• As a general rule, drive on the right, overtake on the left. However, where traffic is in lanes, vehicles may overtake on the right of other vehicles in slower moving lanes.
• On steep gradients, vehicles travelling downhill must give way to vehicles travelling uphill.
• Overtaking trams in motion is normally permitted on the right only; it is permitted on the left in one way streets, if there is not enough space on the right.

Who has priority?

• At intersections, you must give way to vehicles approaching from your right, unless otherwise indicated.
• Drivers approaching a roundabout must give way to traffic already on the roundabout.
• You must also give way to emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens.

Warning of approach

• Horns may only be used to give necessary warning to other road users.
• Between sunset and sunrise, warning must be given by flashing passing lights. The horn may be used only in cases of absolute necessity.
• In all built-up areas, use of the horn is prohibited except in cases of immediate danger.
• The use of multi-tone horns, sirens and whistles is prohibited.

France seat belt law

• If seat belts are fitted to your car, they must be worn by both drivers and passengers. The driver has a responsibility to ensure that all passengers under the age of 18 are suitably restrained in the car.
• The fine for failing to wear a seat belt is set at €135, reduced to €90 if paid within 15 days.

Can I use headphones in my car while driving in France?

• As of March 2017, it is illegal to drive a car in France using headphones or earphones. Be sure to take off your headphones once you cross the Channel, otherwise you could be fined on the spot.

Traffic lights

• The international three-colour traffic light system is used France. However, there is no amber light after the red light.
• A flashing amber light indicates caution, slow down or proceed but give way to vehicles coming from the right.
• A flashing red light indicates no entry. It may also indicate a level crossing or exit used by emergency vehicles.
• If a red light is accompanied by a yellow arrow, you may proceed in the direction indicated by the arrow, provided you give way to vehicles travelling in that direction, as well as to pedestrians.

French speed limits

• France uses the metric system for all road signs, meaning speed limits and other road signs including distance are indicated using kilometres and metres.
• Speed limits are lowered in rain and other adverse weather conditions, while special speed restrictions apply to certain classes of vehicle, including coaches and cars with trailers, so check before travel.
• There is a minimum speed limit of 80 km/h on motorways for vehicles travelling in the outside lane.

The following national speed limits apply:

Parking regulations

• Stopping and parking are permitted on the right-hand side only of roads with two lanes of traffic; in one-way streets, stopping and parking are allowed on both sides if the street is wide enough.
• Restrictions and limitations are indicated by road signs or by yellow lines on the kerb. A continuous yellow line indicates that stopping and parking are prohibited. A broken yellow line indicates that parking is prohibited.

Paid parking

• Road signs indicate the areas where parking is restricted and must be paid for, either at parking meters or automatic machines that issue tickets indicating the length of parking time paid for.
• Some machines take debit/credit cards ‘stationnement à la carte’.

Enforcement of parking regulations

• Vehicles that are parked illegally may be towed away and impounded, even if registered abroad. The owner is liable for the cost of impounding and for every 24 hours the vehicle is kept.
• In Paris and some other large towns, illegally parked vehicles are immobilised by wheel clamps. The driver must go to the local police station and pay a fine for dangerous parking or for causing an obstruction, as well as a fine to have the vehicle released.

Disabled parking access

• There are spaces reserved for the disabled. In Paris, free parking is allowed where a fee is normally payable.
• In principle, the disabled badge gives the holder permission to park his/her vehicle in a designated space. It does not mean that he/she can park free of charge in a fee-paying zone.
• Generally, a disabled motorist may park without time limit on roads where parking is free but restricted by time.
• The responsibility for parking concessions usually rests with the local authorities, but the police are required to show consideration for parking by the disabled, provided they do not cause obstruction.

South West Hire does not condone drinking alcohol and driving

Legal limit 

• The maximum legal level of alcohol in the blood for drivers of private vehicles is 0.05% blood alcohol content. That's lower than the 0.08% in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but the same as Scotland.
• For bus and coach drivers, as well as newly qualified drivers with less than three years' experience, the limit is 0.02%.