What are the legal restrictions when driving on the continent?

Question

I am a 27year old, I plan to be going to france in june and by that time I will have been driving for a year- am i legally allowed to drive in france?

Answer 1

Documentation: always carry your driving licence, vehicle registration document (V5), and certificate of motor insurance. If your licence does not incorporate a photograph ensure you carry your passport to validate the licence. If the vehicle is not registered in your name, carry a letter from the registered owner giving you permission to drive plus a GB sticker and yes you can drive in france regardless of when test passed

Answer 2

I think you can drive. You could google it.

You have to have different insurance that wil cover you overseas. I would recomend you buy a fire extinguisher and first aid pack, and spare bulbs. You can be fined if you don't.

You are required by law to be a good samaritan if there's an accident. I didn't know this when I went and ended up having to buy stuff on the ferry. Which was a bit more expensive

Answer 3

Yes, you can drive in France.

France:

Minimum age of driver is 18. Children under 10 are forbidden to travel in the front seat.

Paperwork

Keep driving licence and all car paperwork with you as it must be produced on the spot if requested by the police. Driving licence must be a ‘pink’ one or pink and green – not an old green one. A letter giving authority to drive the car must be kept with the paperwork if the car is not yours – including company cars. Get an international accident declaration form from your insurance broker. It is simple to follow and will help when sorting out any mishaps. Be sure before signing anything in French.

Rules

A set of spare bulbs is compulsory – pick one up from the nearest hypermarket if you forget before travelling. A warning triangle is a good idea – compulsory if you’re towing. Make sure headlights are adjusted to avoid dazzling other drivers or being pulled over by the police.

Always stop completely at STOP signs – or the police can fine you.

Never drink and drive. Tests are random and common. Fines are very heavy and instant.

Never speed. Speeding fines are heavy and must be paid on the spot. The police can impound the car in extreme cases.

Beware of Priorité à droite – drivers from the right having priority. Still used in town centres and famously at the Arc de Triomphe.

Always pay and display – clamping is on the increase.

Seatbelts must be worn by all. No children under 10 in the front unless in a specially adapted rear-facing seat.

All UK cars in France must also display a GB sticker which is usually available from cross Channel operators.

Motorcyclists must wear crash helmets.

Instant fines exist for illegal use of bus lanes.

Speed Limits

130km/h on toll motorways (110 km/h when wet).

110km/h on dual carriageways and non toll motorways (90km/h when wet).

90 km/h on other main roads (80 km/h when wet).

50 km/h in towns and villages – sometimes slower so watch for signs.

Portable speed cameras can flash from back and front.

Speeding fines are normally charged on the spot.

Bon voyage :-)

Answer 4

you can drive but you are not allowed to rent

Answer 5

The reply from Jayber 26 is excellent but there are one or two things to add.  Insurance is very important. You should get a "Green Card" from your car's insurers. This may or may not involve extra cost but what this does is to extend to your driving in France the same insurance you have at home. If you don't get one you are still insured but only for third party costs. Also take out good extra insurance such as from the AA or Europ Assistance which will cover for all sorts of possible eventualities such as flying parts out for your car should you have a major breakdown and even arranging emergency repatriation for you and your family should you be involved in a major event, either accident or health, including providing an air ambulance or sending out another driver to bring back your car. This may seem a bit over the top but if  you have to deal with such an event you will be grateful. I once broke down in a suburb of Poitiers. I had no idea where we were but after a phone call to the AA (free) in England in which all I gave them was the wording on a local bus stop, a chap from a Nissan dealership arrived in about 40 minutes and, reasonably quickly, the problem was resolved. The AA insurance provides you with a translation guide to help to explain your problem and also vouchers (in Swiss francs) with which you pay for any repairs.

Answer 6

You can drive, but you will have to be careful if you want to rent a car as some (many) rental companies ask for a three years old driving license at a minimum. Ask before you book a car and don't be surprised if you have an additional insurance added to the price of the rental. New drivers are heavily penalized that way.

In France if you have a license under two years old you have to put a sign 'A' (for Apprenti, or new driver) at the back of your car, you can take it off if your license is two years old. I don't know if that applies to foreign permits but better ask the French consulate. With that sign on your car you have to reduce your speed.

90 km/h roads = 80 km/h

110 km/h roads = 100 km/h

130 km/h roads - 110 km/h

50 or 30 km/h roads = same