Driving in France: Rules, Habits, and Cultural Surprises

Driving in France isn’t just about following traffic laws.
It’s also about understanding a certain driving style, local habits, and rules that can be surprising if you’re coming from another country.

In this podcast episode, I talk about all of this through simple explanations and personal anecdotes.

Why read before listening?

This article helps you:

• Identify key vocabulary

• Understand the main rules

• Become familiar with the context
  You can first read it in English, and then in French !

When you listen to the episode, you’ll recognize the words and ideas more easily.

Enjoy reading… and enjoy listening!

1 – The Points-Based License: A Very French Source of Pride

In France, driver’s licenses operate on a points system.
When you first get your license, you’re given a certain number of points. If you commit a traffic violation (speeding, using your phone while driving, running a red light, etc.), you lose points.

If you lose all your points, you can lose your license. Many French people (myself included!) proudly say: “I still have all my points!” That means they haven’t committed any serious violations.

2 – Right-of-Way to the Right: A Surprising Rule

Right-of-way to the right is a very important rule in France.
It means that at certain intersections without signs or signals, you must yield to vehicles coming from your right.

In some countries, this rule is rare or doesn’t exist. In France, it still does — and it’s sometimes intentionally used in small towns to slow down traffic. So you need to stay very alert, especially in residential areas.

3 – Roundabouts: Everywhere (and Sometimes Stressful)

France is one of the countries with the highest number of roundabouts. The main rule:
Vehicles already inside the roundabout have the right of way (with the exception of some very important roundabouts, like the one around l'Arc de Triomphe)

A few important tips:

• Position yourself correctly depending on your exit

• Use your turn signal

• Check your blind spots before exiting

Roundabouts help traffic flow smoothly, but they can feel intimidating at first.

4 – Red Lights and Pedestrians

In France, you cannot turn right on a red light unless there is a specific orange arrow allowing it.

Pedestrians have the right of way when crossing at a marked crosswalk.
It is mandatory to stop for them. This is something that is often strictly enforced.

5 – Speed Limits and Speed Cameras

Speed limits vary depending on the type of road:

• In cities: usually 50 km/h (sometimes 30 km/h)

• On regular roads: often 80 km/h

• On highways: 130 km/h (110 km/h when it’s raining)

France is known for its many automatic speed cameras.
If you exceed the speed limit, you may receive a ticket by mail.

You’ll sometimes hear people say:
“I got flashed.” That means a speed camera took a picture of their car.

6 – Toll Highways

In France, many highways are toll roads.
You take a ticket when you enter, and you pay at the toll booth when you exit. The amount depends on the distance traveled. For people used to free highways, this can be surprising.

7 – Parking in the City

Parking in French city centers can be complicated.

• Spaces are often small

• Parking is usually paid

• Historic city centers can be difficult to access

You often need to use underground parking garages or parking apps.

8 – A Cultural Matter

Beyond the rules, driving in France is also about understanding a culture:

• A certain impatience in large cities

• Faster driving on secondary roads

• Strong attention to rules… especially because of speed cameras

Driving in France requires observation, anticipation, and adaptation.

Enjoy driving… and enjoy listening 🚗🇫🇷

written by Estelle Materne