Driving tips for France


by Andy Burrows - Date: 2007-07-02 - Word Count: 538 Share This!

There are close to one million kilometres of roadways altogether, a significant proportion of which are tolled superhighways and other major roads. Driving between adjoining countries is straightforward.

France road network

Motorways
Although it usually costs to travel on the majority of France's motorways (autoroutes a peage), they are of exceptional high quality and provide the best option for travelling from A to B. Road numbers are preceded with an ‘A', for example, A10, and tolls can be paid with cash or by credit card.

Secondary roads
‘N' roads (routes nationales) and ‘D' roads (routes departementales) are free to drive on and can be a lot less crowded than a motorway covering the same route. Discounted France hire cars


Parking
Parking in any major city, especially Paris, can be a bit of a drama and work out to be fairly expensive. In Paris, drivers must obtain a ‘Zone Bleu' sticker and display it in the windscreen while parked - obtainable from post offices throughout the city.

France road rules

The legal age for driving a vehicle in France is 18 years and heavy, on-the-spot fines are common for motoring offences. French traffic police are well known to be extremely strict and your car will likely be impounded and/or your driving licence confiscated for failure to pay up. Drivers must always carry their full, valid driving licence, international driving permit and insurance documents.

All passengers must wear seatbelts, front and back, and children under the age of 10 years, and/or less than 1.5m/5-feet tall, are not permitted to travel in the front seat. Those bringing their cars from elsewhere in Europe should have the new-type Euro-plates fitted - standard plate with the circle of stars above the national identifier on blue background.

French law also states that drivers carry a red warning triangle in case of breakdown, and it is advisable to carry spare bulbs for headlights and brake lights. In addition, those travelling from the UK and Ireland (right-hand-drive cars) should ensure they fit headlamp deflectors.

Drink driving is taken very seriously and those found driving with any more than 0.5mg/ml alcohol in their blood should expect serious repercussions if stopped.

France speed limits

Urban areas: 50kph/31mph
Rural roads: 90kph/55mph
110kph/69mph - on non-toll motorways
Motorways: 130kph/80mph

France fuel costs (Euros/litre)

Unleaded: 1.33 €/l
Lead replacement: 1.30 €/l
Diesel: 1.00 €/l

Unleaded petrol (sans plomb) is the most common type of fuel, while Diesel and lead replacement petrol (super ARS) are also readily available. Credit cards, charge cards and debit cards can all buy fuel, as can cash, although automatic fuel dispensers only accept domestic cards.

France road safety
French roads are generally busy, but especially so on weekends, either side of the school holidays and at all times around major cities. Make sure you have comprehensive insurance cover and are a member of a motoring organisation.

If you breakdown on a motorway, dial 17 - orange emergency telephones are located every two kilometres. Distances in France are often greater than other European countries and taking a rest every hour or so is advised. Rest areas are generally located every 10 to 20kms on motorways. Rent French holiday property

Those driving anywhere near the Alps at anytime of year should take heed of local weather warnings and keep an eye out for the information boards on the approach roads, which advise on road conditions.

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