Changes of Road Regulations in France

New regulations are to take effect from July 1st 2012 that will mean all drivers on French roads are legally required to have a breathalyzer kit in the vehicle they are driving. This including visitors to the country!!

The current road safety law stipulate a driver must carry a fluorescent safety vest and warning triangle along with UK motorists already having to display a GB sticker. The breathalyzer will now also become part of the mandatory requirements.

The kits are expected to cost in the region of £2.00 and will be available from petrol and service stations in addition to ferry and transport terminals. Officials have suggested carrying at least two kits as drivers stopped multiple times within the same day would still be required to have the kit available. Fines are enforced by the authorities for failure to comply with the new regulations.

The legal limit for driving after drinking is 50mg per 100ml of blood. This is significantly less than the UK where the limit is 80mg.

Tips for driving in France
Speed Limits
Motorways 80mph (130KMH) or 68mph (110KMH) when wet
Open Roads Dual Carriageway with a central reservation 68mph (110KMH)
Or otherwise 55mph (90KMH)
Towns 31mph (50KMH)

Speed cameras are used heavily used throughout the country to deter speeding. In addition there are a number of government safe driving initiatives.
Alcohol Limit 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood

Mobile Phones The use of handheld phones is illegal and carries a fixed penalty fine (plus points on a French licence). The use of a hands free kit is legally allowed.
Seating It is compulsory for all passengers to wear seatbelts where fitted and all children must sit in a booster/child seat of the driver could face a fine. A child under the age of 6 months may sit in a child seat in the front of the vehicle.

Road tolls Charges are applicable to use that particular road. A ticket is collected from a kiosk machine at the start of the road and the fee paid at the end.
Parking Yellow lines mean absolutely no parking at any time
Parking is only allowed on one side of the street and signs will clearly indicate which side this is. Maximum stays can also be enforced.

Be careful for pay and display areas as they are common throughout the whole of France. Parking is usually free on weekends, bank holidays and after 19.00 on a weekday evening and prior to 09.00 the following morning.

Having worked in the car rental industry for over 15 years, he really knows his stuff. Rob heads up our marketing department and as a keen traveller, always has a new location to talk about. Particularly if there is a golf course nearby.