Planning a road trip to France? Hiring a car gives you the freedom to explore beyond the usual tourist hotspots and see more of the country at your own pace.
But driving in France isn’t quite the same as driving in the UK. From keeping to the right-hand side of the road to navigating tolls and different speed limits, there are a few things worth knowing before you set off.
Here’s our quick guide to driving in France for UK drivers.
Driving in France: your pre-trip checklist
- Your UK driving licence is valid
- You have the documents you need
- You know which side of the road to drive on
- You’ve checked the speed limits
- You’ve planned for toll roads
- You’ve checked whether your route includes a low-emission zone
Can I drive in France with a UK licence?
Yes. You can drive in France with a valid UK photocard driving licence and you do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
If you still have a paper driving licence, different requirements can apply, so check the latest GOV.UK guidance before travelling.
Hiring a car? It’s also worth checking the requirements before you travel.
Which side of the road do they drive on in France?
In France, you drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. If you’re used to driving in the UK, take extra care when setting off, particularly at junctions, roundabouts and when joining a road.
CHEW tip: If you’re hiring a car, take a moment to familiarise yourself with the controls before setting off, especially if you’re driving on the right for the first time.
What are the speed limits in France?
| 130 km/h | 110 km/h | 80 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Motorways | Dual Carriageways | Outside Built-up Areas | Built-up Areas |
French speed limits can vary depending on road type, conditions and signage. Always follow the signs.
How do toll roads work in France?
Many French motorways are toll roads, so it’s worth checking your route and budgeting for tolls before you travel.
Most traditional toll roads have payment points where you can pay by card or cash. However, some roads now use free-flow tolling, meaning there may be no barrier or toll booth. Your vehicle is identified automatically and you’ll need to pay the toll using the payment system provided.
If you’re planning a long road trip, check your route in advance so you’re not caught out by an unexpected toll.
CHEW tip: Some French motorways now use free-flow tolling, so don’t assume you will always see a toll booth. Check your route and payment requirements before travelling.
Are there driving restrictions in France?
Know the drink-driving limit:
France has a lower drink-driving limit than England, Wales and Northern Ireland, so don’t assume the UK limit applies. The safest approach when driving abroad is not to drink at all.
Check low-emission zones:
Some French cities have low-emission zones, known as ZFE zones, where restrictions can apply to certain vehicles. You may need a Crit’Air emissions sticker to drive in these areas, so check the requirements for your destination before setting off.
Hiring a car in France?
Flying to France and hiring a car? Before you set off, it’s worth checking the terms of your car hire agreement, including the excess.
The excess is the amount you may have to pay towards the cost of repairing or replacing the hire car if it’s damaged or stolen, depending on the terms of your rental agreement.
Car hire excess waiver insurance can help cover eligible excess costs, depending on the policy.
Hire car checks before you drive away:
Before leaving the car hire depot, take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the vehicle and check for any existing damage.
Make sure you know:
- Which side of the car the fuel cap is on
- How the lights and indicators work
- How to operate the sat-nav
- Where the warning triangle and other equipment are kept
- What to do if the car develops a problem
It’s also a good idea to take photos of the vehicle before setting off and make sure any existing damage is recorded on your rental agreement.
