Driving in France
Road rules of France
We have put together some key French road rules to help awareness of different driving laws in foreign countries.
These rules are to be used as a guide, please be aware that rules are subject to change and are correct as of November 2014. Please ask your Avis representative if any queries arise.
Please ask your Avis representative about toll charges and road charges before leaving the Avis car hire location and whether snow tyres or chains are needed.
Take a look at the Avis France location page for ideas, travelling tips and booking information. We also have Great Drives guides for France to help you make the most of your car hire experience.
Which Side of the Road?
In France, please drive on the RIGHT side of the road.
Unique Country Driving Laws
- In built-up areas give way to traffic coming from the right “priorité a droite”
- Traffic on a roundabout has right of way
- Bus lanes are reserved exclusively for buses, taxis and bicycles.
Speed Limits
For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:
- Urban areas: 31 mph (50 km/h)
- Rural areas: 55 mph (90 km/h) or 62mph (100km/h)
- Motorways: 80 mph (130 km/h)
Please be aware of changing speeds indicated by road signs and change of speed due to Weather conditions (130 km/h is reduced to 110 km/h)
Child Safety / Seatbelt Laws
It is compulsory for all to wear a seatbelt inside the vehicle.
- Children under 10 must be fitted to a child seat.
Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.
Compulsory Equipment in your Avis rental car
- Warning triangle
- Reflective jacket
- Breathalyser
Emergency Services
- Police
- 112
- Ambulance
- 112
- Fire Department
- 112
- European Emergency Number
- 112