Driving In France, Driving Laws In France and Safety Requirements
  • Seatbelt use is required in France.  

On the highway, keep to the right except to pass, Speed limits for clear days and lower
limits for rainy days, and reduced speed for exits make France's highways familiar to
the North American driver.  

  • Lights on in low visibility                 
Gassing your vehicle is similar to the procedure in the US including the self service
feature, automatic shut off pumps, and the use of the credit card.
Diesel is common in
France and called
Gazole.

  • All cell phone use is prohibited while driving  including those with headsets.
Radar detectors are prohibited. Possession ore use is subject to a fine.
Highway Travel in France
Highway driving is very similar to travel in
the US, Canada, and Mexico  with toll
roads marked "Peage", meaning you pay
as you go. Rest stops will have gas and
diesel some with information booths  (The
big
i )  Yield on entering the highway as
the triangular sign indicates.  The
speed
limits here are 130 KM per hour for a
clear day and 110 KM for a rainy
condition.
You will not find convenience store on
every corner or strip malls at every
crossroads so stocking up with water,
food, a thermos of coffee, and
gas
before taking a trip can save you money
and time.
Pay as you go toll roads speed
traffic between cities and ofter
parallel an older free road.
Save
A diesel vehicle will be less expensive to run. When gassing.   Note that fuel will be less expensive at the local
filling station  or Market
in the small town or village than on the highway.  Diesel is called diesel or Gazole in
France.
In France, traffic entering a
rotary
from the right had the
right of way for years.  This
law has
changed but the habit
lingers. Signs often denote
right of way.
Use caution in the rotary and
on country roads when there is
traffic entering from your
right

When entering a town slow to
50 km
Vehicle in the rotary has the
right of way
Driving in France requires familiarization with the driving laws of
France and requirements for safety equipment.  If  you are renting a
car in France check the driving laws and the driving  rules of France.  
Ask the rental agent about required safety equipment, Colored
reflective vest and warning triangle, child car seat if you are traveling
with children.
The vehicle should have a reflective
warning triangle
and a reflective jacket
on board in case of breakdown or flat tire
Children under ten should not
ride
in the front seat.  Small
children should have a
car seat.  
Seat belt use in all seats is
mandatory.
Car seats are available from the  
rental agency.
Baby carriages are also available
to rent at the car rental agency.

The vehicle should have a
reflective warning triangle in
case of flat tire or breakdown.  
The vehicle must have a
reflective jacket on board in
case of breakdown.

In snow areas the vehicle should
be equipped with snow tires or
chains.
The International driving Permit is
not required in France.
Driving In France requires a review of the Driving Laws and
safety Requirements and safety equipment on board.  
Children under ten should not ride in the front seat. Small children
should have a car seat. Seat belt use in all seats is mandatory.
Driving In France, gas stop
highway rest area.
Custom Search
Return the rental car with an empty tank?  See Policy details
Auto Europe offers selection, price, and ease of booking on the web. . Shop
online well ahead of your trip and choose
diesel or gas, luggage space,
standard or automatic, two door, four door and other options.  Renting for
more than 17 days; see their options
Speed limits will be clearly marked and the Rotary will be a welcome site with its directions to various towns.  
Gassing up is similar to US with credit card and automatic shut-off at modern pumps. Car rental are available in all
large cities and at many
TGV Train Stations.
Information for those renting a vehicle in France and Italy
Save On Air Travel
When traveling by air you can start saving on your air fare by Parking your Car for Two Weeks Free after one
night Lodging in Airport Hotels near your home city.  (60 US cities and hundreds of others worldwide

The early shuttle from the hotel to the airline terminal will allow you to book an early flight and
save money
on the airfare.
Two weeks of free parking offsets the cost of the hotel room and you do not need to arrange
for a limo from your home to the airport.  Some of the hotels in the program offer
Free, 24 hour shuttles to
the airport.
Most hotels offer two Weeks Free parking (link) with one night stay, some three weeks or a reasonable day
rate for extra days.
 
Cruise passengers
can take advantage of these deals also at some hotels.   See more info at link below
with detailed information and photos of included hotels with reviews.
Convenient
Two Week Free Airport Parking with a one night hotel stay could save you money and
enhance your experience.  
Shop Arles Hotels from $60 USD
Shop Aix-en-Provence  Hotels
Photos and reviews   from $60 USD