Driving in France isn't just about mastering your vehicle; it's also about looking out for yourself and other road users. Here is the essential information you need to know about your condition behind the wheel and sharing the road, explained simply.

Alcohol while driving

Alcohol remains the leading cause of death on French roads. The rule is strict and quantified.

• For an experienced driver, the maximum allowed blood alcohol level is 0.5 g/L, or 0.25 mg/L in exhaled air.
• For a driver with a probationary license (new license or accompanied driving), the limit drops to 0.2 g/L, meaning a near-zero level. The probationary period lasts 3 years, or 2 years if accompanied driving was completed.

Penalties increase with the alcohol level:

• Between 0.5 and 0.8 g/L, it is a minor offense: loss of 6 points and a fine.
• From 0.8 g/L onwards, it becomes a criminal offense, with much heavier penalties (fine, suspension, or even imprisonment).

The only reliable way to get back below the threshold is time: neither coffee, nor cold showers, nor fresh air accelerate the elimination of alcohol.

Drugs

Driving after using drugs is a criminal offense, regardless of the amount consumed and even several hours later. The law sets no tolerance threshold: the mere presence of drugs in the body is sufficient.

Penalties are severe (Article L235-1 of the Highway Code):

• Up to €9,000 fine and 2 years imprisonment;
• Loss of 6 points on the license;
• Possible suspension or cancellation of the license.

If driving involves both alcohol and drugs, penalties rise to up to 3 years imprisonment and a €9,000 fine. Controls, via saliva then blood tests, are frequent.

Fatigue and medication

A driver's condition is not limited to alcohol. Fatigue reduces reflexes as much as alcohol consumption.

• Take a break every 2 hours, especially on long journeys.
• Beware of medications with a warning pictogram (colored triangle on the box): some strictly prohibit driving. Read the leaflet or ask your pharmacist for advice.

At the slightest sign of drowsiness (yawning, heavy eyelids, hypnotic white lines), stop: a 15 to 20-minute power nap can save lives.

Pedestrians

Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users. The rule is clear:

• You must yield to any pedestrian already on the roadway, or who clearly indicates their intention to cross, on or near a protected crossing.
• In practice: slow down and stop to let them pass.

Be particularly attentive near schools, bus stops, and in areas with reduced visibility. Children and elderly people may cross unpredictably.

Cyclists and two-wheelers

Bicycles have their place on the road, and overtaking them requires space.

• When overtaking a cyclist, leave at least 1 meter in built-up areas and 1.5 meters outside built-up areas.
• If there is not enough room to respect this distance, wait behind the cyclist.

Exercise similar caution with motorized two-wheelers, which are faster and less visible than one might think: check your blind spots carefully before changing lanes.

Two situations require heightened vigilance:

• School buses: slow down and remain cautious when stopped, as children may appear in front of or behind the vehicle.
• Priority vehicles (firefighters, SAMU, police, gendarmerie) with sirens and flashing lights: you must pull over and stop to let them pass.

In case of an accident: the right reactions

In the event of an accident, remember the PAS order:

1. Protect: mark the area (high-vis vest, warning triangle, hazard lights) to avoid a secondary accident, i.e., a second accident that worsens the situation.
2. Alert: call emergency services.
3. Assist: provide help within the limits of your skills.

Emergency numbers to know:

• 15: SAMU (medical emergencies);
• 18: Firefighters;
• 112: The European emergency number, valid throughout the EU.

Golden rule: never move a victim, unless there is immediate danger (risk of secondary accident, fire, explosion). A wrong move can aggravate an injury, particularly to the spine.

To remember

• Alcohol: max 0.5 g/L (0.2 g/L for probationary licenses); criminal offense from 0.8 g/L.
• Drugs: criminal offense punishable by up to €9,000 fine and 2 years imprisonment, with no tolerance threshold.
• Break every 2 hours and be vigilant with medications bearing warning pictograms.
• Pedestrians: stop for those crossing or stepping onto the road; cyclists: 1 m in town, 1.5 m outside towns.
• Priority vehicles: pull over and stop.
• Accident: PAS reflex (Protect, Alert, Assist), numbers 15 / 18 / 112, and do not move the victim unless there is immediate danger.