Driving in France
3288
If you’re going to France and want to travel
outside Paris, you should consider renting a car. Driving gives you the
freedom to set your own schedule and to enjoy experiences you could not
otherwise have. If you are from the U.S., driving in France is pretty
straightforward – the French drive on the right, pass on the left and
pretty much drive the same way we do. However, because driving in
France isn’t exactly the same as driving in the U.S., it is a good idea
to be aware of the differences so you can learn to drive as the French
do. Visitors may drive using a
valid U.S. driving license for up to 60 days. Rental agencies typically
have a minimum age requirement of 21 years of age. Planning Your Route It’s
a good idea to be equipped with Michelin maps for the areas you will be
traveling through. They are essential for plotting out your daily route
and often for determining where you are. An alternative is to buy a
Michelin atlas for France, but you may want to wait until you get to
France to buy one because they are quite heavy. If you know where you
are going to be traveling before you depart for France, you may also
want to study online maps and driving instructions at websites such as www.expedia.com, where you can zoom down to fine detail as needed. The websites www.mappy.com and www.viamichelin.com offer driving instructions, maps, itineraries, time estimates, and warnings about road closures and detours. In
France there is a general rule about getting somewhere where you have
never been before: you will get lost. During many vacations we have
driven around France, so I consider myself reasonably experienced at
navigating to destinations unknown. Nevertheless, I can’t even remember
how many times we got lost on our last trip, even though we had plenty
of maps. Big cities are bad:
everyone around you seems to know where they are going and is in a
hurry to get there, the streets change names every block, and you
usually can’t find a sign to tell you what street you are on. (Hint:
look on the sides of buildings.) If you get in the wrong lane, you end
up being forced to go in a different direction than you had planned,
with probably no idea of how to get back. Part of the problem is that
cities are not laid out in nice, neat grids but are a twisty maze of
streets, sometimes one way. I’ve
heard that wise motorists are now using GPS systems to help them
navigate. The taxi drivers in Paris have certainly latched on to this
technology – they all have it now and the drivers really appear to use
them. If you have a portable GPS system you might want to consider
taking it along if it is designed to work in Europe. It’s also possible
to rent a car with a GPS unit. KilometersSpeeds
in France are expressed in kilometers per hour, kph. There are 1.6
kilometers in a mile, so 25 mph = 40 kph and 65 mph = 104 kph. You’ll
notice when driving that kilometers go by noticeably faster than miles.
This is not only because kilometers are shorter than miles but also
because the speed limits are a bit higher than in the U.S. For example,
the speed limit on the autoroutes is 130 kph, which is a little over 80
mph. Speed Limits for automobiles Good weatherAutoroutes: 130 kphDivided roads: 110 kphOutside built-up areas: 90 kphBuilt-up areas: 50 kph Wet weatherAutoroutes: 110 kphDivided roads: 100 kphOutside built-up areas: 80 kphBuilt-up areas: 30 kph If
a vehicle is restricted to a lower speed, there will be a plaque on the
rear showing the speeds allowed in the categories. All large trucks
have maximum speeds that are significantly below those for automobiles. A large “A” on the back of a car indicates someone in the family is a student driver and may be behind the wheel. Seat beltsCompulsory
in the front, compulsory if fitted in the rear. Children under 10 years
must be in the rear using an approved seat or harness. Babies up to
nine months can be in an approved rear-facing seat in the front. Rule of the right (Priorité a Droite)The
“rule of the right” means that cars coming into an intersection from
the right have priority, even if they are on a side road that runs into
but does not cross the road you are on. The confusing thing about the
rule of the right is that it only applies in areas where it applies:
that is, there are signs you have to watch for to tell you whether you
have priority. The yellow diamond sign means you have priority. A
yellow diamond with a black slash through it means rule of the right
applies and you no longer have priority. If you are uncertain whether
you have priority, err on the side of caution. (“Let the Wookie win!”) RoundaboutsThroughout
Europe you will see many roundabouts. These are intersections in the
form of a big circle, usually with a landscaped island in the middle.
You do not have priority on entering a roundabout, but once you are in
one you can put the pedal to the metal, or, as the French say, stomp on
the mushroom. Roundabouts are terrific because they keep the traffic
flowing. If there are no cars nearby you can fly into them at full
speed pretending to be a race-car driver negotiating a twisty road. If
you are not sure what exit to take (the signs are scattered at the
various exits and are hard to read), you can continue driving round and
round until you see the sign you need. Traffic lightsFrench
traffic lights often seem to take forever to change. While waiting for
a light to change you may be tempted to get out a picnic lunch, set up
your folding chairs next to the car, and enjoy yourself. However, the
drivers around you will expect you to race off as soon as you can –
they too are frustrated by the long waits. If you…
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If you’re going to France and want to travel
outside Paris, you should consider renting a car. Driving gives you the
freedom to set your own schedule and to enjoy experiences you could not
otherwise have. If you are from the U.S., driving in France is pretty
straightforward – the French drive on the right, pass on the left and
pretty much drive the same way we do. However, because driving in
France isn’t exactly the same as driving in the U.S., it is a good idea
to be aware of the differences so you can learn to drive as the French
do.
outside Paris, you should consider renting a car. Driving gives you the
freedom to set your own schedule and to enjoy experiences you could not
otherwise have. If you are from the U.S., driving in France is pretty
straightforward – the French drive on the right, pass on the left and
pretty much drive the same way we do. However, because driving in
France isn’t exactly the same as driving in the U.S., it is a good idea
to be aware of the differences so you can learn to drive as the French
do.
Visitors may drive using a
valid U.S. driving license for up to 60 days. Rental agencies typically
have a minimum age requirement of 21 years of age.
valid U.S. driving license for up to 60 days. Rental agencies typically
have a minimum age requirement of 21 years of age.
Planning Your Route
It’s
a good idea to be equipped with Michelin maps for the areas you will be
traveling through. They are essential for plotting out your daily route
and often for determining where you are. An alternative is to buy a
Michelin atlas for France, but you may want to wait until you get to
France to buy one because they are quite heavy. If you know where you
are going to be traveling before you depart for France, you may also
want to study online maps and driving instructions at websites such as www.expedia.com, where you can zoom down to fine detail as needed. The websites www.mappy.com and www.viamichelin.com offer driving instructions, maps, itineraries, time estimates, and warnings about road closures and detours.
a good idea to be equipped with Michelin maps for the areas you will be
traveling through. They are essential for plotting out your daily route
and often for determining where you are. An alternative is to buy a
Michelin atlas for France, but you may want to wait until you get to
France to buy one because they are quite heavy. If you know where you
are going to be traveling before you depart for France, you may also
want to study online maps and driving instructions at websites such as www.expedia.com, where you can zoom down to fine detail as needed. The websites www.mappy.com and www.viamichelin.com offer driving instructions, maps, itineraries, time estimates, and warnings about road closures and detours.
In
France there is a general rule about getting somewhere where you have
never been before: you will get lost. During many vacations we have
driven around France, so I consider myself reasonably experienced at
navigating to destinations unknown. Nevertheless, I can’t even remember
how many times we got lost on our last trip, even though we had plenty
of maps.
France there is a general rule about getting somewhere where you have
never been before: you will get lost. During many vacations we have
driven around France, so I consider myself reasonably experienced at
navigating to destinations unknown. Nevertheless, I can’t even remember
how many times we got lost on our last trip, even though we had plenty
of maps.
Big cities are bad:
everyone around you seems to know where they are going and is in a
hurry to get there, the streets change names every block, and you
usually can’t find a sign to tell you what street you are on. (Hint:
look on the sides of buildings.) If you get in the wrong lane, you end
up being forced to go in a different direction than you had planned,
with probably no idea of how to get back. Part of the problem is that
cities are not laid out in nice, neat grids but are a twisty maze of
streets, sometimes one way.
everyone around you seems to know where they are going and is in a
hurry to get there, the streets change names every block, and you
usually can’t find a sign to tell you what street you are on. (Hint:
look on the sides of buildings.) If you get in the wrong lane, you end
up being forced to go in a different direction than you had planned,
with probably no idea of how to get back. Part of the problem is that
cities are not laid out in nice, neat grids but are a twisty maze of
streets, sometimes one way.
I’ve
heard that wise motorists are now using GPS systems to help them
navigate. The taxi drivers in Paris have certainly latched on to this
technology – they all have it now and the drivers really appear to use
them. If you have a portable GPS system you might want to consider
taking it along if it is designed to work in Europe. It’s also possible
to rent a car with a GPS unit.
heard that wise motorists are now using GPS systems to help them
navigate. The taxi drivers in Paris have certainly latched on to this
technology – they all have it now and the drivers really appear to use
them. If you have a portable GPS system you might want to consider
taking it along if it is designed to work in Europe. It’s also possible
to rent a car with a GPS unit.
Kilometers
Speeds
in France are expressed in kilometers per hour, kph. There are 1.6
kilometers in a mile, so 25 mph = 40 kph and 65 mph = 104 kph. You’ll
notice when driving that kilometers go by noticeably faster than miles.
This is not only because kilometers are shorter than miles but also
because the speed limits are a bit higher than in the U.S. For example,
the speed limit on the autoroutes is 130 kph, which is a little over 80
mph.
Speeds
in France are expressed in kilometers per hour, kph. There are 1.6
kilometers in a mile, so 25 mph = 40 kph and 65 mph = 104 kph. You’ll
notice when driving that kilometers go by noticeably faster than miles.
This is not only because kilometers are shorter than miles but also
because the speed limits are a bit higher than in the U.S. For example,
the speed limit on the autoroutes is 130 kph, which is a little over 80
mph.
Speed Limits for automobiles
Good weather
Autoroutes: 130 kph
Divided roads: 110 kph
Outside built-up areas: 90 kph
Built-up areas: 50 kph
Autoroutes: 130 kph
Divided roads: 110 kph
Outside built-up areas: 90 kph
Built-up areas: 50 kph
Wet weather
Autoroutes: 110 kph
Divided roads: 100 kph
Outside built-up areas: 80 kph
Built-up areas: 30 kph
Autoroutes: 110 kph
Divided roads: 100 kph
Outside built-up areas: 80 kph
Built-up areas: 30 kph
If
a vehicle is restricted to a lower speed, there will be a plaque on the
rear showing the speeds allowed in the categories. All large trucks
have maximum speeds that are significantly below those for automobiles.
a vehicle is restricted to a lower speed, there will be a plaque on the
rear showing the speeds allowed in the categories. All large trucks
have maximum speeds that are significantly below those for automobiles.
A large “A” on the back of a car indicates someone in the family is a student driver and may be behind the wheel.
Seat belts
Compulsory
in the front, compulsory if fitted in the rear. Children under 10 years
must be in the rear using an approved seat or harness. Babies up to
nine months can be in an approved rear-facing seat in the front.
Compulsory
in the front, compulsory if fitted in the rear. Children under 10 years
must be in the rear using an approved seat or harness. Babies up to
nine months can be in an approved rear-facing seat in the front.
Rule of the right (Priorité a Droite)
The
“rule of the right” means that cars coming into an intersection from
the right have priority, even if they are on a side road that runs into
but does not cross the road you are on. The confusing thing about the
rule of the right is that it only applies in areas where it applies:
that is, there are signs you have to watch for to tell you whether you
have priority. The yellow diamond sign means you have priority. A
yellow diamond with a black slash through it means rule of the right
applies and you no longer have priority. If you are uncertain whether
you have priority, err on the side of caution. (“Let the Wookie win!”)
The
“rule of the right” means that cars coming into an intersection from
the right have priority, even if they are on a side road that runs into
but does not cross the road you are on. The confusing thing about the
rule of the right is that it only applies in areas where it applies:
that is, there are signs you have to watch for to tell you whether you
have priority. The yellow diamond sign means you have priority. A
yellow diamond with a black slash through it means rule of the right
applies and you no longer have priority. If you are uncertain whether
you have priority, err on the side of caution. (“Let the Wookie win!”)
Roundabouts
Throughout
Europe you will see many roundabouts. These are intersections in the
form of a big circle, usually with a landscaped island in the middle.
You do not have priority on entering a roundabout, but once you are in
one you can put the pedal to the metal, or, as the French say, stomp on
the mushroom. Roundabouts are terrific because they keep the traffic
flowing. If there are no cars nearby you can fly into them at full
speed pretending to be a race-car driver negotiating a twisty road. If
you are not sure what exit to take (the signs are scattered at the
various exits and are hard to read), you can continue driving round and
round until you see the sign you need.
Throughout
Europe you will see many roundabouts. These are intersections in the
form of a big circle, usually with a landscaped island in the middle.
You do not have priority on entering a roundabout, but once you are in
one you can put the pedal to the metal, or, as the French say, stomp on
the mushroom. Roundabouts are terrific because they keep the traffic
flowing. If there are no cars nearby you can fly into them at full
speed pretending to be a race-car driver negotiating a twisty road. If
you are not sure what exit to take (the signs are scattered at the
various exits and are hard to read), you can continue driving round and
round until you see the sign you need.
Traffic lights
French
traffic lights often seem to take forever to change. While waiting for
a light to change you may be tempted to get out a picnic lunch, set up
your folding chairs next to the car, and enjoy yourself. However, the
drivers around you will expect you to race off as soon as you can –
they too are frustrated by the long waits. If you are at the front of
the queue, you are obliged to watch the signal like a hawk and fly away
as soon as it changes to green. This isn’t always easy to do: the
signals are often not in front of you but are small vertical lights at
driver level to your right or left. If you are not careful in
positioning your car when you stop, you may not be able to see the
signal or may have to try and see around the driver next to you (who is
casually pretending not to be watching the signal).
French
traffic lights often seem to take forever to change. While waiting for
a light to change you may be tempted to get out a picnic lunch, set up
your folding chairs next to the car, and enjoy yourself. However, the
drivers around you will expect you to race off as soon as you can –
they too are frustrated by the long waits. If you are at the front of
the queue, you are obliged to watch the signal like a hawk and fly away
as soon as it changes to green. This isn’t always easy to do: the
signals are often not in front of you but are small vertical lights at
driver level to your right or left. If you are not careful in
positioning your car when you stop, you may not be able to see the
signal or may have to try and see around the driver next to you (who is
casually pretending not to be watching the signal).
Directional signals
The
French often use their directional signals to communicate not that they
are turning but that they are doing something you should be aware of. A
very common practice is to put the left turn signal on while passing a
car on a two-lane road, indicating to the oncoming traffic that you are
in their lane. The same is true if you are in the center lane of a
three-lane road. You’ll often see a car with its left directional on
when traveling in the fast lane of a divided road or autoroute. This is
done to indicate to the faster drivers coming up behind you that you
are in their lane and will get out of their way immediately as soon as
you get past an even slower moving vehicle.
The
French often use their directional signals to communicate not that they
are turning but that they are doing something you should be aware of. A
very common practice is to put the left turn signal on while passing a
car on a two-lane road, indicating to the oncoming traffic that you are
in their lane. The same is true if you are in the center lane of a
three-lane road. You’ll often see a car with its left directional on
when traveling in the fast lane of a divided road or autoroute. This is
done to indicate to the faster drivers coming up behind you that you
are in their lane and will get out of their way immediately as soon as
you get past an even slower moving vehicle.
Road signs
Local
road signs can be confusing because it isn’t always clear where they
are telling you to go. Signs that look like they are saying you should
go right or left often mean neither. For example, you come to an
intersection and there is a sign on the left indicating the direction
to Dijon. It is pointing to the right and might be slightly angled so
the right side of the sign is a little farther away. What it is telling
you is that Dijon is straight ahead. Don’t worry – you’ll get the hang
of reading these signs correctly after you’ve gotten lost a few times.
Until you do, it is a good idea to have your navigator monitor a map
and make sure you are on the correct road.
Local
road signs can be confusing because it isn’t always clear where they
are telling you to go. Signs that look like they are saying you should
go right or left often mean neither. For example, you come to an
intersection and there is a sign on the left indicating the direction
to Dijon. It is pointing to the right and might be slightly angled so
the right side of the sign is a little farther away. What it is telling
you is that Dijon is straight ahead. Don’t worry – you’ll get the hang
of reading these signs correctly after you’ve gotten lost a few times.
Until you do, it is a good idea to have your navigator monitor a map
and make sure you are on the correct road.
Parking
Follow
the local parking customs. You will often see cars parked half on and
half off the sidewalk. If this practice seems to be the norm in the
area, go ahead and do it. Don’t park where the curb is painted yellow.
Follow
the local parking customs. You will often see cars parked half on and
half off the sidewalk. If this practice seems to be the norm in the
area, go ahead and do it. Don’t park where the curb is painted yellow.
If
you see signs reading Coté du Staitionnement, jour pairs (even days) or
jour impairs (odd days), that means parking is allowed only on one side
of the street depending on whether the day is even or odd. Parking on
the left side of a street is allowed along one-way streets only. Road
signs marked 1-15 or 16-31 mean you cannot park on the side of the road
where the sign is posted between those dates. The end of a no-parking
zone is indicated by a sign reading Fin d’interdiction de stationner.
you see signs reading Coté du Staitionnement, jour pairs (even days) or
jour impairs (odd days), that means parking is allowed only on one side
of the street depending on whether the day is even or odd. Parking on
the left side of a street is allowed along one-way streets only. Road
signs marked 1-15 or 16-31 mean you cannot park on the side of the road
where the sign is posted between those dates. The end of a no-parking
zone is indicated by a sign reading Fin d’interdiction de stationner.
Pay-and-display
machines (horodateurs) are common throughout France. Unless otherwise
indicated, parking is free of charge from 7pm to 9am and on weekends,
public holidays, and during the whole of August. Provincial towns often
offer free parking from noon to 1:30pm. (If you buy one hour of time at
11:30am, your time skips over the free time and extends to 2:00pm.) The
tariff and time limit are shown on the machine. Put the ticket on the
left corner of your dash.
machines (horodateurs) are common throughout France. Unless otherwise
indicated, parking is free of charge from 7pm to 9am and on weekends,
public holidays, and during the whole of August. Provincial towns often
offer free parking from noon to 1:30pm. (If you buy one hour of time at
11:30am, your time skips over the free time and extends to 2:00pm.) The
tariff and time limit are shown on the machine. Put the ticket on the
left corner of your dash.
The road system
Autoroutes
bear the prefix “A” and national roads, “N”. Minor roads (marked in
yellow on the Michelin roadmaps) are maintained by the départments
rather than the government and are classed as “D” roads.
Autoroutes
bear the prefix “A” and national roads, “N”. Minor roads (marked in
yellow on the Michelin roadmaps) are maintained by the départments
rather than the government and are classed as “D” roads.
France
has over 9000 km of autoroutes and over 28,500 km of national roads.
Toll autoroutes are identified by blue signs and non-toll autoroutes by
green signs. You will see some autoroutes also marked as an “E” road –
this is a new designation used throughout Europe to designate
international traffic arteries.
has over 9000 km of autoroutes and over 28,500 km of national roads.
Toll autoroutes are identified by blue signs and non-toll autoroutes by
green signs. You will see some autoroutes also marked as an “E” road –
this is a new designation used throughout Europe to designate
international traffic arteries.
Autoroutes and Divided Roads
The
autoroutes and divided roads are a quick way to get from one region of
France to another. Most of the autoroutes are toll roads, sometimes
with fairly hefty fees, but they will get you there quickly. Normally
when you enter a toll autoroute you take a ticket from the gate machine
and do not pay until you reach your exit point, but in some cases you
pay for a stretch of road in advance. The toll booths now all take
major credit cards, so you don’t have to fumble for money as you
approach. Watch for the lanes with the credit card symbol (not to be
confused with the symbol for the French equivalent of Fast Track
lanes), slip your credit card in the slot, remove it, and you are on
your way. You can also use your credit card (or pay cash) at manned
booths if you prefer the personal touch.
The
autoroutes and divided roads are a quick way to get from one region of
France to another. Most of the autoroutes are toll roads, sometimes
with fairly hefty fees, but they will get you there quickly. Normally
when you enter a toll autoroute you take a ticket from the gate machine
and do not pay until you reach your exit point, but in some cases you
pay for a stretch of road in advance. The toll booths now all take
major credit cards, so you don’t have to fumble for money as you
approach. Watch for the lanes with the credit card symbol (not to be
confused with the symbol for the French equivalent of Fast Track
lanes), slip your credit card in the slot, remove it, and you are on
your way. You can also use your credit card (or pay cash) at manned
booths if you prefer the personal touch.
Autoroute
entrances and exits are typically much farther apart than in the U.S.
Sometimes you have to drive long distances on secondary roads just to
get onto an autoroute and once on it you can drive many kilometers
between exits. If you miss an exit you are looking for, this means it
might take you quite a while to get back on course.
entrances and exits are typically much farther apart than in the U.S.
Sometimes you have to drive long distances on secondary roads just to
get onto an autoroute and once on it you can drive many kilometers
between exits. If you miss an exit you are looking for, this means it
might take you quite a while to get back on course.
Driving
the autoroutes and divided roads may, at first glance, appear to be
like driving highways in the US, but there are some differences you
should be aware of that will make your driving safer:
the autoroutes and divided roads may, at first glance, appear to be
like driving highways in the US, but there are some differences you
should be aware of that will make your driving safer:
The
first difference is that the maximum speed limit for trucks is
significantly slower than for automobiles, so you have to pay attention
to what the trucks are doing. A truck may pull out suddenly in front of
you in order to pass a slower truck, and you should anticipate that by
changing speed to avoid the problem or by getting into a faster lane.
(By the way, as in the U.S., trucks should only be in the two
right-hand lanes.)
first difference is that the maximum speed limit for trucks is
significantly slower than for automobiles, so you have to pay attention
to what the trucks are doing. A truck may pull out suddenly in front of
you in order to pass a slower truck, and you should anticipate that by
changing speed to avoid the problem or by getting into a faster lane.
(By the way, as in the U.S., trucks should only be in the two
right-hand lanes.)
The second
difference is that you are expected to move out of the way of
faster-moving cars. It is common practice in the US for drivers to get
into the fast lane, put on their blinders to traffic around them, and
sit there. Do not do that in France! Watch the traffic behind you and
try to stay out of the way of faster moving cars. The easiest way to do
this if there are more than two lanes in your direction is to stay out
of the fast lane, but if a car is coming up fast behind you and you can
pull over a lane, do so. And if you must pull into the fast lane to
pass a slower vehicle and cars are coming up behind you, put your left
directional signal on to tell the driver behind you that you are doing
your best to get out of his way.
difference is that you are expected to move out of the way of
faster-moving cars. It is common practice in the US for drivers to get
into the fast lane, put on their blinders to traffic around them, and
sit there. Do not do that in France! Watch the traffic behind you and
try to stay out of the way of faster moving cars. The easiest way to do
this if there are more than two lanes in your direction is to stay out
of the fast lane, but if a car is coming up fast behind you and you can
pull over a lane, do so. And if you must pull into the fast lane to
pass a slower vehicle and cars are coming up behind you, put your left
directional signal on to tell the driver behind you that you are doing
your best to get out of his way.
Aires
Every
10 to 15 kilometers along the autoroutes in France you will see “aires”
(areas) that are specially designed for motorists to stop at. They are
places to stretch your legs, visit the toilet, or have a picnic. Aires
vary a lot in what they offer. The simplest have just toilets and
tables and maybe a play area, while at larger ones you can refuel your
car, visit a quick shop store for something to nibble on or for
regional products. The largest have a structure that actually spans the
roadway so you can cross to the other side; included are cafeterias,
cafés, restaurants, sometimes showers, and occasionally a minimalist
hotel.
Every
10 to 15 kilometers along the autoroutes in France you will see “aires”
(areas) that are specially designed for motorists to stop at. They are
places to stretch your legs, visit the toilet, or have a picnic. Aires
vary a lot in what they offer. The simplest have just toilets and
tables and maybe a play area, while at larger ones you can refuel your
car, visit a quick shop store for something to nibble on or for
regional products. The largest have a structure that actually spans the
roadway so you can cross to the other side; included are cafeterias,
cafés, restaurants, sometimes showers, and occasionally a minimalist
hotel.
Speeding
A few years
ago many drivers in France drove significantly over the speed limit,
but there has been a major crackdown on speeding throughout Europe and
today you will find most people driving within the speed limits and
doing so more carefully. Be very careful about speeding – radar is used
throughout France and speeding offences attract an on-the-spot fine of
up to 750 Euro. Also, there are heavy fines for driving while
intoxicated – the alcohol limit is 0.05%.
A few years
ago many drivers in France drove significantly over the speed limit,
but there has been a major crackdown on speeding throughout Europe and
today you will find most people driving within the speed limits and
doing so more carefully. Be very careful about speeding – radar is used
throughout France and speeding offences attract an on-the-spot fine of
up to 750 Euro. Also, there are heavy fines for driving while
intoxicated – the alcohol limit is 0.05%.
On
some toll roads when you collect your toll ticket there will be a start
time recorded on it. When you reach the next toll the machine
calculates your average speed. If you have exceeded the speed limit,
you will be fined automatically.
some toll roads when you collect your toll ticket there will be a start
time recorded on it. When you reach the next toll the machine
calculates your average speed. If you have exceeded the speed limit,
you will be fined automatically.
General rules
- Use dipped headlights at night, never drive on sidelights only.
- Flashing your headlights means “I am going first”, not “I give way!”
- Do not overtake by crossing a solid white line in the center of the road.
- A broken center line indicates a section of road where passing is allowed.
- Where three or five lanes exist the middle is used for passing in both directions.
- Horns are to be used for emergencies only.
- Flashing red traffic light means Do Not Enter
- Flashing amber traffic light means proceed with caution.
- Flashing yellow traffic light means Yield.
Fuel
Diesel
fuel is considerably cheaper than unleaded gasoline, and today many
rental cars are diesels. However, you may want to confirm that you are
getting a diesel before you take off. The best buys for fuel are at
large shopping centers such as Auchan, Champion, E. LeClerc,
Intermarché, Super U and Carrefour – watch for them along your route.
These shopping centers are also a good place to pick up window cleaner
and paper towels to keep your windshields pristine.
Diesel
fuel is considerably cheaper than unleaded gasoline, and today many
rental cars are diesels. However, you may want to confirm that you are
getting a diesel before you take off. The best buys for fuel are at
large shopping centers such as Auchan, Champion, E. LeClerc,
Intermarché, Super U and Carrefour – watch for them along your route.
These shopping centers are also a good place to pick up window cleaner
and paper towels to keep your windshields pristine.
Unleaded
gasoline is called Essence sans Plomb. Diesel fuel is called Gazole or
-oil Gaz-oil. Check carefully what kind of fuel your car uses before
filling. If you filled the vehicle with the wrong fuel, do not start
the vehicle as severe damage may result and you will be liable for the
repair costs.
gasoline is called Essence sans Plomb. Diesel fuel is called Gazole or
-oil Gaz-oil. Check carefully what kind of fuel your car uses before
filling. If you filled the vehicle with the wrong fuel, do not start
the vehicle as severe damage may result and you will be liable for the
repair costs.
At most stations
you pump the fuel yourself and then pay the attendant inside or drive
to an attendant booth. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted for
fuel payment, but cards issued in the U.S. won’t work at automatic
pumps because they expect to see the French cards that include a
‘smart’ microchip. Often the pumps in rural areas are open out of
hours, which also means lunchtime from noon to 3 pm, but since these
pumps are unattended, they will only accept credit cards with smart
chips.
you pump the fuel yourself and then pay the attendant inside or drive
to an attendant booth. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted for
fuel payment, but cards issued in the U.S. won’t work at automatic
pumps because they expect to see the French cards that include a
‘smart’ microchip. Often the pumps in rural areas are open out of
hours, which also means lunchtime from noon to 3 pm, but since these
pumps are unattended, they will only accept credit cards with smart
chips.
The most frustrating
thing about pumping your gas in France is that the nozzles tend to get
fuel on your hands and the fuel contains something very smelly that
doesn’t just wipe off. You will want to buy a supply of moist
towelettes so you can clean your hands immediately after refueling.
thing about pumping your gas in France is that the nozzles tend to get
fuel on your hands and the fuel contains something very smelly that
doesn’t just wipe off. You will want to buy a supply of moist
towelettes so you can clean your hands immediately after refueling.
Sign Translations
Yellow diamond: Rule of the right suspended
Yellow diamond with black slash: Rule of the right in effect
Red circle, blue interior, red diagonal slash: No parking this side
Red circle, blue interior, red X :No stopping this side
Red circle with white horizontal line: No entry
Red inverted triangle with white center: Yield
Blue square with white P: Parking
Thick arrow bending left or right: Turn ahead (we call it the “fish in the road” sign)
Very thick arrow with a thin bar through it: Crossroad ahead
à gauche / droite: to the left / right
aire de repos: Rest stop
allumez vos lanternes: Switch on your lights
attention au feu: Beware of traffic signal
attention traveaux: Roadworks
autre directions: Other directions
cèdez le passage: Give way
centre ville: Town center
chaussée deformée: Uneven surface
coté du stationnement, jour pairs/impairs: Parking on this side of the street on even/odd days
danger priorité à droite: Traffic on the right has priority at intersections
déviation: Diversion
ferme: Closed
feu rouge: Red light
feu vert: Green light
Fin d’interdiction de stationner: End of no parking zone
Gendarmerie: Police station
gravillons: Loose chippings
interdit aux pietons: No Pedestrians
parking gratuite: Parking free
parking payant: Paid parking
passage protégé: You are approaching a road that has priority
priorité aux piétons: Give way to pedestrians
ralentissez: Reduce speed
rappel: Repeat of sign (i.e., the last sign is still in effect)
route barrée: Road Closed
sens-unique: One-way
serrez à droite: Keep to the right
stationnement interdit: No parking
tout droit: Straight ahead
toute directions: All directions
voitures: Cars
vouz n’avez pas la priorité: You do not have the right-of-way
Z.I. or zone industriel: Out-of-town shopping – often where the supermarkets are
Yellow diamond: Rule of the right suspended
Yellow diamond with black slash: Rule of the right in effect
Red circle, blue interior, red diagonal slash: No parking this side
Red circle, blue interior, red X :No stopping this side
Red circle with white horizontal line: No entry
Red inverted triangle with white center: Yield
Blue square with white P: Parking
Thick arrow bending left or right: Turn ahead (we call it the “fish in the road” sign)
Very thick arrow with a thin bar through it: Crossroad ahead
à gauche / droite: to the left / right
aire de repos: Rest stop
allumez vos lanternes: Switch on your lights
attention au feu: Beware of traffic signal
attention traveaux: Roadworks
autre directions: Other directions
cèdez le passage: Give way
centre ville: Town center
chaussée deformée: Uneven surface
coté du stationnement, jour pairs/impairs: Parking on this side of the street on even/odd days
danger priorité à droite: Traffic on the right has priority at intersections
déviation: Diversion
ferme: Closed
feu rouge: Red light
feu vert: Green light
Fin d’interdiction de stationner: End of no parking zone
Gendarmerie: Police station
gravillons: Loose chippings
interdit aux pietons: No Pedestrians
parking gratuite: Parking free
parking payant: Paid parking
passage protégé: You are approaching a road that has priority
priorité aux piétons: Give way to pedestrians
ralentissez: Reduce speed
rappel: Repeat of sign (i.e., the last sign is still in effect)
route barrée: Road Closed
sens-unique: One-way
serrez à droite: Keep to the right
stationnement interdit: No parking
tout droit: Straight ahead
toute directions: All directions
voitures: Cars
vouz n’avez pas la priorité: You do not have the right-of-way
Z.I. or zone industriel: Out-of-town shopping – often where the supermarkets are
Code Rousseau de la route
The
Code Rousseau de la route is a comprehensive book (about 300 pages)
that tells you EVERYTHING about the French driving code. Even if you
can’t read French you will find it useful. You can get it for 9 Euro at
www.amazon.fr.
The
Code Rousseau de la route is a comprehensive book (about 300 pages)
that tells you EVERYTHING about the French driving code. Even if you
can’t read French you will find it useful. You can get it for 9 Euro at
www.amazon.fr.
Emergency Numbers
From a mobile phone dial 112 for all services.
From a mobile phone dial 112 for all services.
From a land phone:
Ambulance 15
Police 17
Fire Service 18
Ambulance 15
Police 17
Fire Service 18
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