Driving In France, Traffic Laws, International Traffic Symbols
Seatbelt use is required in France.
Children under ten should not ride in
front and must use seat belts or, for a
small child, a car seat
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
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.
Auto Europe has made renting a car in Europe as easy as it can be. They have a wide assortment of both
Diesel and gas models, no mileage charge, and a liberal drop-off policy. Shopping on line well in advance
can give you the best options. Luggage space will be a factor and the ability to drive a standard shift car
another consideration.
Rental agencies in the TGV stations such as Avignon's station make rentals simple; booking online
speeds the process and saves money.
France driving Laws are similar for travelers in the US or
Canada with speed limits on high speed toll roads and right
of way symbols at rotaries and exits.
In France the Traffic Laws and
Renting of an automobile varies
little from the US or Canada
High speed roads are modern but they connect
hilltop towns where roads can be narrow
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
The symbol at left tells you that you have the right of
way Traffic entering the road must stop and give
way to your progress. The symbol on the top right
indicates that you are on the main road and have
the right of way. You will see this symbol in a
village or small town.
Use caution in the rotary and on country roads
when there is traffic entering from your right.
Not all drivers in France observe the new right of
way rules
the black bar through
the triangle indicates
that right of way for
vehicles on the main
road has ended and
they must give way to
vehicles entering from
the right
If you are driving in France check the driving laws and the driving in
France requirements and rules. Ask the rental agent about required
equipment.
The vehicle should
have a reflective
warning triangle
and a reflective
jacket on board in
case of breakdown or
flat tire
When Driving In France check Traffic Laws,
International Traffic Symbols, and Equipment
Requirements.
Ask the rental agent about required equipment such as
warning triangle and reflective vest the should be in the
trunk.
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

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