Whether it’s a jam-packed family adventure to the Dordogne or a scenic drive to Biarritz, driving to France for a holiday is exciting but comes with plenty of preparation too. Not only is there a whole set of new laws to bear in mind for whilst you’re pootling around Provence, but there are a few items you’ll need to add to your packing list too!
So, if you’re driving over to our French neighbours this summer in your car with a UK driving licence, look no further than our in-depth guide to driving in France as we explain:
Driving in France
If you’ve opted to take the ferry or Eurotunnel (Le Shuttle) in your own car this summer, there are a number of items you’ll need to make sure are packed and accessible for whilst you’re in the country. Further to this, driving laws are changing all the time so we’ve provided an up-to-date view (as of May 2024) of the latest rules which may impact your driving experience.
What do I need to drive in France?
Firstly, starting with the basics, to be eligible to drive in France you’ll need the following documentation:
- Full, valid UK driving licence
- Proof of ID (passport)
- Motor insurance certificate
- V5 registration document
Post-Brexit, you do not need an international driving permit (IDP) to visit and drive in the EU. However, you may need an IDP to drive in some EU countries and Norway if you have a paper driving licence or a licence that was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.
There are also several safety items and features that you’ll need to bring along/implement too:
High visibility vest
A high-vis vest is needed per passenger and is to be stowed in your passenger compartment. These are to be worn should you break down on the side of a road. French police do have the right to pull over UK-registered vehicles to check that you are carrying the correct equipment.
Warning triangle
Whilst some newer cars come with a warning triangle, not all do, so it’s important that you have one packed. This can then be placed near your car should you have to pull over to warn oncoming drivers. This can be purchased as part of our Safety Kit and European driving kits are available from the likes of RAC and Halfords.
UK Sticker
As of September 2021, UK stickers replace the old GB car stickers. According to UK Government guidelines, you must display the UK identifier when driving a UK-registered vehicle abroad. If your number plate includes the UK identifier with the Union Jack flag, you do not need a UK sticker.
However, you will need to display a UK sticker clearly on the rear of your vehicle if your number plate has any of the following:
- a GB identifier with the Union flag
- a Euro symbol
- a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales
- numbers and letters only – no flag or identifier
Headlight converters
These are compulsory in order to not dazzle other drivers – there are settings in your car to adjust these or you can purchase converters online.
French driving laws to know before you go
- The blood alcohol limit is lower in France compared to the UK (50mg per 100ml of blood compared to UK’s 80mg per 100ml). So whilst an afternoon visiting a vineyard might be tempting – abstinence is recommended.
- It’s illegal for children under 10 to sit in the front – child seats in the back must be in place for children under 10 and less than 15kg.
- Low emission zones are in place in a number of cities and departments, see next section for more detail
- And finally, don’t forget, driving is on the right-hand side of the road!
Speed limits in France
- Urban areas: 50 km/h
- Rural areas: 80km/h - 90km/h
- Dual carriageways: 100 km/h - 110 km/h
- Autoroute: 110 km/h - 130 km/h
Low emission zones in France
If your trip sees you travel to some of France’s biggest cities, then you’ll need to purchase a Crit’Air sticker before your arrival in France.
This sticker shows your vehicle’s emissions levels and will allow/stop your entry within the designated clean air zones, the stickers are broken down into the following categories:
- Crit’Air 0/E - for zero-emission electric and hydrogen vehicles - green sticker
- Crit’Air 1 - for plug-in hybrid vehicles and Euro 5, 6 petrol vehicles - purple sticker
- Crit’Air 2 - for vehicles that conform to the Euro 4 petrol vehicles, and Euro 5, 6 diesel vehicles - yellow sticker
- Crit’Air 3 - for vehicles that conform to the Euro 2, 3 petrol vehicles and Euro 4 diesel vehicles - orange sticker
- Crit’Air 4 - for vehicles that conform to the Euro 3 diesel vehicles - burgundy sticker
- Crit’Air 5 - for vehicles that conform to the Euro 2 diesel vehicles - dark grey sticker
Some of the affected cities and regions include:
- Aix-Marseille-Provence region
- Bordeaux (coming in 2024)
- Clermont-Ferrand
- Grenoble
- Lyon
- Marseille
- Montpellier
- Paris
- Reims
- Rouen
- Strasbourg
- Toulouse
Vehicle checks to do before you set off
Before you set off on your French adventure it’s important that you do all the necessary vehicle checks for driving long distances.
- Check and top up any oil
- Check tyre pressure – make sure to read our handy guide here!
- Check the engine coolant
- Test your brake lights
- Position roof rack correctly - if you’re packing your car to the rafters, a roof rack will help give you an extra bit of space, ensuring you follow the correct procedure for its attachment is key!
If your car needs the full works, why not book in for a service, make sure to take a peek at our approved servicing garages and book online.
Frequently asked questions about driving in France
Do I need to take a breathalyser with me?
As of 2020, the law changed and it’s now no longer necessary to pack a breathalyser. As mentioned previously though, blood alcohol levels in France are lower than in the UK so it might be a good idea to have one even though it’s no longer a legal requirement.
What if I’m taking my dog to France?
If you’re taking your dog to France with you from the UK then there are a number of vaccinations and documentation that you’ll need to make sure you arrange in advance.
You’ll need to make sure your dog has an Animal Health Certificate which needs to be issued within 10 days of your travel date to France. As part of this, your dog will need:
- To be microchipped
- To be vaccinated against Rabies at least 21 days before an Animal Health Certificate can be issued.
Before heading back to the UK after visiting France, you’ll also need to book into a French vet for your dog to get tapeworm treatment. This needs to be 1-5 days before travelling back to the UK.
And if your car isn’t quite canine-friendly – take a look at our recommendations for the best cars for dog owners!
We hope you feel prepared for your driving adventure in France! For more helpful guides make sure to read our blog! Bon voyage!