Driving in France is primarily a matter of right-of-way and speeds. Once you understand these two concepts, most situations become obvious. This guide covers the essential rules, with the exact figures you need to know, in simple language for those discovering how to drive in France.

Right-of-Way to the Right: The Default Rule

This is arguably the most surprising rule for many foreigners. By default, at an intersection, you must yield to vehicles approaching from your right. You have priority over vehicles coming from your left.

This rule applies mainly in urban areas, on small streets, and in residential zones where no signs indicate who goes first.

When right-of-way to the right does NOT apply:

• On a priority road, marked by a yellow diamond-shaped sign ("you have priority").
• Approaching a STOP or Yield sign (in this case, you must stop or yield).
• At a traffic light or under the direction of a police officer (their instructions take precedence).
• At a roundabout, where vehicles already in the circle generally have priority.
• When exiting a place not open to public traffic (parking lot, gas station, private driveway): you are not prioritized, even if you arrive from the right.

STOP vs. Yield Signs: The Difference

These two signs share similar intentions but differ on a crucial point.

• STOP (red octagonal sign): A complete and mandatory stop is required, with wheels stationary, even if the road is clear. Failing to come to a complete stop is an offense punishable by a fine and the loss of 4 points on your license.
• Yield (upside-down triangle): You are not required to stop if the way is clear, but you must slow down and let vehicles on the intersecting road pass.

Remember the distinction: STOP = mandatory full stop; Yield = give way to others without a forced stop.

Roundabouts and Rotaries

France has tens of thousands of roundabouts. The nearly universal rule today is:

• Vehicles already in the ring have priority. At the entrance, you will almost always find a "Yield" sign.
• Traffic flows counter-clockwise.
• Use your right turn signal when exiting to alert other road users.

Beware of the rare exception of the "right-of-way to the right" roundabout (such as Place de l'Étoile in Paris): there, entering vehicles have priority. These cases are clearly signed and remain exceptional.

Traffic Lights

• Green: You may proceed if the way is clear.
• Steady Amber (Yellow): Stop, unless stopping would be dangerous (e.g., you are already too committed to the intersection).
• Red: Mandatory stop. Running a red light results in a fine and the loss of 4 points.

A flashing amber arrow may sometimes allow you to turn, provided you yield to pedestrians and priority vehicles.

Speed Limits by Road Type

Here are the reference figures, applicable in dry weather for experienced drivers:

• 50 km/h in built-up areas (sometimes reduced to 30 km/h in many urban zones).
• 80 km/h on two-lane roads without a central divider. This limit, introduced in 2018 (previously 90 km/h), can be raised to 90 km/h by departmental decision: watch for signs, which always take precedence.
• 110 km/h on divided highways (expressways) and certain sections.
• 130 km/h on motorways.

Reductions in Rain (or other precipitation):

• Motorway: 110 km/h instead of 130.
• Divided highways: 100 km/h instead of 110.
• Other roads: 80 km/h instead of 90 (the 80 limit remains 80).

In fog reducing visibility to less than 50 meters, the speed limit is 50 km/h everywhere, including on motorways.

Novice Drivers

If you have recently obtained your license (the so-called probationary period, usually 3 years, or 2 years if you completed supervised driving), lower limits apply:

• Motorway: 110 km/h instead of 130.
• Divided highways: 100 km/h instead of 110.
• Roads limited to 90 km/h: 80 km/h.

The legal blood alcohol limit is also stricter for novices: 0.2 g/L of blood (practically meaning "zero drinks"), compared to 0.5 g/L for other drivers.

Safe Following Distance: The 2-Second Rule

Keeping your distance prevents the majority of rear-end collisions. The simple method:

• Identify a fixed point on the side of the road (sign, tree).
• When the vehicle ahead passes it, count "one thousand one, one thousand two."
• If you reach that point before finishing the count, you are too close.

This 2-second interval must be increased in bad weather (rain, snow, fog), as braking distances lengthen. On motorways, a useful reference: leave at least 2 dashes of the emergency lane between you and the vehicle ahead.

Key Takeaways

• Right-of-way to the right is the default, except at signed intersections, traffic lights, roundabouts, or exits from private property.
• STOP = mandatory full stop; Yield = give way to others without a forced stop.
• Dry weather speeds: 50 in towns, 80 on two-lane roads (since 2018, sometimes 90), 110 on expressways, 130 on motorways.
• Rain: motorway 110, expressway 100; fog < 50 m: 50 everywhere.
• Novices: reduced speeds (110/100/80) and alcohol limit of 0.2 g/L.
• Respect the 2-second rule for following distance, and increase it in bad weather.