We have always found this a relatively straight forward matter
and much less daunting than you might at first imagine. Firstly
there is relatively little traffic in Brittany and if you are
used to the traffic levels in and around most major UK towns and
cities you may well wonder what all the fuss is about. There is
far less, if any, pressure to do anything rapidly, so relax,
you’ve plenty of time to acclimatise. Secondly most of the
rules and regulations are very similar to the UK, even the speed
limits are similar, just a different unit of measurement. The
most obvious problem is driving on the right and for first timers
we would advocate particular attention to this phenomenon when
rejoining the road after a comfort or lunch break. A little
familiarity can catch you out, and most of us have been caught
out (driven on the left and got away with it).
The following tips may well be useful, but are given as
advice only and you must check their validity for
yourself.
SPEED LIMITS
These signs mark the beginning and end of a built up area and
where lower speed limits apply. Posted limits always apply. Be
warned Gendarmes with speed guns are very active at weekends,
particularly in high season. They are able to impose spot fines,
which you have to pay in cash before leaving the speeding site at
a rate of £60 a time. A new category of offence has been
created in the penal code for drivers who 'deliberately put the
lives of others in danger'. This applies when a third person has
been put in direct danger of injury or death through the driver's
disregard for safety precautions: (£10,000 for causing
slight injuries).
|
|
| Type of Road |
Dry Weather |
Wet Weather |
| Motorways |
130 kph |
110kph |
| Dual Carriageways |
110kph |
100kph |
| Normal Roads |
90kph |
80kph |
| Built up Areas |
50kph |
30kph |
Motorways – There are 8 000 kilometres of motorways,
mostly toll roads 'autoroutes à péage'. Because of
their private financing, prices per km can vary. (There are
special exit booths for vehicles with accounts:
télépéage automatique). You will find orange
emergency telephones every 2 km, parking and resting areas every
10 or 20 km. 24-hour petrol stations offer a basic maintenance
service, and are located approximately every 40 km. Most credit
cards are accepted as payment for tolls and at s ervice
stations.
Penalties
Drink and Drive:
DON'T. The limit is 0.05 per cent alcohol. Random breath tests
are frequent. The fines for exceeding the drinking level from
£90 (for a rate between 0,05 and 0,08 %) to
£3,000.
Police are authorised to impose and collect fines on the spot up
to £250 from drivers who violate traffic regulations.
(rarely the Police may accept vouchers from people covered by AA,
RAC or Europe Assistance motor insurance). For minor infractions,
outside parking violations, a 30% reduction on the amount of the
fine may be granted to drivers who pay the fine on the spot or
within 24 hours. If the motorist does not consider that he is at
fault, he will be asked to pay a deposit ('amende forfaitaire')
which varies according to the offence (e.g. £15 for not
wearing a seatbelt). The French Police must issue a receipt
showing the amount paid.
PRIORITE A LA DROITE
Priorite a Droite and other road signs In built-up areas, the
'priorité' still applies and you must give way to anybody
coming out of a side-turning on the right. However the
'priorité'rule no longer applies at roundabouts which
means you give way to cars already on the round about: watch for
signs and exercise great caution.
Priorite a la Droite applies
This sign is most often applicable outside of built up areas.
However if you have any doubts be very cautious.
Priorite a la Droite does not apply
OTHER RULES OF A GENERAL
NATURE
Seatbelts must be worn by the driver and front back-seat
passengers. Under-tens may not travel in the front unless the
child is in a specially approved fitted seat facing backwards.
Stop signs mean stop. Creeping slowly in first gear will not do.
Come to a complete halt.
No stopping on open roads unless the car is driven off the
road.
Overtaking where there is a solid single centre line is heavily
penalised.
A red warning triangle to be carried in case of breakdown unless
your car has hazard warning lights, but strongly advised anyway
as breakdown may affect your electrics. However it is compulsory
for cars towing a caravan or a trailer.
Full or dipped headlights, as in UK, in poor visibility and at
night.
Sidelights only when car is stationary.
It is strongly advisable to have a complete spare-bulb kit (buy
before you go) as it is illegal to drive in France with faulty
lights.
Beams must be adjusted for right-hand drive.
Yellow-tinted headlights are not compulsory for tourist
vehicles.
Here are some French words and phrases that you may encounter
on the roads whilst driving in France.
| Cédez le passage |
Give way |
| Douane |
Customs |
| Rappel |
Reminder |
| Fin de chantier |
End of works/site/roadworks |
| Ralentir |
Slow down |
| Arrêt |
Stop |
| Passage piétons |
Pedestrian crossing |
| Vous n’avez pas la priorité |
You do not have priority |
| Chaussée glissante |
Road is slippery |
| Chaussée déformer |
Road is deformed/bad condition |