France by car – traffic, road safety.

Information on traffic and safety on French roads. How to travel by car in France.

Due to the relatively short distance between Poland and France, many tourists choose a car as a means of transport during their holidays in this country. There are also many who, arriving by plane, decide to rent a car to make it easier to move between more distant places. When planning such a trip, it is worth getting acquainted with some information and advice on road traffic and safety in France.

French roads.

French roads are among the best in Europe. The country has over 11,000 kilometers of highways, the vast majority of which are toll roads. The toll is usually collected after leaving a given road section and depends on the type of vehicle, the length of the traveled section and the traffic volume on a given motorway. The network of French highways allows you to easily reach all major cities. In addition to motorways, there are also expressways and roads of lesser importance in France. However, all of them are in very good condition and provide the opportunity to reach virtually all, even the most located places in the province.

Road traffic regulations in France.

The French are much more rigorous than the Poles in complying with road traffic regulations. Therefore, before leaving for France, it is worth knowing a few of the most basic rules so as not to risk paying a fine. these are very high.

  • People riding in the car must wear seat belts – mandatory in the front seats, in the rear seats if such seat belts are installed.
  • It is recommended to use dipped headlights around the clock, in all seasons
  • Snow chains are obligatory on roads marked with special signs – this is especially important for tourists going to the French mountains for skiing
  • The car must be equipped with a first aid kit, and the driver must have a reflective vest, which must be used when leaving the vehicle on the road
  • There is a speed limit of 50 km / h in built-up areas
  • The motorways can be driven at speeds of up to 130 km / h, provided that the driving conditions are good
  • There are special restrictions for passenger cars with caravans. They must move slower than other vehicles of the same type.
  • Pay attention to parking zones – the so-called blue zones, i.e. those where parking is limited, require a special floppy disk, which can be purchased at the police station or store. However, in Paris there are many places where parking is prohibited

Safety on French roads.

French roads are among the safest in Europe. This is due not only to their good technical condition, but also to the prudence of the drivers. Therefore, a trip around France by car does not carry any risks, and can be a great adventure.