The continent has always seemed a place where speed limits for drivers are higher. Tourists once felt fairly immune, assuming they'd soon be back home and out of reach of local police. But things have changed: in France you’re no longer as free to speed as you once were.

The Penalties

Foreign-registered cars caught speeding by cameras in France are now recorded on a national register. Fines are pursued across borders within the EU, so if you plan to visit regularly, you can no longer ignore them.

Speeding can mean an on-the-spot fine, and if you cannot pay immediately, the police may impound your vehicle until you do. If you’re caught driving more than 50 kph (31 mph) over the limit, your car can be confiscated. Anyone caught going more than 40 kph (25 mph) over the limit risks losing their licence on the spot.

You must carry your driving licence, the V5 vehicle registration document, and a current certificate of car insurance. In case of emergency, you need either working hazard flashers or a warning triangle. It is also a legal requirement to carry a spare set of light bulbs and a reflective safety vest for each passenger.

Drink-driving limits are stricter than in Britain. You are over the limit if you have more than 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood (compared with 80 mg in England and Wales). For bus and coach drivers, and for new drivers with less than three years’ experience, the limit is just 20 mg.

Another important rule: do not use your mobile phone while driving. If you’re caught, you face an on-the-spot fine of €135 (about £115). Using headphones or earphones while driving is also banned.

Radar traps are frequent, and urban speed limits begin at the town sign (be aware these don’t always coincide with separate 50 kph signs, so keep a close eye out).

The Speed Limits (updated)

There are two sets of speed limits in France, one for dry weather and one for wet. If it’s less than three years since you passed your test, the lower wet-weather limits apply at all times.

Dry Weather Limits:

  • Built-Up Areas: 31 mph (50 kph)
  • Outside Built-Up Areas (two-lane roads): 56 mph (90 kph)
  • Dual Carriageways and Non-Toll Motorways: 68 mph (110 kph)
  • Toll Motorways: 80 mph (130 kph)
  • The Paris Ring Road (Périphérique): 43 mph (70 kph)
Wet Weather Limits (and drivers with less than three years’ experience):
  • Built-Up Areas: 31 mph (50 kph)
  • Outside Built-Up Areas: 50 mph (80 kph)
  • Dual Carriageways and Non-Toll Motorways: 62 mph (100 kph)
  • Toll Motorways: 68 mph (110 kph)
British drivers are not the worst speed offenders in France. According to recent statistics, that dubious honour goes to the Germans, followed by the Spanish and the Dutch. The British account for fewer than 10% of foreign motoring offences in France.

When Travelling Abroad, you need to stay alert to your speed at all times, and make sure you know exactly where the limits change to avoid problems.

What’s Changed Since 2018

  • The controversial 80 kph (50 mph) limit on many rural roads was partially repealed in 2020. Most regions have now reverted to 90 kph, but some local authorities still keep 80 kph limits in place — always check signs carefully.
  • EU cross-border enforcement agreements mean unpaid fines are now chased in the UK and other countries. You can no longer assume a speeding ticket will be forgotten when you leave France.
  • New safety equipment rules mean reflective vests for all occupants are mandatory, and headphones/earphones are banned for drivers.

Top Tips for UK Drivers in France

  • Carry at least one unused breathalyser kit in your car. Although fines for not carrying one were scrapped, the rule technically remains in place.
  • Sat-navs and apps that show speed camera locations are illegal in France. Make sure this feature is disabled before driving.
  • Watch for average-speed cameras on long motorway sections — they are common and very effective.
  • In many towns, priority is still given to vehicles coming from the right (“priorité à droite”), unless signs state otherwise.
  • Fuel is usually cheaper at supermarket petrol stations than on motorways — plan your stops in advance.