Driving in France
Rules, tolls, equipment, and everything else UK drivers need to know for a stress-free road trip.
Driving in France is a genuine pleasure. The roads are excellent, the motorways are smooth and uncrowded compared to the UK, and the scenery makes every journey feel like a road trip rather than a commute. Once you have got used to driving on the right (which takes about five minutes), you will wonder why you ever hesitated.
That said, the rules are different from the UK in some important ways, and the French police are not known for their leniency. This guide covers everything you need to know — from the equipment you must carry to the toll system that funds those beautiful autoroutes.
Key Road Rules
Drive on the right
The obvious one, but worth a reminder. The most dangerous moment is the first junction after leaving the ferry or tunnel — concentrate, follow the traffic, and you will be fine. Roundabouts go anti-clockwise.
Priorite a droite
In towns and villages, traffic coming from the right has priority unless signs say otherwise. This catches out many UK drivers. Watch for cars emerging from side roads on your right — they may not stop. Yellow diamond signs mean you have priority; the end of the diamond means you do not.
Drink driving
The limit is 0.5mg/ml (lower than the UK's 0.8mg/ml in England/Wales). In practice, this means one small glass of wine at lunch is the absolute maximum if you are driving afterwards. The safest approach: if you are driving, do not drink at all.
Phone use
Using a handheld phone while driving is illegal. Hands-free is permitted, but earbuds and headphones (even one ear) are banned. Use your car's built-in Bluetooth or a dashboard-mounted phone holder.
Children in cars
Children under 10 must sit in the back unless the front passenger airbag is deactivated. Appropriate child seats are required — the same rules as the UK apply. Bring your own car seats; rental ones are expensive and often poor quality.
Headlights
You must adjust your headlights for driving on the right, either with beam deflectors (stick-on patches) or by adjusting the headlight settings on your car. Many modern cars have a switch in the headlight menu. Dipped headlights are required in poor visibility and recommended at all times.
Speed Limits
| Road Type | Dry | Wet |
|---|---|---|
| Autoroute (motorway) | 130 km/h | 110 km/h |
| Dual carriageway | 110 km/h | 100 km/h |
| Single carriageway | 80 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Built-up areas | 50 km/h | 50 km/h |
Quick conversion: 130 km/h = 81 mph, 110 km/h = 68 mph, 80 km/h = 50 mph, 50 km/h = 31 mph.
Toll Roads (Peage)
Most French motorways are toll roads (peage). The tolls fund the excellent road quality, and the charges are based on distance. A typical journey from Calais to the Dordogne costs around 50-60 euros in tolls each way.
You collect a ticket at the entry barrier and pay at the exit. Most toll booths accept credit cards (contactless works at many), but some smaller ones are cash-only. The lanes marked with a 't' are for electronic tag holders.
Sample toll costs
- Calais → Paris~22
- Calais → Dordogne~58
- Calais → Provence~72
- Calais → Languedoc~65
- Caen → Loire Valley~25
Approximate costs for a standard car, 2026.
Electronic toll tags
If you visit France regularly, a toll tag (telepeage) saves time and money. Drive through the 't' lane without stopping — the barrier lifts automatically. Most tags also give a small discount on tolls.
Popular providers include Bip&Go and Emovis. Tags cost around 15-20 euros per year plus your tolls.
Money-saving tip: avoid tolls entirely
French national roads (routes nationales) are free and often scenic. Google Maps and Waze both have "avoid tolls" options. The journey takes longer but you will see more of France and save 50-70 euros each way. Many gite regulars swear by the toll-free route as the more enjoyable drive.
What You Must Carry
French law requires you to carry specific equipment in your vehicle. Failure to produce these items during a roadside check can result in on-the-spot fines.
Legally required
- 1. Warning triangle
- 2. High-visibility vest (in the car, not in the boot — you need to put it on before exiting the vehicle)
- 3. Headlight beam deflectors (or adjusted headlights)
- 4. UK sticker or GB/UK number plate with country identifier
- 5. Valid driving licence, V5C registration document, insurance certificate
Strongly recommended
- 1. Spare bulb kit (legally required for older cars without automatic headlight adjustment)
- 2. First aid kit
- 3. European breakdown cover
- 4. Fire extinguisher
- 5. Crit'Air emissions sticker (required in some city centres)
Fuel
Fuel in France is generally cheaper than the UK, especially diesel. Supermarket filling stations (at Leclerc, Carrefour, Intermarche, Super U) are the cheapest — often 10-15 cents per litre less than motorway services.
Fuel types — what to ask for
- Gazole / Diesel — diesel (usually the green or black pump)
- Sans Plomb 95 (SP95) — unleaded petrol (E5)
- Sans Plomb 95-E10 (SP95-E10) — unleaded with 10% ethanol (cheaper, check your car is compatible)
- Sans Plomb 98 (SP98) — premium unleaded (E5)
- GPL — LPG
Tips
- Fill up at supermarkets, not motorway services (save 15-20 cents/litre)
- Many rural stations close on Sundays and evenings — pay-at-pump works 24/7 but needs a chip-and-PIN card
- Fill up before entering the motorway — fuel on the autoroute is the most expensive
- Download the Essence & Co app for real-time fuel prices near you
Parking
French towns use a colour-coded kerb system that takes a moment to learn but makes parking straightforward once you know it.
White lines
Free parking, no time limit
Blue zones
Free but time-limited. You need a disc (disque de stationnement) showing your arrival time. Available from tabacs and supermarkets.
Yellow lines
No parking. You will be fined or towed.
Most town centres have pay-and-display or underground car parks. Rates are very reasonable — typically 1-2 euros per hour. Many towns offer free parking on Sundays and public holidays.
Breakdown Cover
European breakdown cover is strongly recommended. A breakdown on a French motorway without cover can easily cost 500+ euros for recovery alone. Most UK providers offer European add-ons:
What to look for
- Roadside assistance in France
- Vehicle recovery to a local garage
- Replacement vehicle if yours cannot be repaired quickly
- Repatriation of the vehicle to the UK if needed
- Accommodation costs if you are stranded overnight
Providers
- AA European Breakdown Cover
- RAC European Cover
- Green Flag European
- Check if your car insurance already includes European cover
- Some credit cards include European breakdown as a benefit
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