Latest rules for driving in France

IN this summer just past, British motorists were back on the road in France in their thousands, writes Nigel Wigmore.

The latest rules for driving there are worth noting for future trips, and according to the AA, include:

•The drink drive limit for new drivers (less than three years) has gone down from 0.05 percent to 0.02 per cent, the same as for bus and coach drivers.

•Drivers and riders mustn’t use headphones and headsets (any device attached to your ear). This covers devices used for phone calls as well as for listening to music, but you’re allowed to use a Bluetooth or integrated systems in a motorcycle helmet.

•Low Emission Zones in Paris, Lyon and Grenoble affect UK-registered vehicles too and ban access for older vehicles.

•Speed limits on single carriageway roads without a separating guard rail were reduced from 90km/h to 80km/h (50mph) across France in 2018.

In response to a big rise in the number of road deaths in France, speed limits on two-lane (single carriageway) highways were cut from 90km/h (56mph) to 80km/h (50mph) in July 2018.

This national speed limit change has since been reversed though the French Government has said that it is up to Mayors to decide whether or not to return to a 90km/h limit in their local area.

It’s long been the case that you’re not allowed to carry or use a speed camera detector in France. You could be fined up to 1,500 euros or even have your vehicle taken away. The law was extended to cover satnav and any other GPS-based system in 2012. If your satnav can show fixed speed cameras, then you’ll have to disable alerts before you drive in France.