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class="frame-inner"><header class="frame-header"><h1 class="element-header "><span>Driving a car in France</span></h1><p class=""><time datetime="08-10-2024"> 8 October, 2024</time></p></header><p><strong>If you live in France and drive a car, it is essential to familiarise yourself with basic traffic and safety regulations, particularly those regarding parking or drunk-driving. Additionally, if you get or already have a French driver licence, the French point system for traffic violations will apply to you.</strong></p></div></div></div><div id="c7391" class="frame frame-default frame-type-list frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-none frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><div data-mail-url="mailto:" data-orientation="horizontal" data-theme="standard" data-services="["twitter","linkedin","whatsapp","mail","print"]" data-lang="en" class="shariff"></div></div></div></div><div id="c11310" class="frame frame-default frame-type-accordion frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-none frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><div class="accordion" id="accordion-11310"><div class="accordion-item card"><div class="accordion-header card-header" id="accordion-heading-11310-4641"><h4 class="accordion-title"><a href="#accordion-11310-4641" class="accordion-title-link" data-toggle="collapse" data-parent="#accordion-11310" aria-expanded="true" aria-controls="accordion-11310-4641"><span class="accordion-title-link-text">Summary</span><span class="accordion-title-link-state"></span></a></h4></div><div id="accordion-11310-4641" class="accordion-collapse collapse show" aria-labelledby="accordion-heading-11310-4641" data-parent="#accordion-11310"><div class="accordion-body card-body"><div class="accordion-content accordion-content-left"><div class="accordion-content-item accordion-content-text"><ol><li>Basic traffic rules</li><li>Driver licence and point system</li><li>Car insurance and car accident</li><li>Petrol and electric charging stations</li><li>Beware of tolls abroad!</li><li>Safety measures</li><li>Alcohol and drugs</li><li>Parking in France</li><li>Two-wheeled vehicles</li></ol></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div id="c11371" class="frame frame-default frame-type-panel frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-none frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><div class="card card-panel card-panel-warning"><div class="card-body"><p>To know more about the main traffic offences in France (speeding, motorway tolls, pollution stickers), see our article <a href="/en/travelling-motor-vehicles/motor-vehicles/travelling-by-car-in-france-beware-of-road-traffic-offences.html">Road traffic offences abroad</a>.</p></div></div></div></div></div><div id="c7393" class="frame frame-default frame-type-text frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-none frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><header class="frame-header"><h2 class="element-header "><span>Basic traffic rules</span></h2></header><p>The “priority to the right” rule applies unless there is another road sign that gives you priority.</p><div class="well"><p><strong>Good to know:</strong> You can find an overview of the <strong>main driving rules in France</strong> on the<a href="http://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/going_abroad/france/index_en.htm" title="Opens internal link in current window" target="_blank"> site of the European Commission.</a></p></div><h3>Take your foot off the accelerator on two-way national and departmental roads</h3><p>Some French departments have<strong> lowered the speed limit on two-way national and departmental roads from 90 km/h to 80 km/h.</strong> Approximatively 400 000 km of roads are concerned. Check the road signs to know the exact speed limit.</p><h3>Pedestrian crossing: a fine of 35 € in case of non-compliance with the "buffer zone"</h3><p>French cities now have the opportunity to establish "<strong>security buffer zones</strong>" in front of<strong> pedestrian crossings</strong>. This new "buffer zone" does not function as a "stop"; drivers are not required to stop if no pedestrian is crossing or shows an intention to cross. However, failure to comply with the new markings or not yielding to pedestrians clearly showing the intention to cross will result in a fixed <strong>fine of 35 euros</strong>.</p><p>Since September 2018, refusal to give way to a pedestrian who crosses or shows an intention to cross on a marked pedestrian crosswalk is subject to a fine of 135 euros, a withdrawal of 6 points on the drivers licence, and a license suspension of up to 3 years.</p><h3>France tests lane splitting in some departments</h3><p><strong>Lane splitting</strong> is when a motorcycle or a bike drives between two lanes of stopped or slowly moving cars. It is not allowed in France, however, many two-wheeled vehicle users continue to practice lane splitting.</p><p><strong>From August 2021 until August 2024</strong>, the French government will test a new law  allowing lane splitting in 21 French departments:  Alpes-Maritimes, Bouches-du-Rhône,  Drôme, Essonne la Gironde, Haute-Garonne, Hauts-de-Seine, Hérault, Isère, Loire-Atlantique, Nord, Paris, Pyrénées-Orientales, Rhône (including in Lyon), Seine-et-Marne, Seine-Saint-Denis, Val-d'Oise, Val-de-Marne, Var, Vaucluse, and Yvelines.</p></div></div></div><div id="c7394" class="frame frame-default frame-type-text frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-none frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><header class="frame-header"><h2 class="element-header "><span>Driver licence & point system</span></h2><h3 class="element-subheader "><span>When to change your licence</span></h3></header><p>If you move to France from another EU Member state, you do <strong>not need to apply for a French driver's licence</strong>. Your valid EU or EEA licence allows you to legally drive in any EU Member state. However, if you committed a <strong>driving offence</strong> while living in France with an EU driver licence issued outside France, you will have to<strong> swap your driver's licence</strong> for a French one.</p></div></div></div><div id="c11661" class="frame frame-default frame-type-panel frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-none frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><div class="card card-panel card-panel-primary"><h2 class="card-header "><span>If you have a French driving licence, you can make it digital!</span></h2><div class="card-body"><p>Since February 2024, a new digital format is available for the French driving licence. In addition to your licence card, you can have a <strong>digital version on your mobile phone</strong>, which you can use for police controls and to avoid loss or theft. Here is how it works:</p><ol><li>Download the <strong>app “France Identité”</strong> and set up an account.</li><li>Import<strong> your ID card </strong>in the app.</li><li>Scan the <strong>QR code</strong> for the restricted information statement, which you can find on <a href="https://authent.permisdeconduire.interieur.gouv.fr/auth/realms/usager/protocol/openid-connect/auth?response_type=code&client_id=gndc-mes-points-permis&scope=openid&state=UTT8--EvOkPANBNUoa4eT5CTRycr-zYTVuPI0dwr3xI%3D&redirect_uri=https://mespoints.permisdeconduire.gouv.fr/login/oauth2/code/mes-points-permis&nonce=NNEWC33Op1vSPAyZLPTarAR-UIXZw4k-9WR4bBNvelQ" target="_blank">mespoints.permisdeconduire.gouv.fr.</a> Then, you can download your digital licence and keep it in the app.</li></ol></div></div></div></div></div><div id="c11662" class="frame frame-default frame-type-text frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-none frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><header class="frame-header"><h3 class="element-header "><span>The point system</span></h3></header><p>The French driver's licence is based on a <strong>point system</strong> starting with <strong>12 points</strong>. New drivers, however, only have 6 points. If they don't commit traffic violations, they get two more points every year and reach 12 points after three years.</p><p>If you commit a traffic violation in France, you may <strong>lose points</strong>. Once you lose all points, your French licence will be revoked. However, this point system doesn’t apply abroad for drivers with a French licence.</p><h3>How to check your point balance</h3><p>If you wish to check the point balance of your French driver’s licence you can:</p><ul class="list-normal"><li><strong>Go directly to the Prefecture </strong>and present a copy of your driver licence and an identity document (ID card, passport);</li><li><strong>Write to your local Prefecture</strong> including copies of your driver licence, ID card or passport as well as a registered mail envelope with postal fees and a postal receipt (so that you can receive all information available by registered mail);</li><li><a href="http://www.telepoints.info/" target="_blank"><strong>Go online</strong></a>: connect with a file number and a personal code delivered either in the full statement by the Prefecture or mentioned in the registered mails sent by the "Ministère de l'Intérieur" with reference 48N or 48M - if you committed an infraction (loss of 3 points or more).</li><li><strong>Receive an e-mail or an SMS:</strong> since <a href="http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do;jsessionid=7D59D2D2BC79A133C5E50D30E1A68FEB.tpdila20v_1?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000031279189&dateTexte=&oldAction=rechJO&categorieLien=id&idJO=JORFCONT000031278876" target="_blank">7th October 2015</a>, every French driver can automatically receive the point balance via electronic message. The driver only has to subscribe to an account on the French Ministry of the Interior road safety website. More information will be specified by an application decree.</li></ul><p>To know when you risk losing points, refer to <a href="https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/N18918?lang=en" target="_blank">Main infringements and traffic fines</a> in France.</p></div></div></div><div id="c11372" class="frame frame-default frame-type-panel frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-none frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><div class="card card-panel card-panel-danger"><div class="card-body"><p>If you are<strong> Ukrainian and come as a tourist or intend to say less than 3 months</strong>, you can drive in France with your original valid driving licence, accompanied by a translation or an international driving licence. The translation of your driving licence must be done by an approved translator.</p><p><strong>If you later settle in France, you must exchange your licence for a French driving licence</strong> in order to be able to continue driving in France.</p><p>Indeed, <strong>your Ukrainian licence is only valid for 1 year</strong> after you get a house/apartment in France.</p></div></div></div></div></div><div id="c7395" class="frame frame-default frame-type-panel frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-none frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><div class="card card-panel card-panel-info"><div class="card-body"><p><strong>Good to know: you can never get the point balance of your French driver’s licence by a call!</strong></p><p>A change of the point balance of your driver’s licence can only be made by an <strong>official letter</strong> which notifies the lost or the regain of points.</p><p>Therefore we advise you <strong>not to answer calls</strong> arriving on your mobile phone which informs you about an update of your point balance.</p><p>Further <a href="http://www.securite-routiere.gouv.fr/medias/espace-presse/publications-presse/attention-arnaque-votre-solde-de-points-de-permis-ne-peut-pas-vous-etre-communique-au-telephone-%21" target="_blank">information</a>.</p></div></div></div></div></div><div id="c7908" class="frame frame-default frame-type-text frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-none frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><header class="frame-header"><h2 class="element-header "><span>Car insurance and car accident</span></h2></header><p>See our article on <a href="/en/travelling-motor-vehicles/motor-vehicles/car-accident-in-europe.html">car accident</a></p></div></div></div><div id="c7396" class="frame frame-default frame-type-text frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-none frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><header class="frame-header"><h2 class="element-header "><span>Petrol and electric charging stations</span></h2></header><h3>Petrol</h3><p>Generally, fuel is more expensive along the “autoroutes” than at supermarkets.</p><p><strong>Gas equivalence </strong>in France, the UK and Germany - respectively:</p><ul class="list-normal"><li><strong>FR :</strong> Sans plomb, 95 ou 98, Gazoile, GPL</li><li><strong>EN :</strong> Unleaded gazoline, 95 or 98, Diesel fuel, LPG</li><li><strong>DE :</strong> Bleifreies Benzin, 95 oder 98, Diesel Kraftstoff, LPG</li></ul><p>Credit cards are typically accepted. Generally, you can <strong>pay at a booth</strong>, or by <strong>inserting your card</strong> into the machine near the pumps. Please note that small 24h petrol stations may not accept all foreign credit or debit cards at the automatic machine near the pump.</p><h3>Electric charging stations</h3><p>If you have an <strong>electric vehicle</strong>, you can charge it at one of the <strong>100 000 stations</strong> available in France. All petrol stations on French motorways have a charging station. You can also find some on secondary roads and at holiday locations (hotels, restaurants and hypermarkets).</p></div></div></div><div id="c11680" class="frame frame-default frame-type-panel frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-none frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><div class="card card-panel card-panel-warning"><div class="card-body"><p>During summer, drivers can rapidly line up to recharge their vehicle! Near tourist sites, think about <strong>booking the charging slot in advance</strong>.</p></div></div></div></div></div><div id="c11682" class="frame frame-default frame-type-image frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-none frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><div class="gallery-row"><div class="gallery-item gallery-item-size-1"><figure class="image"><picture><source data-variant="default" data-maxwidth="1100" media="(min-width: 1200px)" srcset="https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/fileadmin/_processed_/1/d/csm_AdobeStock_376017454_d46ef624e8.jpeg"><source data-variant="large" data-maxwidth="920" media="(min-width: 992px)" srcset="https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/fileadmin/_processed_/1/d/csm_AdobeStock_376017454_e72135a41d.jpeg"><source data-variant="medium" data-maxwidth="680" media="(min-width: 768px)" srcset="https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/fileadmin/_processed_/1/d/csm_AdobeStock_376017454_3b6245abc8.jpeg"><source data-variant="small" data-maxwidth="500" media="(min-width: 576px)" srcset="https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/fileadmin/_processed_/1/d/csm_AdobeStock_376017454_2be5fc95b0.jpeg"><source data-variant="extrasmall" data-maxwidth="374" srcset="https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/fileadmin/_processed_/1/d/csm_AdobeStock_376017454_750d8e75b6.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" title="Voiture_electrique_borne_recharge" alt="Une borne de recharge et plusieurs voitures électriques garées" src="https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/fileadmin/_processed_/1/d/csm_AdobeStock_376017454_d46ef624e8.jpeg" width="1100" height="534"/></picture></figure></div></div></div></div></div><div id="c11681" class="frame frame-default frame-type-text frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-none frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><div class="well"><p>The power of charging stations in France can vary. Some are limited to <strong>150 kW</strong> whereas others exceed<strong> 300 kW</strong>.</p></div><p>To locate electric charging stations nearby, you can consult an <strong>interactive map</strong>. Electric vehicle providers integrate their own route planner to the dashboard, but you can also resort to collaborative route planner apps. Here is an example of an interactive map supported by the government: <a href="https://www.bison-fute.gouv.fr/recharge-electrique,langen.html" target="_blank">Traffic - electric charge - Bison Futé (bison-fute.gouv.fr)</a></p><p>You can also find location maps for the various French regions on the respective tourism websites.</p><div class="well"><p>Good to know: not all charging stations provide a <strong>charging cable</strong>.</p></div><p><strong>How to pay?</strong> Not all charging stations offer a payment terminal for credit card. Usually, you have to pay using a <strong>banking app </strong>or a<strong> subscription card </strong>acquired from a charging provider.</p></div></div></div><div id="c10789" class="frame frame-default frame-type-text frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-none frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><header class="frame-header"><h2 class="element-header "><span>Beware of tolls abroad!</span></h2></header><p>Since 19 October 2021, EU Member sates have been able to exchange information on drivers in the event of non-payment of road tolls (<a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/FR/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32019L0520" target="_blank">European Directive 2019/520</a>). ECC France is receiving more and more complaints about unpaid tolls in Italy, Portugal or the UK. </p></div></div></div><div id="c11373" class="frame frame-default frame-type-accordion frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-none frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><div class="accordion" id="accordion-11373"><div class="accordion-item card"><div class="accordion-header card-header" id="accordion-heading-11373-4660"><h4 class="accordion-title"><a href="#accordion-11373-4660" class="accordion-title-link collapsed" data-toggle="collapse" data-parent="#accordion-11373" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="accordion-11373-4660"><span class="accordion-title-link-text">Portugal</span><span class="accordion-title-link-state"></span></a></h4></div><div id="accordion-11373-4660" class="accordion-collapse collapse" aria-labelledby="accordion-heading-11373-4660" data-parent="#accordion-11373"><div class="accordion-body card-body"><div class="accordion-content accordion-content-left"><div class="accordion-content-item accordion-content-text"><p>In Portugal, you can pay your toll either in cash or by bank card, or electronically. There are 4 ways of paying electronically:</p><ul class="list-normal"><li><a href="https://www.portugaltolls.com/en" target="_blank">EASYTOLL</a>: payment by automatic debit from your bank card - only for "electronic" tolls.</li><li><a href="http://www.tollcard.pt/fetcwcm/wcmservlet/fr/home/index.html" target="_blank">TOLLCARD</a>: payment by prepaid card - only for "electronic" tolls.</li><li><a href="https://visitors.viaverde.pt/en/home" target="_blank">VIA VERDE </a>: the Portuguese equivalent of the French Télépéage.</li><li><a href="https://www.fulli.com/fulli-nomade" target="_blank">Fulli</a> / <a href="https://www.bipandgo.com/abonnement-telepeage-particuliers/" target="_blank">Bip and Go</a> / <a href="https://ulys.vinci-autoroutes.com/offre/telepeage-ulys-classic/" target="_blank">Ulys</a> : private French operators offering boxes and subscriptions valid in France, Portugal, Spain and Italy.</li></ul><p>If you fail to pay the electronic toll, you must contact the company operating the section of motorway used:</p><ul class="list-normal"><li>A22 e A28 : <a href="https://paytolls.vialivre.pt/portalweb/" target="_blank">vialivre</a></li><li>A33, A8 – A19 / Pousos, A19, A4 – Vila Real-/ Bragança (Quintanilha), A23 – Abrantes / Guarda : <a href="https://www.pagamentodeportagens.pt/PPP_Portal/PPPHome.aspx" target="_blank">Pagamento de Portagens</a></li><li>A4 – Sendim-/ Águas Santas (A3), A4 (Túnel do Marão), A13 – Atalaia (A23) / Coimbra Sul, A17 – Mira / Aveiro Nascente (A25), A23 – Torres Novas (A1) / Abrantes), A24, A25, A29, A41 – Freixieiro (A28) / A42 e A42 : <a href="https://www.ascendi.pt/portalascendi/" target="_blank">Ascendi</a></li></ul><p>In the case of a <strong><a href="/en/travelling-motor-vehicles/motor-vehicles/car-rental.html">rental car</a></strong>, either the hire company will provide you with a <strong>Via Verde badge</strong>, or you will have to pay the electronic tolls at a <a href="https://www.ctt.pt/feapl_2/app/open/stationSearch/stationSearch.jspx?request_locale=en" target="_blank">CTT post office</a> (please have the registration number of the hired vehicle ready). Payment can be made from the 2nd day after passing through the tollgate and for a period of 5 working days.</p><p>For more information, visit <a href="https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/portugal/#complements" target="_blank">the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website</a> or the <a href="https://www.portugaltolls.com/fr/faq-perguntas-frequentes" target="_blank">Portugal Tolls website.</a></p></div></div></div></div></div><div class="accordion-item card"><div class="accordion-header card-header" id="accordion-heading-11373-4661"><h4 class="accordion-title"><a href="#accordion-11373-4661" class="accordion-title-link collapsed" data-toggle="collapse" data-parent="#accordion-11373" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="accordion-11373-4661"><span class="accordion-title-link-text">Italy</span><span class="accordion-title-link-state"></span></a></h4></div><div id="accordion-11373-4661" class="accordion-collapse collapse" aria-labelledby="accordion-heading-11373-4661" data-parent="#accordion-11373"><div class="accordion-body card-body"><div class="accordion-content accordion-content-left"><div class="accordion-content-item accordion-content-text"><p>On some motorways in Italy, there are <strong>no barriers</strong>. You can therefore drive through the tollgate <strong>without physically paying there</strong>.</p><p>On other motorways where there is a barrier, for safety reasons the barriers always open after a certain time, whether you have paid or not.</p><div class="well"><p>You may therefore receive reminder letters for non-payment of a motorway toll from a collection company <strong>several months after your journey</strong>, usually with surcharges.</p></div><h3>How do I pay a toll in Italy?</h3><p>Several methods of payment are available, depending on the lane you choose when you arrive at the toll station:</p><ul class="list-normal"><li><strong>Cash payment</strong></li></ul><p>The passages are announced by a sign showing coins and notes on a white background (cash payments).</p><ul class="list-normal"><li><strong>Payment by bank card or viacard</strong></li></ul><p>The lanes are indicated by a blue sign. The viacard is a prepaid card that you buy and credit in advance from the motorway infrastructure management company.</p><ul class="list-normal"><li><a href="https://www.telepass.com/en/consumer" target="_blank">telepass</a><strong> automatic payment</strong></li></ul><p>The lanes are indicated by a yellow sign. This system allows you not to stop. All you have to do is pass through the gate at less than 30 km/h and the payment method associated with your season ticket is automatically debited (if you have a Telepass season ticket). Don't use this lane if you don't have a Telepass!</p><ul class="list-normal"><li><strong>Auromatic payment « freeflow »</strong></li></ul><p>Some Italian motorways are equipped with cameras that photograph your number plate and vehicle category to calculate the user charges due. This system is advertised on the motorways concerned by a white sign with a green box in the middle showing the pictograms of a car, a camera and the euro (€). People who do not have a Telepass subscription, which guarantees automatic payment, have 15 days to pay for their journey. They can do so via an <a href="https://apl.pedemontana.com/welcome" target="_blank">online credit card platform</a>, at one of the service areas indicated <a href="https://apl.pedemontana.com/le-modalita-di-pagamento" target="_blank">on this site</a> or via an <a href="https://apl.pedemontana.com/app-gratuita-pedemontana-lombarda" target="_blank">app</a> developed for this purpose.</p><h3>What should I do if paying at the toll barrier doesn't work?</h3><p>It may happen that a card payment is not accepted at the toll sation, even though the card is valid. A receipt is then issued with the words "<a href="https://www.autostrade.it/documents/10279/29901/Rmpp_1.jpg/1d59a6a0-baaf-a380-6742-75667cb00e3c?t=1647447143535" target="_blank">Mancato pagamento</a>", which means "not paid".</p><p>Don't throw the receipt away! You will be asked to pay the toll later.</p><p>To pay the toll, you can :</p><ul class="list-normal"><li><ul class="list-normal"><li>go to the "<a href="https://www.autostrade.it/en/web/autostrade/elenco-centri-assistenza" target="_blank">Punto Blu</a>" motorway service points located at the major rest areas along the motorways.</li><li>pay online, by card or bank transfer, within 15 days via the <a href="https://www.autostrade.it/en/rmpp" target="_blank">Autostrade website</a>.</li></ul></li></ul><h3>Do I have to pay the fine for not paying the toll?</h3><p>If the offence is real, it is better to avoid reminders or not to react. In theory, prosecution is possible, with surcharges.</p><p>Under Italian law, the time limit for bringing an action for an unpaid toll is 10 years.</p><p>It is always possible to contest the fine in accordance with the procedures set out in the letter received from the authority or the collection company.</p></div></div></div></div></div><div class="accordion-item card"><div class="accordion-header card-header" id="accordion-heading-11373-4662"><h4 class="accordion-title"><a href="#accordion-11373-4662" class="accordion-title-link collapsed" data-toggle="collapse" data-parent="#accordion-11373" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="accordion-11373-4662"><span class="accordion-title-link-text">United Kingdom</span><span class="accordion-title-link-state"></span></a></h4></div><div id="accordion-11373-4662" class="accordion-collapse collapse" aria-labelledby="accordion-heading-11373-4662" data-parent="#accordion-11373"><div class="accordion-body card-body"><div class="accordion-content accordion-content-left"><div class="accordion-content-item accordion-content-text"><p>There is a <strong>congestion charge</strong> in <strong>London</strong>. The zone in question can be seen by clicking <a href="https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge/congestion-charge-zone" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>This toll costs <strong>£15</strong> and you can pay it before crossing it, on the day or by midnight on the third day after the journey on <a href="https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge?intcmp=2053" target="_blank">this website</a>.</p><p>If you fail to pay the congestion charge, you may receive reminder letters from a debt collection agency.</p><p>The fine for non-payment is :</p><ul class="list-normal"><li>90 £<strong></strong>if paid within 15 days,</li><li>180 £<strong></strong>if paid within 15 to 27 days,</li><li>270 £<strong></strong>if paid after 28 days,</li></ul><p>It is always possible to lodge an objection via the <a href="https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge/penalties-and-enforcement/challenge-a-penalty-charge/make-a-representation" target="_blank">Transport for London website</a> or the debt <a href="https://www.epcplc.com/fr/communication/" target="_blank">collection agency's website</a>.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div id="c10793" class="frame frame-default frame-type-panel frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-none frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><div class="card card-panel card-panel-primary"><div class="card-body"><p>Good to know: If you are living in France, a <strong>French collection company</strong> can only claim the amount of the initial fine and must <strong>not charge</strong> you any <strong>additional fees.</strong></p></div></div></div></div></div><div id="c11684" class="frame frame-default frame-type-image frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-none frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><div class="gallery-row"><div class="gallery-item gallery-item-size-1"><figure class="image"><picture><source data-variant="default" data-maxwidth="1100" media="(min-width: 1200px)" srcset="https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/fileadmin/_processed_/8/1/csm_V%C3%A9hicule-voiture-p%C3%A9gae-autoroute_535226155b.jpeg"><source data-variant="large" data-maxwidth="920" media="(min-width: 992px)" srcset="https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/fileadmin/_processed_/8/1/csm_V%C3%A9hicule-voiture-p%C3%A9gae-autoroute_ebae2b5835.jpeg"><source data-variant="medium" data-maxwidth="680" media="(min-width: 768px)" srcset="https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/fileadmin/_processed_/8/1/csm_V%C3%A9hicule-voiture-p%C3%A9gae-autoroute_5dd5ee5f8b.jpeg"><source data-variant="small" data-maxwidth="500" media="(min-width: 576px)" srcset="https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/fileadmin/_processed_/8/1/csm_V%C3%A9hicule-voiture-p%C3%A9gae-autoroute_2e1680b5d3.jpeg"><source data-variant="extrasmall" data-maxwidth="374" srcset="https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/fileadmin/_processed_/8/1/csm_V%C3%A9hicule-voiture-p%C3%A9gae-autoroute_7d18c2a776.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" alt="Paying at the toll in France" src="https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/fileadmin/_processed_/8/1/csm_V%C3%A9hicule-voiture-p%C3%A9gae-autoroute_535226155b.jpeg" width="1100" height="734"/></picture></figure></div></div></div></div></div><div id="c7401" class="frame frame-default frame-type-text frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-none frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><header class="frame-header"><h2 class="element-header "><span>Safety measures</span></h2></header><ul class="list-normal"><li><strong>Safety belts are compulsory </strong>for all the occupants of the vehicle that is to say for both front- and rear-seat passengers. There must be one safety belt per passenger. In the event of a police check, there will be a fine of 150 € for anyone not wearing a safety belt.</li><li><strong>Children must be at least 10 years old to sit on the front seat.</strong> Under the age of 10, children must be seated in the rear and, as would be the case in the front, use a seat belt or an approved child seat.</li><li><strong>Mobile telephones </strong>may not be used while driving, nor should earphones or Bluetooth kits. In the case of a police check, you may be fined up to 135 € and the loss of 3 points (if you have a French driver’s licence).</li><li>Since the 1st of January 2013, all users of two-wheeled vehicles <strong>for which the engine size exceeds 125 cm3</strong> have to wear specific clothes including retro-reflective equipment (sanction: fine of 68 € and loss of 2 points if you have a French driver’s license).</li><li>Your car has to be equipped with<strong> a warning triangle and a fluorescent safety vest </strong>for a better visibility in case of breakdown or accident.</li></ul><p><strong>Note</strong>: The non-respect of the obligation to have a warning triangle and a reflecting jacket <strong>can be fined 135€</strong>. Cyclists have to wear it permanently when cycling by night outside agglomerations.</p><p>Find out if you need <a href="/en/travelling-motor-vehicles/motor-vehicles/winter-tyres-in-europe.html">winter tires</a> in France.</p></div></div></div><div id="c7402" class="frame frame-default frame-type-text frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-none frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><header class="frame-header"><h2 class="element-header "><span>Alcohol & drugs</span></h2></header><ul class="list-normal"><li>France has very strict rules concerning <strong>drink-driving; the legal blood alcohol limit is 0,5g/l</strong> of blood. If during a police check, your level of alcohol is found at between 0,5 and 0,8 g, you may be fined up to 135 €.</li><li>If the level exceeds 0,8g/l, the punishment incurred is 2 years in prison and a maximum fine of 4.500 € can be applicable. </li><li>The police also have the power to <strong>search for drugs</strong>. The smallest trace of illegal drugs can result in punishment. If banned narcotics are detected, the penalty could include 2 years in prison and a 4.500 € fine.</li><li>If the blood alcohol level exceeds the legal limit, and the presence of drugs is detected, the penalty could include <strong>3 years in prison</strong> and a <strong>9.000€ fine</strong>.</li><li>In any case, if the 0,5g/l limit is expired, the driving licence may be seized (up to 3 years) as well as the vehicle.</li><li>Every driver of a motorized land vehicle, <strong>must possess</strong> a single-use, unused and immediately available <strong>breathalyser </strong>("éthylotest").</li></ul><p><strong>You should know</strong>: only two-wheeled vehicles with a capacity not exceeding 50 cm3 and 45 km/h are exempt from this obligation.</p><p>It is possible to obtain a breathalyser in most drugstores in France. You may want to purchase more than one breathalyser.<strong> A fine of €11</strong> is foreseen to any driver not carrying a breathalyser, but the fine has not yet been applied.</p></div></div></div><div id="c11685" class="frame frame-default frame-type-image frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-none frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><div class="gallery-row"><div class="gallery-item gallery-item-size-1"><figure class="image"><picture><source data-variant="default" data-maxwidth="1100" media="(min-width: 1200px)" srcset="https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/fileadmin/_processed_/9/f/csm_AdobeStock_402168183_8586fa9b21.jpg"><source data-variant="large" data-maxwidth="920" media="(min-width: 992px)" srcset="https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/fileadmin/_processed_/9/f/csm_AdobeStock_402168183_095bf9548e.jpg"><source data-variant="medium" data-maxwidth="680" media="(min-width: 768px)" srcset="https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/fileadmin/_processed_/9/f/csm_AdobeStock_402168183_d113757165.jpg"><source data-variant="small" data-maxwidth="500" media="(min-width: 576px)" srcset="https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/fileadmin/_processed_/9/f/csm_AdobeStock_402168183_08379f6ba1.jpg"><source data-variant="extrasmall" data-maxwidth="374" srcset="https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/fileadmin/_processed_/9/f/csm_AdobeStock_402168183_ae25208e95.jpg"><img loading="lazy" title="Contrôle_ethylotest_voiture_police" alt="Un homme souffle dans un ethylotest au volant de sa voiture" src="https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/fileadmin/_processed_/9/f/csm_AdobeStock_402168183_8586fa9b21.jpg" width="1100" height="734"/></picture></figure></div></div></div></div></div><div id="c7403" class="frame frame-default frame-type-text frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-none frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><header class="frame-header"><h2 class="element-header "><span>Parking in France</span></h2></header><ul class="list-normal"><li><strong>Parking ticket machines ("horodateurs")</strong> are common throughout France. In larger cities and especially in Paris, these ticket machines are increasingly operated with credit cards. Unless indicated otherwise, parking is free of charge from 7pm to 9am and on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays), public holidays. Smaller towns often offer free parking from noon to 1.30pm. The tariff and time limit are written on the machine.</li><li>In more and more cities, you can use a<strong> smartphone parking app</strong>. It might be worth downloading the app if you plan to park several times in France. You will need to set up an account and put in your licence plate number. When you use a parking app, you can adjust your exact parking time directly on the app.</li><li>Some cities also operate with <strong>disc-parking or "zones bleues"</strong> where you will have to display a parking disc or clock disc showing your time of arrival. You may then have one or two hours of free parking time, depending on the city and zones.</li></ul><div class="well"><p><strong>Important: illegally parked vehicles may be wheel-clamped or towed. </strong></p></div><p>In France there is the post-parking fee (FPS) which replaces the €17 fine for unpaid or insufficiently paid parking. The amount of the FPS varies from one commune to another. It must be paid within 3 months, or you can contest your fine via the <a href="https://www.amendes.gouv.fr/tai" target="_blank">government website</a> if a telepayment number appears in the fine received.</p></div></div></div><div id="c11727" class="frame frame-default frame-type-panel frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-none frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><div class="card card-panel card-panel-danger"><h3 class="card-header "><span>SUV parking in Paris</span></h3><div class="card-body"><p>Since October 1st 2024, SUV owners are required to <strong>pay 18 euros an hour</strong> to park in the 1st to the 11th arrondissements and <strong>12 euros an hour</strong> in the 12th to the 20th arrondissements. This tax affects <strong>cars</strong>, with hybrid or combustion engines, <strong>that weigh over 1.6 metric tons</strong>. Electric SUVs are also charged if they weigh over 2 tons. Paris residents, individuals with disabilities (reduced mobility), and those holding a mobility inclusion-parking card are exempt from this tax. </p><p>Be careful if you have a parking card from another EU country! France has replaced the EU card by a mobility inclusion card. <a href="/en/travelling-motor-vehicles/rugby-world-cup-2024-olympic-games/translate-to-english-travelling-by-car.html">More information here</a></p></div></div></div></div></div><div id="c7408" class="frame frame-default frame-type-text frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-none frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><header class="frame-header"><h2 class="element-header "><span>Two-wheeled vehicles</span></h2></header><p>Since July 1<sup>st</sup> 2017, a <strong>new plate size</strong> has become compulsory for motor vehicles with two or three wheels and for quads.</p><p>Consequently, any motorbike, tricycle or quad owner registered in France should now have a <strong>registration plate</strong> which fits the <strong>new regulatory size of 210x130 millimetres</strong>.  Users of such vehicles who are found to have nonconforming, illegible, removable or improperly positioned plates, will be fined 135€.</p><p>This <strong>single plate size</strong> concerns new vehicles, whether they were bought brand new or second-hand, as well as vehicles that have already been registered. The standardization of French registration plates aims to simplify police control and implement an equal treatment of all users when it comes to radars.</p></div></div></div><div id="c7409" class="frame frame-default frame-type-panel frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-none frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><div class="card card-panel card-panel-info"><div class="card-body"><p><strong>Good to know:</strong> by 2021, all vehicles registered in France, regardless of their type, will be registered in the new <strong>Vehicle Registration System</strong> (SIV), replacing the former French registration system with numbers for each department. The new SIV plates will be made on the following pattern: 2 letters – 3 numbers – 2 letters (for instance, AM-961-AJ). All registration plates should be changed prior to December 31<sup>st</sup>, 2020.</p></div></div></div></div></div><div id="c7397" class="frame frame-default frame-type-text frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-extra-small frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><header class="frame-header"><h2 class="element-header "><span>Useful links</span></h2></header><ul class="list-normal"><li><a href="https://www.prix-carburants.gouv.fr/" title="Opens internal link in current window" target="_blank">Compare the French gas stations closest to you and find the cheapest one</a></li></ul></div></div></div><div id="c7392" class="frame frame-default frame-type-list frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-none frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><div data-mail-url="mailto:" data-orientation="horizontal" data-theme="standard" data-services="["twitter","linkedin","whatsapp","mail","print"]" data-lang="en" class="shariff"></div></div></div></div><div id="c10236" class="frame frame-default frame-type-text frame-layout-0 frame-background-none frame-no-backgroundimage frame-space-before-none frame-space-after-none "><div class="frame-container"><div class="frame-inner"><div class="well"><p>Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Innovation Council and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div><footer id="page-footer" class="bp-page-footer"><section class="section footer-section footer-section-content"><div class="container"><div class="section-row"><ul class="navbar-footer"><li><a href="/en/about-us.html" title="About us">About us<span class="functional"></span></a></li><li><a href="/en/media.html" title="Media">Media<span class="functional"></span></a></li><li><a href="/en/contact-us.html" title="Contact us">Contact us<span class="functional"></span></a></li><li><a href="/en/offres-demploi.html" title="Offres d'emploi | Centre Européen des Consommateurs France">Offres d'emploi<span class="functional"></span></a></li><li><a href="/en/sitemap.html" title="Sitemap">Sitemap<span class="functional"></span></a></li><li><a href="/en/legal-notice.html" title="Legal Notice">Legal Notice<span class="functional"></span></a></li><li><a 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