The ultimate guide to driving in France

What driving licence do I need to drive in France?

Thankfully, if you hold a full UK driving licence you do not need to apply for another type before visiting our European neighbours if you are aged 18 and over. 

International driving permits are recognised in France, but are not a legal requirement.

However, those with an old paper licence, or one issued in Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, will need to get a 1968 international driving permit.  

Documents needed to drive in France

Besides your full UK driving licence, there are a number of other documents that you will need to take with you across the channel. This includes:

• Proof of ID such as a valid passport
• Original V5 registration document 
• UK driving licence  
• Car insurance certificate 

These will need to be carried with you each time you get into your vehicle, just in case you are pulled over by French authorities. 

The new Entry/Exit system EES

This was launched in late 2025 in a gradual process, but is now in full effect. The European Union now has a new Entry/Exit system (EES) that means you will no longer receive a physical passport stamp when travelling to France. Instead a new digital border system has been put in place for those visiting the Schengen area from non-EU countries. 

EES checks have been phased in since October 2025 and as of April 10, 2026, they are now fully implemented. This new system is designed to record your entry and exit in and out of this part of Europe, but there are a few things you need to do before travelling.

You will need to register your biometric details, such as your fingerprints and a photo, when you first arrive. Because of this, you may want to allow extra time for your journey due to the number of people who will be doing this for the first time.    

Children under 12 will not need to provide fingerprints, however, they will still need to register and have their photo taken.

A digital record will need to be made at the port on your visit to the Schengen area at the dedicated booths to have your fingerprints and photograph taken. Those who travel through the Eurotunnel (now known as LeShuttle), will have checks done in the UK before you leave the country. 

Your EES record will last for three years and will be re-verified when you cross the border. You can’t stay for more than 90 days in a 180-day period, no matter if your trip is for work or leisure.

European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

ETIAS is a new document that has yet to launch, but could be out late in 2026, however, that could still change at the time of writing. It is meant for UK citizens and other visa-exempt travellers. And it acts like the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), which is what you receive when you visit the USA. 

The document has not yet been launched, but could go live in 2026. Therefore, it’s a good idea to check if this is active before your planned trip to Europe, whether that’s later in the year or in the years coming. The reason being, that you will need to register before your journey, which you will need to do online, before you reach the Channel Tunnel, and it will cost a small fee.

Those aged over 70 and under 18 will not need to pay a fee, according to the official rules.

What do I need to drive in France?

Besides the legal documents you need to take whilst driving in France, there’s a lot of other items that you should be aware of when crossing the channel, including mandatory ones.

Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

Motorists driving in France don’t need to pack a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which replaces the old European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but it’s certainly a good idea too. 

GHIC offers similar protection for travellers as that afforded by EHIC when a UK resident is in the EU on a temporary stay, for business or pleasure. It allows UK residents to access necessary state and emergency care and is valid in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and several other countries outside of Europe. 

GHICs can be obtained through the NHS website and are free of charge. Travellers are advised to apply at least two weeks before their trip.

It must be noted that this should not be seen as a replacement for regular travel insurance, which you should take out for protection in case of emergency illness or injury, loss of luggage, delays and cancellations to your trip and much more. 

Car insurance

If you are driving in France it’s always best to ensure your car insurance covers you whilst you are abroad, as you may not have overseas cover. 

We offer free European cover with our car insurance policies for up to 30, 60 or 90 days depending on your needs.

Whilst some UK policies offer third-party cover that is needed to drive in France, just because you have fully-comprehensive cover in the UK, it doesn’t mean you will automatically have the same cover in France. 

European breakdown cover 

Our European breakdown cover is available from £42 a year and provides you with 60 days’ breakdown cover while driving in France, in any one calendar year. Sterling can arrange roadside recovery or a reliable home repair service, whether your car or van breaks down in the UK, Europe or further afield. 

Should you break down on a French motorway, use the orange emergency phones that are found every two kilometres or dial 112. You will then be towed to a safe zone before your roadside recovery can help you. 

Emissions stickers

You may have heard that some countries have tough regulations that require you to buy and display an emissions sticker showing how much pollution your vehicle generates. They cost very little, but the fines you receive for not displaying a sticker can be very expensive.

Drivers travelling through parts of France should now display a windscreen emissions sticker labelling how much their car pollutes according to the French government. The label will set holidaymakers back £4, but should you fail to correctly display one, you may end up with a big fine now that their camera-based enforcement has gone live.

There’s over 40 cities and metropolitan areas in France that require the sticker known as Crit’Air, which lasts for the lifespan of your vehicle, and must be displayed before you cross the Channel. It is worth noting there are six different types of stickers and you will need to display the correct one upon entering the country. 

They range from 0/E to 5 with the cleanest polluting cars, such as electric and hydrogen fuelled engines, requiring a 0/E.  

Some cities that have low emission zones could prohibit your car at certain times of the day, and depending on how much your vehicle pollutes, they could ban you from driving in the area altogether. You can find out where you will need an emissions sticker and which of the six stickers you will need online.

While emissions stickers are currently needed by law, the French parliament voted on a bill in April 2026 to abolish or decentralise the low emissions zones (ZFE). However, until the law has been fully implemented you will still need an emissions sticker. It’s always best to check the government website for any changes that may be in effect for the different cities and areas that you visit in France. 

Check your satnav

It’s illegal in France and several other EU countries to use satnavs or other electronic equipment that alerts you of the precise location of speed enforcement cameras. This includes mobile apps and satnavs. 

If yours provides such alerts, you will need to disable it or update it to ‘Danger Zone’ before entering France, so you are not alerted. Failing to do so could land you with a hefty fine. Some apps may update to French law automatically, however, you should always check they have done so rather than hoping that they have.  

Reflective jackets

A little known rule you may not know, is there must be at least one reflective jacket for each passenger and the driver, and they must be kept within the cabin of the car, such as under the seat or the glove box, and not in the boot. 

The simple reason is you will need to put the reflective jacket on before you get out of the vehicle in an emergency. 

Warning triangle

If you drive a four-wheeled vehicle, you are legally required to have at least one warning triangle in the event you may break down. If this were to happen on a standard road, you will need to place it at least 30 metres behind the rear of your vehicle to alert oncoming traffic. 

French safety road authorities however, advise against using a warning triangle on motorways. It is incredibly dangerous. Instead, turn on your hazard lights, put on a high-vis vest before exiting the vehicle and stand behind the safety barrier when it is safe to do so. 

Headlamp beam deflectors

Deflector stickers are needed to prevent dazzling oncoming drivers. You can buy deflector stickers from most car shops and, more expensively, at ferry ports and the Eurotunnel (now known as LeShuttle) terminal. You may also be able to adjust the beam manually.

Some modern cars with LED lights allow you to adjust the beams yourself. So it’s a good idea to check your manual before you head off on your European road trip. 

First aid kit

This is not a compulsory item in France, but it’s recommended to take a first aid kit with you. If you are looking to travel further into Europe, such as Austria, Belgium or Germany, then you should note it is mandatory in those countries along with other places in the EU, so check official travel guidance first with the government website.  

Plus at least you’ll have on hand basic first aid items, such as plaster and bandages, if you do get injured during your trip. 

Bulbs, basic tools and other spares

Replacement bulbs, belts, wiper blades, oil, water and other lubricants, along with the tools to fit replacement parts or top-up lubricant levels, are also advisable. 

Many modern cars with LED lights will not be simple to fix on the roadside as they are often sealed, but it’s a good idea to take spare bulbs with you to ask for assistance by a professional when you can. 

UK sticker

If your vehicle is registered in the UK you will need to stick a UK sticker on your car. This used to be a GB sticker, but has since changed since September 2021, partly due to Brexit.

This is so officials in France can identify where the vehicle has come from. 

If your car has a modern number plate that has the Union Flag, and the letters UK, you may not need a separate sticker for your car in France. However, if you’re looking to drive further into Europe, you will need a separate sticker regardless for certain countries like Spain, Malta and Cyprus.

Cars with a Euro symbol, GB flag or a national flag, will all require a UK sticker.  

Winter tyres or snow chains

This is only mandatory if you are visiting between November 1 and March 31. France tends to get worse winter weather in certain parts of the country, and this is for yours and other road users’ protection.

The mountain law does apply to 48 departments (called counties in the UK), but there are 34 mountainous areas where you are required to have winter tyres or carry snow chains/socks in the boot of your vehicle between November 1 and March 31, even if there is no snow on the road. Failing to do this can see you hit with a fine. 

It’s also worth noting that since late 2024, simply having “M+S” tyres for mud and snow displayed on your tyres is no longer enough. You will need tyres that have the three peak mountain snowflake symbol 3PMSF, especially if you are not carrying chains. 

You can be refused entry in some high-altitude areas if you are only using snow socks, as metal chains are better for safety.

What can’t I take to France in my car?

You are not permitted to take any meat or products containing meat, milk or any dairy products. 

On top of this you are not allowed to take vegetables, plants or fresh fruit, unless you are willing to pay for them to be inspected upon entry to the country, or if you are willing to get a phytosanitary certificate, which is not only time consuming, but expensive. There are some exceptions for certain fruit.

If you need these items for medical reasons, then you may be granted an exception, but you will need to contact the embassy before leaving for your trip. It’s also a good idea to carry a doctor’s letter (ideally translated if possible) should you need to bring food for medical reasons.

There is also some exceptions for powdered milk, baby formula/food and specialised medical pet food in small amounts. However, it must be unopened, in its original packaging and shelf-stable.  

Are driving rules different in France?

Like most countries, driving rules have slight variants in France. For a start they drive on the opposite side of the road to the UK. 

Below is a list of some of the other differences you will encounter: 

Overtaking

As a general rule of thumb you will need to drive on the right and overtake on the left of a vehicle on roads that permit overtaking. 

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 moving trams is normally permitted on the right only. If you are on a one-way street, you may overtake on the left if there’s not enough space on the right.

Using a horn

Horns can only be used if it is absolutely necessary, such as to warn other drivers of danger. Between sunset and sunrise, warnings must be given through flashing your lights, but again if needs be a horn can be used as a last resort. 

Seatbelts and car seats

Just like the UK, seatbelts, if fitted to your car, must be used by everyone in the vehicle. If you have a passenger who is under 18, it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure they are wearing one. Failing to do so will result in a €135 fine, reduced to €90 if paid within 15 days. 

Children under the age of 10 must travel in an approved child seat or restraint fitted to their age and size. They are also not allowed to travel in the front seat of a vehicle without using a restraint, unless there is no rear seat, the rear seat is already occupied with children under 10 or there are no seat belts. 

Traffic light system

France still uses the three-coloured traffic light system we use in the UK, but there are a few subtle changes such as; 

• There’s no amber light after red
• A flashing red light indicates no entry, an exit is being used by emergency vehicles or indicates a level crossing 

• A flashing amber light indicates caution, slow down or proceed but give way to vehicles coming from the right
• If a red light is accompanied by a yellow arrow, you can proceed in the direction indicated by the arrow, provided you give way to vehicles and pedestrians travelling in that direction

Who has priority when driving?

The priority rules for driving in France are also slightly different from those in the UK. At a junction you will need to give way to vehicles approaching from the right, unless it indicates differently on a road sign. 

A yellow diamond sign with a white border means you are on a priority road and you have the right of way at all junctions. A yellow diamond sign with a black diagonal line signals the end of the priority road. 

A red triangle with a black ‘X’ is an explicit warning that you must give way to the right at the next junction. A red triangle with a thick upward arrow means you have priority at the next junction only.  

It’s also worth noting that roundabouts work the same way in France as they do in the UK in terms of giving way to traffic already circling. However, keep in mind that you will travel anti-clockwise, due to the nature of driving on the opposite side of the road. 

Breathalysers

It used to be that a driver was required by law to carry breathalysers with them when driving in France, luckily that rule was changed in 2020. However, we would still recommend you take one with you just in case. 

French police have the power to carry out random breathalyser tests, just like in the UK, if they suspect you are drink-driving. A test is also compulsory if you are involved in a traffic incident or you’ve committed a driving offence.

The limit for alcohol in your system is also different. It is still measured using the Blood Alcohol Concentration limit (BAC), but unlike the UK, where you are permitted up to 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, or 0.08%, in France you are only allowed 50 milligrams (0.05%). If you are a new driver, or held your licence for less than three years, the limit is 0.02%.  

If you are found to be driving over this threshold, you can expect to be fined, have your vehicle confiscated, face a ban from driving or even be handed a prison sentence.  

Parking

Parking is slightly different in France, with drivers only being able to park on the right-hand side of a road if it has two lanes. You may opt to park on either side if it is a one-way street, like in the UK.

Street signs will signal what the local rules are, how long you are permitted to park there for and if non-permit holders can park in streets. Yellow lines will indicate if leaving your vehicle is prohibited or not, just like in the UK. Solid yellow means no stopping or parking, whilst dashed yellow means you may be able to stop briefly to unload/load or drop off passengers. 

If you purchase a blue parking disc, parking in a lot of French towns can be free. These can be purchased at local newsagents, tourism offices and online for a small fee and allow you to park in Zone Bleue parking zones. You set the time on the disc to your arrival time and display it clearly through your windscreen.

If you see the word ‘payant’ it means the parking area is one where you are obliged to pay for a ticket. ‘Stationnement interdit’ means that no parking is allowed.

What happens if I get fined whilst driving in France?

Since Brexit, French authorities are no longer allowed to automatically send camera fines for speeding to your address in the UK after the data-sharing agreement ended. 

But that doesn’t mean you can ignore the driving rules when visiting the country. French police can issue on the spot fines and have the power to seize your vehicle if you can’t, or refuse, to pay the fine.  

What to do in an emergency in France when driving 

Emergency telephones are linked to an SOS line, similar to the UK, and are installed every two kilometres along the motorways.

You can also dial 112 from anywhere in Europe and an operator will connect you to an emergency service in the country you’re visiting. Operators can answer your call in English. 

It’s also worth noting that in France you are not allowed to contact your own roadside recovery service when you have broken down on a motorway. The police will dispatch an on-duty recovery truck to you after you have either dialled 112, or used an orange SOS box. 

Speed limits in France 

Unlike in the UK, the French’s speed limit signs are marked in kilometres per hour instead of miles per hour. This means if you see a sign for 80km/h this doesn’t mean the same as 80mph. It means 50mph. 

Speed limits are also lowered when it’s raining and other adverse weather conditions, while special restrictions apply for certain classes of vehicle, including coaches and cars with trailers.

There is a minimum speed limit of 80 km/h (50mph) on motorways for vehicles travelling in the outside lane.

Speeding fines in France  

A standard fine for breaking the speed limit is €135. If you are found to be breaking the speed limit by more than 40km/h (24mph) you can have your driving licence confiscated by the police.

Since December 2025, France upgraded extreme speeding to a criminal offence for those travelling 50km/h (31mph) over the limit. 

Driving a campervan and towing a caravan in France

Campervans are not allowed to exceed 12 metres in length, and 2.55 metres in width. There are no height restrictions. However, there are a lot of French toll roads and major tunnels that have a four-metre limit. Anything above this may require a permit.  

Cars with caravans are not allowed to exceed a combined 18.75 metres in length, and 2.55 metres in width. There are no height restrictions.

Loads on vehicles with two axles mustn’t exceed 19 tonnes. While weights at single axles mustn’t exceed 12 tonnes.

Motorists with a Category B licence are allowed to tow a trailer with a maximum authorised mass of 750kg, including the trailer and its load. If the trailer is heavier, the rules are changed based on your total outfit weight. 

Any trailer or caravan exceeding 750kg will need to be registered with the DVLA to travel to France, and have its own registration plate and you will need to carry the trailer registration certificate. 

If a motorhome or caravan has a maximum authorised mass of over three and a half tonnes you will legally need a ‘Angles Morts’ sticker on the rear and both sides of the vehicle, or face a fine. 

Who can hire a car in France?

In order to hire a car in France some providers state you must be at least 21 years old, own a full UK driving licence and provide a secondary method of ID such as a passport. It’s also worth noting that most rentals will not lend you a vehicle unless you have been driving for at least a year. For those wanting to drive larger vehicles, you will need to have driven longer, and will probably ask you for a credit card to make the deposit. 

Drivers under 25 may also be asked to pay a ‘young driver surcharge’ and some companies may ask for a DVLA check code to see your penalty points record in the UK. You can get one of these check codes up to 21 days before your trip on the government website. 

Driving rules in Europe may have changed since this article was updated in May 2026. Please check official government sources before travelling. This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal or travel advice. While we aim to keep information up to date, we can’t guarantee its completeness or full accuracy. 

European car insurance and breakdown cover

If you’re planning on driving in France you will need to ensure you have the right European car insurance to give you peace of mind should the worst happen.

No matter the vehicle, make sure to take our breakdown insurance with you.

Sterling also has a range of car insurance policies for every sort of car, van and campervan, with EU cover available. Call us on 0344 381 9990 for a quote or request a callback at a time better suited to you.