Driving in France

France like most of Europe is big on roundabouts. They keep traffic moving steadily and avoid congesting major traffic areas. Roundabouts are signified using a triangular sign and standard “yield” signs. For travellers not familiar with roundabout just have to remember that you yield to all cars within the roundabout and make your way in when it it safe. A big advantage for lost travellers is that they can keep going round and round in the roundabout until they are sure of the direction they need to travel.

France has 3 major road types and they are all easily identifiable. If you happen to see a sign that looks like Axxx then it is a major Autoroute, these are written in red. Nxxx refers to a National Road and is also in red. Dxxx is a departmental road and this sign is in yellow. Other common road types that are easy to spot are the white numbered municipal roads and the green forestry roads. Once you get the hang of the colors and letter scheme it becomes quite easy to identify any roads in France.

Just like everything else parking in France is full of rules. These rules are strictly enforced and your fine is payable instantly. Watch for signs displaying allowed parking times and also ‘ stationnement alterné semi-mensal’. ‘ stationnement alterné semi-mensal’ means alternate side parking. In France some streets let you park in one direction for half the month and then it switches to the other for the rest of the month. If you want to avoid fines always look for stop and pay machines.

France is full of fun driving laws that must be obeyed. First is driving on the right and passing on the left. This is just like USA and opposite of UK please take note. Driving lights must be on at all times also. And most importantly all cars must have an emergency triangle and florescent vest. They must be used at all times when you are stopped on the side of the road. Also be wary of and give right of way to emergency and government vehicles.

Speeding in France is not a good idea. Radar traps are everywhere and fines are paid right on the spot so be ware. Also do not use a Radar detector as they are illegal in France and will get you in trouble. Obey the posted speed signs. Speed limits change depending on weather and should be noted that if roads are wet limits are lower by about 10kmh. City limits speed limits are 50kmh and highway limits vary from 90kmh to 130kmh when it is dry. Keep your eyes on the posted speed signs.

First thing to remember is that all driving is done on the right hand side of the road. This is simple to follow unless you are from the UK That means that all road signs are located on the right also. Look for TOUTES DIRECTION a sign that literally means All Directions. It is found close to towns and busy intersections. It is essentially a bypass and should always be used unless the named town is your final destination. Most other road signs are the same as the rest of Europe.

When driving in the city one should always remember that the standard speed limit is 50kmh. Keeping that in mind at all times will save you alot of money. Some major routes in cities will display a 70kmh speed limit so keep your eyes open for road signs. Most French cities were built before cars so streets are often small and hard to identify. Make sure you travel with a map in your car at all times. Maps are found at almost every news stand and corner market. When in tourist areas park the car and walk.