France is the biggest country in western Europe, with far-flung beauty spots and plenty of sights to see. Touring France by road is a fantastic way to make the most of it, and if you’re property hunting or planning to live there having your own transport may prove essential.Driving in France is sometimes a little different to other countries, with one fundamental difference being the laws of right-of-way – most notably, the notorious ‘priorité à droite’ (priority to the right/give way to the right) rule. So, how do you know what the rules are?
When do I have right-of-way on the French roads?
At roundabouts
In most countries, vehicles which are already on the roundabout get priority. On traditional roundabouts in France, however, vehicles entering the flow of traffic from the right get right-of-way, meaning drivers must yield even though they are already on the roundabout. These roundabouts will be signposted with a round blue sign.
If you approach a roundabout signposted by a red triangle or which reads Vous n’avez pas la prioritéthis gives priority to drivers on the roundabout and you must give way. This is typical for more modern roundabouts.
On main roads
You may be accustomed to having priority while driving on a main road, but do not be complacent! This is not a given in France. The infamous priorité à droite rule means you may find someone cutting you up from the right when you least expect it.
This is because, on numerous roads in France, traffic entering the road from the right gets priority. French drivers are often so used to this that they will enter a main road assuming that other drivers will slow up or stop to let them through, so you must pay attention when approaching Y-junctions and crossroads.
This rule doesn’t apply to all main roads. You are most likely to encounter it in rural towns and villages. Keep an eye out for a white sign with a black “x” on it, or a yellow sign that reads “ATTENTION PRIORITE A DROITE” which will indicate that priorité à droite is in force. That said, as priorité à droite is often used in more remote areas, you can’t guarantee seeing a sign. Exercise caution when approaching intersections.
What else should I watch out for?
- Lots of French drivers are notorious for thinking of indicators as an unnecessary annoyance. Don’t rely on these to warn you of a driver’s intentions. Equally, do not assume that anyone will pay any attention to your signals, even if you use them correctly.
- One-way systems are in use in France, so look out for these. They’ll usually be signposted with “Sens unique”.
- French roundabouts go around in an anti-clockwise direction. This will probably feel quite unnatural to anyone who is used to driving on the left.
- Some French roundabouts do not have lanes marked on the road, which can make them a little tricky! Use your mirrors, check your blind spots, and do not assume that other road users will follow the flow of traffic in the way you’d expect.
Driving in France
Whether you own a car in France, travel to France in your UK or EU-registered car, or hire a rental car – FrenchEntrée has all the need-to-know info about driving in France. Our Essential Reading articleswill take you through buying, registering, and insuring your car, as well as offering tips and advice on driving and car ownership in France.
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FAQs
The infamous priorité à droite rule means you may find someone cutting you up from the right when you least expect it. This is because, on numerous roads in France, traffic entering the road from the right gets priority.
What is the Priorite a droite rule in France? ›
One of the big differences between French and American driving rules is “priorité a droite,” which basically means that you must yield to traffic coming in from your right. As with most rules, however, there are some exceptions. This rule does not apply on the major autoroutes.
Who has right of way driving in France? ›
Priority. Generally you should give way to the right, and this is compulsory at all intersections unless signs tell you otherwise. Emergency services vehicles always have priority over other road users. You must give way to traffic already on a roundabout (so on your left) unless signs say otherwise.
Who has priority on a narrow road in France? ›
Narrow Roads & Bridges
The sign has a larger arrow in one direction and a smaller arrow in the other direction. The larger arrow shows priority. If it is pointing in the direction you are going, you have priority. If not, you must yield to a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.
Do pedestrians have priority over cars in France? ›
Outside urban areas, it is possible to overtake a cyclist by riding or crossing the continuous line, provided that the opposite traffic allows for it. And when pedestrians express the wish to cross at a pedestrian crossing, they have priority, any vehicle must let them pass.
What is the difference between droit and droite in French? ›
One is the noun droit (the law: le droit, the right to do something: un droit) whereas 'my right hand' is ma main droite wherein droite is the feminine form of adjective droit (driving on the right side of the road is to drive du côté droit).
What are the taboo subjects in France? ›
Avoid asking personal questions relating to one's age, sexual orientation, family or children unless you have a well-established friendship. The French highly value their privacy and the privacy of others. Inquiring about one's salary and finances is taboo.
What does rappel mean on French road signs? ›
'Rappel' on a French road sign means 'reminder'. They are there to remind drivers that speed restrictions most recently passed are still in place.
Who always has the right way? ›
The vehicle that arrives to the intersection first has the right-of-way. Other vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians must wait for the person who has the right-of-way. Never assume that other drivers will give you the right-of-way. Give up your right-of-way when it will help prevent collisions.
Why do French stop signs say stop? ›
Curiously, stop signs in France use only the English word "STOP," an artifact of European Union standardization (see earlier slide from Spain). Montreal, Quebec, Canada, where signs are either English-French bilingual or only in French.
If driving in a foreign country is new to you, France is a great country to get your feet wet. The roads are well taken care of and easy to navigate. Remember, everything about driving in France is practically the same as home; except signs are in French!
What does a yellow KERB mean in France? ›
Parking regulations in France
Continuous yellow lines on the road or kerb indicate that both stopping and parking are prohibited in this location. Broken yellow lines indicate that parking is prohibited.
What is the priority on a hill in France? ›
On steep hills in France, uphill traffic has priority – downhill traffic must give way. A great tip to know when driving in France is at all intersections, priority must be given to traffic approaching from the right unless there are road signs indicating otherwise.
What is a priority road in France? ›
Priority road
Confusingly, the 'priorité à droite' system doesn't apply at all times. If you see this diamond sign with a white edge and yellow background you're entering a 'priority road' which means you have the right of the way instead, and vehicles coming in from the right must give way.
Do pedestrians have right of way in France? ›
If you're planning to take your bike (or car, etc) to France in the near future, be aware that the rules regarding pedestrian priority have been changed as of 1 January 2011. The new law, which is already in effect, gives pedestrians and cyclists in France priority over cars when crossing a road.
Is jaywalking illegal in France? ›
Yes, that's right, the legal protection for pedestrians isn't absolute, and doesn't mean they have carte blanche to cross the road wherever and whenever they like. The fact is that jaywalking isn't quite as legal as some pedestrians may like to believe.
What type of rule was carried out in France during? ›
monarchy was carried out in France during Napoleons time.
What is the administrative system of France? ›
Executive. France has a semi-presidential system of government, with both a president and a prime minister. The prime minister is responsible to the French Parliament.
What type of government is France under? ›
France is a semi-presidential republic with a head of government - the prime minister - appointed by the president who is the directly elected head of state. France's territory consists of 18 administrative regions - 13 metropolitan (i.e. European France) and 5 overseas regions.
What is the presidential system in France? ›
The French Fifth Republic is a semi-presidential system. Unlike most other European heads of state, the French president is quite powerful.
