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The Dos and Don’ts Of Driving in France

Are you planning to rent a car and travel to France from the UK? Well then, you’ve come to the perfect place. 

Whether you’re planning for a road trip to France or need to take care of some work there, we suggest opting for our European hire service rather than taking your own car. A rented vehicle comes with various benefits, such as breakdown cover and insurance. Moreover, renting is usually more comfortable and more efficient than taking your own car.

Now, regardless of what you choose to do, before you leave you will need to learn everything you can about travelling to France. After all, driving in France comes with its own set of rules and regulations, ones which need to be followed in order to have a safe and hassle free journey.

However, most people don’t know the dos and don’ts of driving in France and often find themselves in trouble once in the country.

In this blog we bring you a few tips and tricks that can help make your travel in France fun and non-problematic. Let’s see what they are. 

The Do’s of Driving in France

Follow the Speed Limits

driving in France, a speed limit sign

Speed limits are taken very seriously in all parts of France. They are enforced all over the country and you need to make sure you follow them at all costs. 

Be especially careful around schools and maintain the indicated speed limits across all routes throughout your journey.

This is important because speed cameras are found all over the country and you wouldn’t necessarily notice them. Additionally, the country is filled with unmarked police cars which carry speed cameras.

Carry the Following Documents and Items in Your Car

a hand holding a car key and other documents

There are several items and documents that you need to carry with you at all times. These are legally mandated items that can be asked for by the police while you’re driving in France.

First let’s take a look at the essential documents you need to carry:

  • A valid driver’s licence

  • A passport or any other official identification document

  • Proof of your car hire or vehicle ownership

  • Vehicle Insurance

Now let’s take a look at the mandatory items you need to carry:

  • A Warning Triangle: You will need to place it behind your vehicle, in the case of your car breaking down in the middle of the road.

  • A High Visibility Jacket: These are to be provided to everyone travelling in the vehicle, in case you need to get out of the car on a busy road.

  • 2 Unused Breathalyser Kits: The law also mandates having 2 breathalyser kits in your vehicle. 

  • A Set of Bulbs: Well, the chances of a policeman asking you to show him a set of bulbs are low. However, according to the driving laws in France, you are required to keep a set with you.

Get a Toll Tag

Getting a toll tag before you travel through toll roads is going to save you a whole lot of time.

These toll tags are linked to your account, so you don’t have to wait in queues and you can easily pass through all toll booths.

The Don’ts of Driving in France

Kids Can’t Sit in the Front

driving in France, a parent putting on the seat belt on their child

Well, one of the good things about driving in France is that the law states that children below the age of 10 are required to sit in the back. 

This means that if you're travelling to France with your family, and your kids want to sit in the front, you can explain it’s illegal and avoid any family conflict. 

Avoid Honking in Built-up Areas

Unless there’s an immediate danger, you need to avoid honking in built-up areas at all costs.

This is because it is actually illegal to use the horn unless there’s the possibility of an accident. 

Don’t Break the Drink Driving Laws

man holding an alcohol bottle while driving

The French driving laws state that the maximum blood level alcohol allowed for driving is 0.05%. Moreover, if you’ve got less than 3 years of driving experience, then the maximum level for you is only 0.02%. 

However, make sure you avoid drink driving altogether, as the police can conduct random breathalyser tests at any given time.

Choose GoRentals for All Your Car and Van Rental Needs

Now that you know everything you need to know about your next trip to France, you just have one choice to make. That is, whether to take your own car or hire a rental, so let us help you choose. 

It is always a better idea to rent a minibus or a car for your European road trips as rentals are comfortable, secure and come with great breakdown insurance.

At GoRentals, our European hire services are specially curated to make sure you have the most amazing time on the road in France. All of our cars are regularly serviced and come with extensive vehicle cover for any emergencies. 

To learn more about our services, contact us now!