Rules of the Road
Traffic rules across France are generally the same as Britain, with the
key difference being the need to remember to drive on the right and
overtake on the left!
On-the-spot fines can be demanded for not wearing seat belts
(compulsory front and back); drink-driving offences; and driving on a
provisional licence.
Speed Limits
130km/h on autoroutes (110km/h when wet); 110km/h on non-toll dual
carriageways (both dry and in the wet); 90km/h on other roads (80km/h
when wet); and 50km/h in towns. Additional speed restrictions apply to
drivers with less than two years experience. Exceed these limits with
caution; they're enforced by on-the-spot fines payable in cash only.
Headlights
Driving with dipped headlights is compulsory in poor visibility, so don't
leave the UK without buying a pair of headlight beam adjusters. You should
also take a complete kit of spare bulbs and a red hazard warning triangle.
Breakdown and Assistance
Parking and resting zones are situated every 10 to 20km, with 24-hour petrol
stations found approximately every 40km. If you do breakdown, pull up on
the right hand layby. Make sure you illuminate your hazard warning lights
and place a red warning triangle 30m behind your vehicle (this is
compulsory for vans and cars with trailers). Free orange emergency
telephones are situated every 2km on all motorways. If you do break down
and don't want to leave your vehicle, there are regular road patrols on
all sections of the motorway.
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