Welcome to France
Some recommendations for the benefit of English-speaking motorists travelling in France in their historic (at least 30 years old) vehicles (from FFVE website).
General warning
o Keep right!
o Law enforcement has become stricter over the last few years. Also, recent reciprocal agreements between most European licencing authorities have been signed; therefore road traffic penalties have to be paid, whatever the nationality of the motorist.
The following rules are checked with particular care by gendarmes (Ministry of Defense) and policiers (Ministry of the Interior), both legally entitled to deliver fines.
Speed limits
o 130 km/h on motorways (110km/h if raining)
o 90 km/h on other roads (unless a different speed limit is shown)
o 50 km/h in villages (unless a different speed limit is shown). Note that the speed limit starts at the village sign and ends at the end of village when the sign is crossed out.
o Large road signs “pour votre sécurité, contrôles automatiques” showing a speed camera to announce a fixed radar check
o Minimum speeds: none on small roads. 80 km/h on left (fast) lane of motorways, 60 km/h on other lanes. Slow vehicles must use the special slow lane when there is one.
Drink and drugs
The maximum alcohol limit for a driver is lower than in many countires, at 0.5mg/litre. Drug use while driving is very severely penalized.
Since July 2012, it is mandatory to have a unused breathanalyzer in his vehicle. It should be required by gendarmes or policiers.
Lights
o Beam adjusters are required.
o We recommend a set of spare bulbs, since a missing light has to be replaced on the spot if the vehicle owner wishes to avoid a fine.
o Please note that approaching vehicles flashing lights signify either appreciation of your vehicle or presence of a police check and/or a mobile radar.
Seat belts
Seat belts are not compulsory for vehicles built before July 1st 1973. Some vehicles were originally equipped with seat belts before that date and older cars have had them installed.
You must use them if you have them, whatever the age of the car.
Children
Children under twelve are not allowed in the front of any vehicle (unless there are no back seats). Generally speaking, the rules for “modern cars” apply for historic cars.
Children under three are not allowed in historic cars, unless appropriate and approved equipment is used (seat adjusters, etc.)
Stop signs
They mean that a complete stop is required, as for a red light.
Mobile phones
Strictly prohibited while driving, use of hands-free device is only tolerated. Fines are expensive (90 euros and over).
Parking in towns
o A yellow continuous line means no parking. In some cases, there is an explanation, e.g. delivery zone (“livraisons”)
o A blue dotted line means that you must display a disk, available at any newpaper agent or tobacconist (approximately 3 euros)
o A white dotted line means a pay zone, with park meters. Beware that euro coins may not be accepted and that a special “plastic card”, specific to the town, may be required (available at news agents and tobacconists).
o Pay areas are usually free on Sundays and on week days from 7 pm to 9 am and during lunch time (12 to 2 pm). Hours are always indicated on park meters.
Warning devices in case of breakdown
Since 2008, a warning triangle and a reflecting jacket are compulsory. The jacket must be within reach inside, so one can put it on before getting out of the car.
Low emission or congestion charge zones
These do not exist in France
Short glossary of terms
Please fill it up Merci de faire le plein
I have broken down Je suis en panne
I have a puncture J’ai crevé
Can you change the wheel ? Pouvez-vous changer la roue ?
My car needs to be towed Mon auto a besoin d’être remorquée
It’s a fuel problem C’est un problème de carburation
It’s an ignition problem C’est un problème de distribution
Spark plug Bougie
All petrol sold in France is lead-free.
Petrol stations and supermarkets sell various approved lead substitutes
Four star (petrol) SP 98
Three star (petrol) SP 95
Diesel Gas-oil
Emergency telephone numbers
Police 17
Fire brigade 18
Health emergency 19
All emergencies (new European number) 112
