France Rules of the Road
France is a very pleasant country to drive in, but like all countries it is best that you familiarise your self with the basic rules of the road before you start driving in France in a hire car.
Driving age:
In France the driving age is 18, but when renting a car there may be an insurance supplement if the driver is under 21, a full driving license held for 1 year is also required.
Important Documents to have with You: When renting a car in France, you need to provide the following documents passport, valid UK Driving License or International Driving License , your rental voucher which we will send to you. You will always need to keep you license, insurance and registration documents in the car during the road trip.
In France as with the rest of mainland Europe you will be driving on the right hand side of the road. You will need to wear a seatbelt (which is mandatory) at all times and ensure that all passengers have put on their seat belt as this is the drivers responsibility and you will be fined €135. Children even if in a car seat are not permitted in the front passenger seat and most wear restraints. You are not allowed to use mobile phones or any other device while driving while driving.
Driving in France
Mobile phone use:
You are not allowed use a mobile phone whilst driving a car in France unless it is entirely hands-free and headphone free. The only exceptions are, when the car has broken down, or you are in a designated parking space.
Use of a mobile phone is not allowed even if the car is pulled over and the engine is switched off. As of from 1st July 2018 the penealty is immediate suspension of the licence regardless of your nationality.
Emergency telephone numbers:
112 – European general emergency number
15 – Medical emergency/accidents/ambulance (SAMU)
17 – Police or Gendarmerie (automatically redirected to the nearest station)
18 – Fire brigade (Les sapeurs pompiers)
Top Locations to Explore: When you rent a car from Airport Car Hire Network, you can visit some of the beautiful villages, explore small yet vibrant cities along the French Rivera Cote d’azur such as Cannes, Antibes, Nice and Monte Carlo or take a trip down the West Coast to Nantes via Bordeaux Biaritzz.
Drink driving laws in France:
France has very strict drink driving laws and you are only permitted to have a maximum of 0.5mg/ml of alcohol per litre in your blood. The law states, it is compulsory to carry breathalysers in vehicles, however they are no longer issuing fines as thet is a problem with the supply of suitable breathalysers at present.
On the spot fines:
Fines must be paid in cash on the spot. Credit card and debit cards or cheques will not be accepted.
For further facts about the French motorway network, traffic updates and toll prices in English please click here.
Airport Car Hire Network with nearly 20 years of experience are one of the leading car rental comparison sites. we will source the best car hire deals in France for you. Our team of experienced professionals will ensure you get the most out of your French driving Holiday. Airport Car Hire Network will be available 24/7 to make your booking, handle queries and offer fanatical customer support. We have car rentals from mini to economy to SUVs Luxury BMWs and mini buses. When you book with us, you will get the latest model car at the best price so you can enjoy a memorable driving holiday in France.
About Airport Car Hire Network:
Airport Car Hire Network is a reputable and world’s leading car hire company, which serves in over 135 countries at 11,100 locations worldwide. They offer exclusive selection of well maintained and top class fleet for rent that are insured for cross border journeys and comes with unlimited mileage and no excess insurance free amendment and free cancellation no credit card fees and no hidden costs.
