Driving in France

The French government is totally against these days against drunken drivers. Fines are levied upon those driving above the .05% alcohol limit. Your car can also get impounded if the alcohol level is measured above .08%. You can lose your driving licence and your dear car along with a lot of legal troubles followed. One can’t refuse to take the breathalyzer test which all the officers carry along with them.

Like most countries in the world France is trying to protect 2 wheeled road users. Motorcycles are always in danger of not being seen and accidents are often ugly. In recent years major French cities have started using Velibs or public rental bicycles. The Velibes make it easy to travel around major cities but they present a danger to motorists and themselves. France has just started a campaign to watch out for all travellers in two wheels while driving. Keep your eyes open at all times.

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.

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.