard. You can buy breathalyzers on the internet and at local supermarkets and petrol stations. Although the obligation exists, the penalties have been lifted and so violations are currently not punished with the planned fee of 11 euros. This is partly because there have been repeated supply shortages of breathalyzers. However, this regulation can be reintroduced at any time, so I recommend that you inform yourself in advance.
High visibility vests in France
As in Germany, high-visibility vests are compulsory in France. Every vehicle must have one high-visibility vest per occupant on board. In the event of a breakdown or accident, these must be put on before leaving the vehicle. Whether orange, yellow or red is not specified, the only important thing is that the high-visibility vests bear the European control mark “EN 471”.
In addition to high-visibility vests , a warning triangle is also a must in the vehicle.
- Nach StVZO und EU Norm zugelassen
- Passt in viele vorbereitete Räume und Haltevorrichtungen der Fahrzeuge
Low emission zones in France
There are environmental zonesin some French cities such as Paris, Grenoble, Lyon and Strasbourg. Foreign vehicles must also display environmental badges, so-called Crit’Air badges, in these designated zones. Non-compliance leads to high fines.
The environmental badges in France are divided into different categories. The stickers can be ordered online. You can find a detailed article on the subject here:“Low emission zones in France“.
Winter tires and snow chains in France
There is no general winter tire requirement in France, with the exception of mountain regions. However, if the weather conditions make it necessary, winter tires and snow chains may be made compulsory in France at short notice. These regulations are then signaled by appropriate traffic signs.
Since the beginning of November 2021, winter tires have been mandatory in the French mountain regions! These include Corsica, the Alps, Pyrenees, Vosges, Jura and Massif Central.
Winter tires must have a tread depth of at least 3.5 mm. Snow chains may only be used on snow-covered roads and a maximum speed limit of 50 km/h applies. Studded tires are permitted from the beginning of November to the end of December.
Blind spot stickers in France
Seit dem 1.1.2021 müssen alle Fahrzeuge über 3,5 Tonnen spezielle Aufkleber zur Kennzeichnung des Toten Winkels angebracht haben, die in französischen Stadtgebieten fahren. Da diese “städtischen Gebiete” jedoch nicht näher definiert sind, wird es allen Fahrzeughaltern nahegelegt, Toter-Winkel-Aufkleber in Frankreich zu nutzen, die Fahrzeuge über 3,5 Tonnen führen. Diese Regelung gilt auch für ausländische Fahrzeuge und für Wohnmobile wie auch Gespanne. Je ein Aufkleber muss an beiden Seiten sowie am Heck angebracht werden. Alles, was du über den Angles-Morts-Aufkleber wissen musst, erfährst du in diesem Beitrag.
- Set mit 3 offiziellen Aufklebern, 17 x 25 cm, für die Kennzeichnung von toten Winkeln bei schweren…
- Dieses Set ist für ein Fahrzeug geeignet
Emergency numbers in France
Info
Emergency numbers in France:
European emergency number: 112
Police: 17
Fire brigade: 18
From cell phone: French area code 0033 + emergency number
Samu medical emergency service: 15(Service d’Aide Médicale Urgente)
ADAC breakdown assistance: 0049 89 22 22 22
ADAC emergency call (German-speaking & around the clock): 04 72 17 12 22[/su_note]
Driving with children in France
Children up to the age of 10 must sit in the rear seat. They may only sit in the front passenger seat from the age of 10. It is also important to ensure that children are secured in an age-appropriate manner:
0-9 months: baby seat with the back facing the direction of travel
9 months – 4 years: child seat
4 years – 10 years: booster seat
Another important traffic rule in France is that children under the age of 12 must wear a helmet on bicycles. Regardless of whether they are riding themselves or sitting in a child seat.
Other important traffic rules in France
- In France, seat belts are compulsory in all seats.
- A fine is levied for any distracted driving.
- It is forbidden for drivers to hold a cell phone to their ear while driving – even with a headset. The use of a hands-free system is permitted.
- The driver must not eat or drink while driving.
- Smoking is prohibited in the car in the presence of underage children.
- The use and carrying of speed camera warning devices (e.g. speed camera apps or special navigation devices) is strictly prohibited in France. If you are caught, you can expect a fine of 1,500 euros or more.
- You may also be fined if you do not have sufficient lighting, which is why it is advisable to take spare bulbs with you.
- Streetcars always have right of way.
- Driving in bus lanes is prohibited.
- At a traffic circle without signage, the right-before-left rule applies.
- In a multi-lane traffic circle, vehicles on the outside have right of way.
- Motorhomes over 3.5 t and vehicles or combinations over 7 meters must use the outermost lane in a multi-lane traffic circle.
- Traffic lights change directly from red to green. There is no yellow there.
- A flashing yellow arrow at traffic lights allows you to continue in the indicated direction when the light is red. Attention, cross traffic still has right of way!
- On mountain roads, vehicles traveling uphill have the right of way.
- Private towing is prohibited in France.
- On three-lane and multi-lane freeways, vehicles and combinations over 7 meters in length or over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight may not drive in the left-hand lane. If there are four lanes, driving is only permitted in the two right-hand lanes.
Good to know
A few traffic rules that are commonplace in other European countries do not exist in France:
- No red/white warning sign is currently required for the bicycle carrier on the motorhome, provided that the normal dimensions (up to 1 meter above the rear of the vehicle or up to 40 cm to the side) are not exceeded.
- Driving with lights on in France is recommended all year round, even during the day, but is not compulsory.
- In France, a breakaway cable / safety cable is not mandatory for caravans. You can find out more about“Breakaway cable” here.
- Every country has its own special traffic signs. France also has its own special features. Here you will find an overview of all traffic signs that are used in France.
I hope this overview of traffic regulations in France was helpful for you. As you can see, the traffic regulations in France are generally very similar to those in Germany. Nevertheless, some information about driving there and what you need to be aware of is certainly good to know. I wish you a good and safe motorhome or car trip in France.
All information is as of January 2020.
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