Browse > Home / Getting There, Where To Go / Driving in France

Driving in France

20 March 2008

Not only do you drive on the right in France, but all of the speed and distance signs are in kilometres.

Also worth knowing:
Your insurance should cover you third party in France, but check with your insurance company before you go and you may also want to increase your insurance cover.
Service stations often close at 6pm and on Sundays. It may be difficult to find a service station that is open 24 hours.
The french for petrol is essence, diesel is gazole.

The minimum driving age in France is 18.
You should keep all paperwork with you in the car. You must produce it if asked by the police.
If the car is not yours, you will need a letter authorising you to drive, which you will need to keep with you. This includes company cars.
You should ask your insurance company for an international declaration in case of an accident. Be careful about signing anything i french that yo don’t understand.
Your driving licence must be the new pink one - not the old green style.
You must carry a set of spare bulbs for your car.
A warning triangle is compulsory if you’re towing.
You must STOP at stop signs. You can be fined for not doing so.
All UK cars in France must display a GB sticker, which you can usually get from the ferry company.
Speeding fines are hefty and must be paid on the spot. In extreme circumstances the police can impound your car.
Always pay and display. It may be easier to park at your accommodation ands explore on foot.
Children MUST wear a seat belt. Children under the age of 10 must not sit in the front, unless in a specially adapted rear facing seat.
Breath tests are random.
Tolls can be expensive if travelling by autoroute, but worth it if you want to get there quickly.

Written by jane · Filed Under Getting There, Where To Go 

Comments

Comments are closed.


Related Articles


    European Health Insurance Card and travel insurance - have you got yours? - European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) If you’re going to a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland, you should also make sure you’ve got a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) as well as private health insurance. The card entitles you to reduced cost, sometimes free, medical treatment in most European countries. The ‘EHIC: free or reduced ........ Read more »  20 March 2008
    France - Travelling to France with children can be a great adventure and because France is so close to the UK it opens up so many opportunities. You can get there either by plane, boat or train; it is entirely up to you. You can also chose what type of accommodation suits you best. The options are ........ Read more »  20 March 2008
    Travel Insurance - Flexicover is one of the leading online providers of travel insurance in the UK, selling travel insurance exclusively online at competitive rates. The policies are underwritten by Europ Assistance, one of the largest and most reputable Insurers in Europe. Policies are available to UK residents and long-term residents of EU countries only. The website is ........ Read more »  20 March 2008
    Child Car Seat Regulations - FAQ’s - The new laws regarding the use of child car seats from 18th September are causing some confusion. It has been reported that some parents do not fully understand what they mean. We have listed some of the questions that we are frequently asked so that you can be prepared and your children can travel safely. ........ Read more »  20 March 2008
    Travelling by car - Travelling with children is often a difficult. That could be seen as understatement by parents who do this regularly. Trying to concentrate on driving, map reading, giving and receiving directions is stressful enough, but couple that with your little angels in the back and you could be ready to throw in the towel and admit ........ Read more »  20 March 2008