Top Tips: Driving in France

France is just a short hop over the English Channel but for some, driving in an unknown environment can be a daunting task.

It is important to remember that for the most part it’s just like driving in the UK. The main difference is that in France, you drive on the right hand side of the road and overtake on the left. Just take things slowly at first and make sure you use your mirrors - having experienced driving in busy traffic in the UK, you’ll be sure to pick it up in no time.

Upon arrival at Dunkirk port you will soon realise that all the motorways you need and areas you want to visit are clearly signposted. France and the rest of Europe are literally just hours away with DFDS Seaways.

To put your mind at ease, we have put together a list of useful things to remember when driving in France:

What should you take with you?

Documentation:

If driving in France you should be prepared to provide the following documents:

• Full, valid driving license (with paper counterpart if you have a photocard license)
• Original vehicle registration document
• Motor insurance certificate
• Passport
• International Driving Permit (if necessary)

Equipment:

Motorists in France are required by law to have access to specific items when driving. Be prepared and ensure you have the following:

• Warning triangle (this excludes motorcycles)
• Reflective jackets
• Headlamp Adaptors (available in our onboard shop)
• GB sticker (UK registered vehicles displaying Euro-plates (circle of 12 stars above the national identifier on blue background) do not need a GB sticker)
• Headlamp adjustment for driving on the right
• Disposable breathalyser kits
• Spare bulb kit
• Snow chains (for vehicles using snow-covered roads – see relevant road signs).

Driving regulations (France)

Driving license:

• Car: minimum age of 18
• 80cc motorcycle: minimum age 16
• 80cc+ motorcycle: minimum age 18.

Drinking alcohol:

Our advice: if you drive, don’t drink alcohol.

Motorists must have no more than 0.05 per cent or more (0.02% for bus/coach drivers) of alcohol in their bloodstream. Saliva drug tests may be used to determine if alcohol has been consumed and penalties include fines, imprisonment and/or confiscation of license.

Seat belts:

Passengers in the front and rear seats must wear seat belts.

Children:

It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure all passengers under 18 are appropriately restrained.

Children under the age of 10 must not travel on the front seats of vehicles, unless there are no rear seats or the rear seats are already occupied with children under 10 or there are no seat belts. In this situation, babies (under13kg) must be carried in a rear facing baby seat.

Speed:

The following national speed limits apply:

• Built-up areas: 31 mph (50 km/h)
• Outside built-up areas: 55 mph (90 km/h)
• Urban motorways and dual carriageways separated by a central reservation: 68 mph (110 km/h)
• Motorways: 80 mph (130 km/h)

Holders of EU driving licenses exceeding the speed limit by more than 40 km/h will have their licenses confiscated on the spot by the police.

Disabled parking access:

Parking discs for ‘blue zone’ parking areas can be obtained from police stations, tourist offices and some shops.