Brexit update: read everything about how Brexit may affect your plans of driving to France here. Bowling down a French Nationale route, with the sun high in the sky, tall trees offering shade on either side and views across miles of vineyards is a delight. After all, the population of France is about the same as the UK but France is three times as big so you are going to have a lot more space to play in!
The roads are also well-maintained and well-signposted so getting from A to B is easy. However, there are some things that you need to be aware of. If you have never driven abroad before, you may think that it is simply a case of driving on the other side of the road. However, before you embark on a motoring holiday you'll find that a bit of research may not only save you a potentially embarrassing situation and possible legal action, but could save your life. The AA website is an excellent site for up-to-date info on driving in France.
French gendarmes are tough and will enforce on-the-spot fines if you flout the law. France has many laws governing motoring that are quite different to those at home. For example, contrary to popular thought in the UK, they have stricter laws ruling acceptable blood alcohol levels in cases of drink-driving. Speeding offences are subject to on-the-spot fines. Random spot checks are common on all roads, even in town centres, so be aware!
In addition, there are many more speed cameras planned which will not be signposted. Existing signage for speed cameras may also be removed.
There are certain regulations which are weather dependent; for example, in poor visibility, you must use dipped headlights, although this is not well-adhered to by French drivers themselves. Speed limits vary according to area, vehicle and weather conditions and in wet weather all speed limits are reduced. Drivers who have passed their driving test within the last two years are also limited to lower speeds on all roads.
