Driving in France (A Local’s Guide, for First Timers)

Driving in France may bring up images of gridlocked Paris streets or icy Alpine passes. Although you can find those in France, the country is generally easy to drive in. The low population density and good highway system in France make driving less intimidating than it sounds. 

I’ve lived in Paris, France for ten years. While I did try to get around the French countryside without a car in the past (read about that experience here), I wouldn’t recommend it. I’ve since taken the French driving test so I can explore via the convenience of driving.

From the basics to specialized tips, here’s what I’ve learned about driving in France and everything I think you should know, too. 

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Driving Laws and Rules in France

Driving in France can vary significantly depending on where you are. Driving in old towns or cities is a different experience than driving on a new highway. However, these are the important guidelines to keep in mind: 

• 🛣️ Road Size – Roads vary from extremely wide (major highways) to extremely narrow (older streets in cities and towns). Prepare for changing widths, and pay attention to signage and road markings. 

• 🚙 Local Drivers – French drivers are fairly aggressive. [Source]

• ➡️ Side of the Road – France drives on the right side of the road, as in the United States. 

• 🚘 Right of Way – The major difference between French and American road rules is right of way. Drivers on the right have the right of way in France. [Source]

• 🚗 Distracted Driving – France punishes distracted driving harshly. This includes the use of cell phones, even Bluetooth. [Source]

• 🍷 Blood Alcohol Limits – Blood alcohol limits are 0.5 grams of alcohol per liter of blood (0.25 per liter of air). [Source]

• 🚦 Turning at Red Lights – Turns on red lights are never allowed. 

• 💥 Honking – Avoid honking unless you’re in a situation of imminent danger.

Speed Limits in France

• ⚠️ Standard Speed Limits – Standard speed limits are 130 kph (80 mph) on main highways, 110 kph (70 mph) on divided highways, 80 kph (50 mph) outside of towns, and 50 kph (30 mph) within towns. [Source]

• 📏 Speed is in Kilometers – Speed limits are in kilometers per hour, not miles per hour. 

• 🌧️ Weather Affects Speed Limits – Speed limits decrease in rain: 110 kph (70 mph) on main highways, 100 kph (62 mph) on divided highways, and 70 kph (43 mph) on main roads. Limits may fall to 50 kph (30 mph) during heavy fog.

📚 Related Reading: Parisian driving brings up special considerations. Check out what you need to know about driving in Paris if you’re in the capital city.

Driving License Requirements in France

A US license will work for most visitors to France. You may drive on an American license for up to 90 days. However, you will need a notarized translation of your license. Note that French notarization typically requires a document from a maximum of 90 days earlier.

An easier option is an international driving permit. This is useful for renting cars. You can also use it on trips abroad to other countries. 

Discover Cars will let you search agencies based on who accepts your age and license country. You can filter by these in the upper-right corner of your results.

Where to Rent a Car in France

The easiest car rentals in France are usually in larger cities, near train stations, or at airports. 

Some French rental car companies, especially Paris rental car companies, will not rent to you without a French driver’s license. Book in advance through an international site like Discover Cars to ensure you can get a vehicle.

Some rental car companies allow self-service, particularly in Paris. These companies give you contactless access to cars parked in garages and can be accessed via an app. However, these companies are not the best choice unless you speak fluent French. Helpline representatives may not speak English. 

🚗 Rental Car Warning: Some French rental car companies are notorious for adding extra charges to bills. This is particularly tricky in France, where you may not be able to contact the company with ease post-rental. This makes reading the Discover Cars reviews of the company you choose particularly important. 

Car Insurance Rules

France insures cars, not drivers. This policy simplifies things when you’re renting a car. The car’s rate will cover all legally required insurance [Source]. This makes it extra important to carry all rental paperwork with you as you drive.

Unlimited third-party liability insurance is the minimum legal requirement for car insurance. You may wish to purchase additional insurance policies. These include roadside coverage, theft, or medical insurance related to accidents. Check out VisitorsCoverage.com for these policies.

👉 Pro Tip: Policies like those that come with homeowners insurance or some credit cards may not cover foreign rentals. Always check your coverage before renting. 

12 Tips for Driving in France

Tip #1 – Prioritize Public Transportation in Crowded Areas

Driving in France can be a joy in rural areas, but much harder in cities. Luckily, major cities have excellent public transportation systems that are often faster ways to get around France than driving. This is especially true in Paris.

Tip #2 – Manual Is Still Standard

Manual transmissions are still standard in France. You can choose automatic transmissions at most rental car companies. However, expect to pay slightly more for them. These are not likely to come with a standard package. 

Tip #3 – Pay Attention to Speed Limits

French drivers commonly drive well above the speed limit. However, speeding tickets can be pricey: up to 3,750 euros for serious repeat offenders. [Source] 

You may feel that driving slowly makes you an annoyance to other drivers, but it is far better to be safe. Keep in mind that French roads may have electronic speed cameras, too. 

Tip #4 – Plan for the Weather

Speed limits on all highways drop when it’s raining. Roads may not post these, so it’s worth putting them in your phone or on a Post-It. 

Plan on 110 kph (70 mph) on main highways, 110 kph (62 mph) on divided highways, and 70 kph (43 mph) on main roads. Fog similarly carries restrictions. In some areas, limits fall to 50 kph (30 mph) in heavy fog. 

Tip #5 – Plan for the Terrain

Consider the areas you’ll be driving through when preparing your car. Snow chains may be mandatory if you’ll be going through the Alps or other mountainous areas in the winter. Similarly, keep in mind that downhill traffic must give way if you’re driving on steep hills. [Source]

📚 Related Reading: Best Time to Visit France

Tip #6 – Don’t Use Any Substances

Avoid driving after consuming any alcohol or drugs. French blood alcohol limits are relatively low at 0.5 grams of alcohol per liter of blood. Penalties can include up to a €4500 fine and two years in jail. [Source] The police may test drivers and will always do so in the event of an accident. 

Tip #7 – Understand Legal Requirements

You must have certain documents in your car at all times. Carry your ID with you in addition to your foreign driver’s license. A passport is best. Cars must carry unlimited third-party liability insurance, which the rental company must provide. You must also have rented vehicle paperwork with you if you have a rental car. [Source]

Tip #8 – Passengers Must Also Follow the Rules

Adult passengers can receive fines for not wearing seatbelts in a car, So, each person in a car should take responsibility for their safety. Drivers must ensure that minor passengers (under 18) wear their seat belts or the driver will receive a fine. [Source]

Tip #9 – Stay at the Site of Accidents

Never flee the scene of an accident. A hit and run can carry up to a 30,000 euro fine and two years in jail. The French government also treats this as a felony rather than a misdemeanor. Penalties go up significantly if an accident causes injury or death. [Source]

Tip #10 – Use Your GPS as a Backup

Standard GPS apps like Waze and Google Maps work well in major French cities. But they may not have perfect directions in rural areas. These GPS systems have told me to do everything from drive into a river to turn onto train tracks. Plan your route ahead of time and bring a paper map if you can. Keep a GPS on as backup.

Tip #11 – Buckle Your Pets Up

You may see French drivers with animal passengers wandering freely in their cars. But don’t follow their example! It is illegal to drive with unattached animals in your car. Use a combination harness and seatbelt for dogs. Choose a carrier you can buckle for cats. [Source] 

Top #12 – Check Gas Type Before Refueling

The last thing you want on your trip is to be stranded at a gas station because you refueled your car with the wrong type of gas. Always verify the type of fuel your rental car takes before driving. Discover Cars states the fuel type on each rental car listing.

FAQ About Driving in France

How are the roads in France?

The roads in France are comparable to those in the United States. [Source] Roads in France provide excellent access to most parts of the country. However, some markings are hard to see, and local drivers are slightly more aggressive.

What are the requirements and rules for driving in France?

You can drive on an American license for 90 days in France when visiting. France punishes road infractions strictly, so stay within speed limits. Avoid honking except in cases of imminent danger. Be aware that cars on the right have the right of way. 

How is driving in France in winter?

Driving in France in winter carries special requirements in snowy areas such as the Alps. Cars must use snow tires, chains, and other specialty equipment between November 1 and March 31 where marked when roads require snow chains; this will be posted. [Source]

How is driving in France in the rain?

Driving in France in the rain can be stressful. Go slow and pay attention to surrounding traffic. Be aware that highway driving is automatically subject to lower speed limits, though you may not see these posted.

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Driving in France can seem stressful at first, but following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth journey as you travel to all the best places in France!