Uk Driving Licence: Valid For France Travel?

France is a popular destination for UK citizens, with its stunning countryside and vibrant cities. If you're planning a driving holiday, there are a few things you should know. Here's an introduction to the topic.

You can currently use your UK driving licence to drive in France, as long as it is valid and you are 18 years or older. However, there are a few additional requirements. You will need to display a UK sticker on the rear of your car, and may also need an air pollution or Crit'Air sticker, depending on the emissions category of your vehicle. It is also compulsory to carry certain items, including a warning triangle, reflective jacket, headlight beam deflectors, and spare bulbs for your lights.

In terms of insurance, since 2nd August 2021, drivers no longer require a Green Card (proof of insurance) for taking their vehicles to France or any other EU country. However, you will still need to have valid insurance and vehicle documents, such as a V5, as well as your passport, to drive in France.

It's important to be aware of the local driving laws and regulations, which differ from those in the UK. For example, the speed limit on motorways is 80mph in France, and this is reduced to 68mph when it is raining. The limits on A and B roads were also reduced to 50mph in 2018. Remember to give way to the right when at an intersection, and be aware of other road rules to avoid fines.

So, if you're planning a driving holiday to France, make sure you're familiar with the requirements and local driving laws to ensure a smooth trip.

Driving licence requirements for UK citizens in France

If you are a UK citizen visiting France, you can drive using your UK driving licence. However, there are a few requirements and additional considerations to keep in mind.

Firstly, it is important to ensure that your UK driving licence is valid and up to date. If your licence was issued before January 1, 2021, it will be recognised in France indefinitely as long as it is still valid. On the other hand, if your licence was issued on or after January 1, 2021, it will only be recognised for one year from the date of issue of your residency permit. In this case, if you plan to stay in France for more than a year, you must exchange your UK licence for a French licence within the first year.

In addition to a valid driving licence, there are several other documents you should carry when driving in France. These include proof of ID (such as a passport), a motor insurance certificate, and your vehicle registration document (V5C certificate or "log book"). It is also recommended to have an International Driving Permit (IDP), especially if you plan to drive in countries outside the EU.

When driving in France, there are certain items that you are required to have in your vehicle. These include reflective jackets, a warning triangle, headlamp beam deflectors, and a safety helmet if you are riding a motorcycle. It is also important to display a UK sticker on the rear of your car, as the distinguishing mark for vehicles registered in the UK has changed from "GB" to "UK". Additionally, certain cities in France require you to display a "Clean Air" sticker or "Crit'Air vignette" on your windscreen.

It is worth noting that driving in France differs from driving in the UK in several ways. For example, France drives on the right-hand side of the road, and there are different rules for overtaking and giving way. Familiarising yourself with these differences and the local driving laws is essential for a safe and enjoyable trip.

Finally, it is recommended to have European Breakdown Cover and a European driving kit, which can be essential in the event of an emergency and to ensure you have all the necessary items required by law when driving in France.

Driving licence requirements for non-UK and non-EU citizens in France

If you are a non-EU citizen and your driving licence was issued by a country outside of the European Economic Area (EEA), you can drive in France with your current licence for up to one year. After that, you will need to exchange it for a French licence or take a French driving test.

To be able to exchange your non-EU driving licence for a French one, the issuing country needs to have signed an exchange agreement with France. If the issuing country has not signed an exchange agreement with France, you will need to take the French driving test.

If you are a student, your foreign driving licence will be recognised for the entire duration of your studies in France.

If you are a tourist, you can drive in France with your non-EU driving licence.

To be recognised in France, a driving licence must be valid, and the driver must be above the legal driving age (at least 18 years old for a "B" licence). The licence must also be used in accordance with any medical instructions displayed on it (e.g. mandatory eyeglass use).

For non-European nationals, the driving licence must have been issued in the holder's usual country of residence before their arrival in France. It must also be drafted in French or accompanied by an official translation.

What documents do I need to drive in France?

If you're planning a driving holiday in France, there are some key documents you'll need to ensure you have a smooth trip. Here's a detailed list of what you'll need:

• A full, valid UK driving licence. Your licence must be valid for the duration of your stay, and you must be at least 18 years old to drive in France. If your licence was issued after 1 January 2021, it is recognised for one year from the date of issue of your residency permit. If you intend to stay longer than a year, you must exchange your UK licence for a French one during your first year.
• Proof of ID (passport). Your passport must be valid for the duration of your trip and meet the entry requirements for France.
• Motor insurance certificate. Ensure your car insurance covers you for driving in France.
• Vehicle registration document (V5C certificate). This proves you're the legal owner of the vehicle.
• A 'clean air' sticker (Crit'Air vignette). This sticker categorises your vehicle's emissions and is required for driving in certain cities. You can check if you need one and purchase it on the French Ministry of Environment website.
• Reflective jackets. You must carry one for each occupant in the vehicle, and they must be kept inside the car and easily accessible.
• A warning triangle. This is compulsory and you must carry it in the car.
• A UK sticker. You may need to display a white oval-shaped UK sticker on the rear of your vehicle if your number plate doesn't have a flag or identifier, or if it has a GB identifier, an EU flag, or an English, Scottish, or Welsh flag.
• Headlamp beam deflectors. You'll need these to adjust your headlights for driving on the right-hand side of the road.
• Other recommended items include a first aid kit, a torch, and photocopies of important documents.

What equipment do I need to drive in France?

• A full, valid driving licence and national insurance number
• Proof of vehicle insurance
• Proof of ID (passport)
• V5C certificate (the 'log book')
• Travel insurance documents
• European Breakdown Cover policy number and documents
• A UK sticker on the rear of your car
• A warning triangle (compulsory in most countries)
• Headlamp beam deflectors (depending on your car, you may need deflector stickers or to adjust the beam manually)
• A safety helmet if you are riding a moped or motorcycle
• A Crit'Air sticker if driving in certain cities
• A high-quality torch
• Additional engine oil and water (for topping up)
• An up-to-date road map or satellite navigation system
• A first aid kit (compulsory in France)
• A spare set of car keys
• A high-visibility vest for each occupant of the vehicle
• A spare set of bulbs
• A breathalyser kit
• A spare pair of glasses (if you need glasses for driving)

Other things to keep in mind:

• You must be at least 18 years old to drive in France
• Your vehicle should be taxed in the UK
• All occupants must wear a seatbelt at all times
• You must not use your mobile phone while driving
• You must not wear headphones while driving (except motorcycle helmets with headphones integrated)
• You must not use anything in or on your vehicle that warns you of the location of speed cameras

Rules of the road in France

Driving on the Right

France, like the USA, drives on the right-hand side of the road. This means that, generally, you'll be negotiating roundabouts in an anti-clockwise direction, rather than a clockwise one.

Overtaking

As a general rule, drive on the right, and overtake on the left. However, where traffic is in lanes, vehicles may overtake on the right of other vehicles in slower-moving lanes. On steep gradients, vehicles travelling downhill must give way to vehicles travelling uphill. Overtaking trams is normally permitted on the right only; it is permitted on the left on one-way streets if there is not enough space on the right.

Priority

At intersections, you must give way to vehicles approaching from your right, unless otherwise indicated. Drivers approaching a roundabout must give way to traffic already on the roundabout. You must also give way to emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens.

Warning of Approach

Horns may only be used to give necessary warnings to other road users. Between sunset and sunrise, warning must be given by flashing passing lights. The horn may only be used in cases of absolute necessity. In all built-up areas, the use of the horn is prohibited except in cases of immediate danger. The use of multi-tone horns, sirens and whistles is prohibited.

Seat Belt Law

If seat belts are fitted to your car, they must be worn by both drivers and passengers. The driver is responsible for ensuring that all passengers under the age of 18 are suitably restrained. The fine for failing to wear a seat belt is €135, reduced to €90 if paid within 15 days.

Traffic Lights

The international three-colour traffic light system is used in France. However, there is no amber light after the red light. A flashing amber light indicates caution and means you can proceed but must give way to vehicles coming from the right. A flashing red light indicates no entry.

Speed Limits

Speed limits are standardised throughout France and are indicated using kilometres and metres. They are lowered in rain and other adverse weather conditions. There is a minimum speed limit of 80 km/h on motorways for vehicles travelling in the outside lane.

The following national speed limits apply:

• Priority roads and dual carriageways: 130 km/h
• Rain or other precipitation: 110 km/h
• Visibility less than 50m: 50 km/h

Roundabouts

Traffic already on a roundabout has priority over traffic entering it. Roundabouts may have many exits, usually with excellent signage. If you miss a sign, you can simply drive around again! Always use your right signal to indicate you are about to exit the roundabout.

Drinking and Driving

The blood alcohol limit in France is .05% – even lower than the .08% typical in the US. A new law passed in 2015 sets the limit at .02% for new drivers who have had a driver's licence for fewer than three years. Hefty fines can be demanded on the spot if you are caught above these limits.

Parking

When parking in a public garage, make sure you take your ticket with you and then pay at one of the automatic kiosks before returning to your car to exit. When parking in towns along the streets, paid parking is often indicated by the term "Payant". There are no parking meters, so you will need to look for a pay kiosk along the sidewalk in the middle of the block. Most French parking kiosks will take American chipped credit cards. After you pay, take your ticket back to your car and place it on the dashboard.

Frequently asked questions