Driving in France: A Guide to Renting a Car for Your French Getaway?

If you’re planning a trip to France, ensure everything is arranged in advance. This article outlines the essentials for car rental and driving in France.

Affordable Car Rentals in France

Guidelines for Driving in France

Before embarking on your vacation or business journey in France, be sure to review all the rules and requirements – there are several to consider!

Essential Documents to Have When Driving in France

Here’s a brief overview of everything you need to bring along, remembering that the minimum driving age in France is 18+:

• Current driver’s license (along with a French translation or an International Driving Permit)
• Valid passport or National ID Card (for EU residents)
• Car equipment
• Additionally, your rental vehicle should come with the following items:
• Warning triangle
• High-visibility vest

Other seasonal requirements may include:

• Snow chains (if you’re driving in a “Snow Zone” from November 1st to March 31st)

Renting a Vehicle in France

Here’s everything you should know if you’re considering renting a car in France.

What do you need to rent a car in France?

To rent a car in France, you must be at least 18 years old. However, some rental companies may require a higher minimum age. Below is a list of commonly required documents:

• Valid driver’s license (which you must have held for at least a year)
• Translation of your driver’s license in French or an International Driving Permit (IDP)
• Valid passport for identification purposes
• Credit card (some agencies may accept debit cards, but not all)
• Third-party liability insurance (usually included in the rental agreement)

Advice for Renting a Car in France

Keep in mind a few key points when renting a car in France. Typically, rental policies include unlimited third-party insurance as it’s a legal requirement for driving in France. For extra insurance, it’s wise to compare options and shop around, as purchasing directly from the rental agency may be more expensive.

If you plan to drive across multiple countries, be sure to notify the rental car company ahead of time, and confirm that your insurance covers all the destinations you intend to visit.

Upon picking up your rental car, carefully examine it for any dents or scratches, and take photos when returning it as evidence of its condition. Also, remember that if you collect the car with a full tank, you must return it the same way to avoid refueling fees.

Driving Regulations in France

Minimum Age to Drive

In France, the minimum age for driving is 16 for motorcycles, 18 for cars, and 21 for larger vehicles such as buses.

Speed Regulations

Under normal traffic and weather conditions, the speed limits are 50 km/h (approximately 30 mph) in urban areas, 80 km/h (about 50 mph) on main roads, 110 km/h (around 70 mph) on priority routes, and 130 km/h (roughly 80 mph) on motorways.

The latter three speed limits are reduced in the event of rain or low visibility. Keep in mind that speed limits in France are indicated in km/h, so it’s beneficial to familiarize yourself with this measurement system.

Highways and Toll Roads

French highways are privately owned by various companies and typically require payment of a toll. You can pay this either in cash or by card, but only Mastercard and Visa are accepted.

On the highways, you’ll encounter three types of service areas: parking lots, rest areas equipped with playgrounds and toilets, and full-service areas featuring shops and gas stations. In emergencies, you must not contact your own towing service; instead, use one of the orange emergency phones located every 2 km along the highways for assistance.

Navigating Roundabouts

In France, there are two types of roundabouts, each with distinct rules.

In traditional roundabouts, vehicles already circulating must yield to those entering from the right. These older roundabouts are becoming less common, with the most notable being the one around the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Typically, these roundabouts can be identified by a triangular sign with a red border and a black X at its center. In contrast, modern roundabouts grant priority to vehicles already on the roundabout. Emergency vehicles with flashing sirens always have the right of way, regardless of their direction.

Blood Alcohol Limit & Drunk Driving

The rule in France is ‘Celui qui conduit, c’est celui qui ne boit pas,’ which translates to ‘The driver is the one who does not drink.’ This important rule is strictly enforced by police on the roads.

The maximum allowable blood-alcohol concentration is 0.05%. This limit is lower than in most parts of the United States, so be mindful of your alcohol intake while in France.

Child Seat Regulations

Children up to 10 years old are required to use a child seat or restraint. Infants weighing under 30 lbs (13 kg) must be in a rear-facing car seat, while children under 40 lbs (18 kg) should be secured in a child seat with a protection tray or five-point harness. Additionally, children below 80 lbs (36 kg) need to use a booster seat or cushion with an adult seatbelt for safety.

Low Emission Zones

Penalties & Fines

Payment Methods

Accepted payment options include cash in euros, credit or debit cards, and traveler’s checks.

Parking Regulations

When seeking parking on a two-way street, you are only permitted to park on the right side. However, on a one-way street, you can park on either side as long as there is sufficient space. Watch for yellow lines on the curb indicating no-parking zones, and check for signs indicating whether payment is required. Look for a large “P” on parking meters, known as “horodateurs,” if a fee is necessary. If not, there will be a symbol of a parking meter, usually located in the bottom right corner. Disabled drivers have designated parking spots and are exempt from fees.

Fuel Types

Knowing the names of various fuel types in French is crucial to avoid confusion. SP95/E10 is an unleaded fuel containing 90% gasoline and 10% ethanol, while E85 consists of 70% to 85% ethanol with the remainder being gasoline. Remember, 'Gasole' refers to diesel, not gasoline! Additionally, GPL is available, and some areas may also have electric charging stations.

Payment can typically be made in cash or by card, but be aware that some foreign-issued cards might not work with automated machines. It’s wise to carry enough cash, particularly when traveling on Sundays.

How Dinogo Curates This Guide

Dinogo is dedicated to utilizing its extensive travel experience. A team of expert travel writers has meticulously compiled and verified this guide to deliver the latest and most accurate travel information. Dinogo aims to be your go-to resource for all travel-related inquiries.

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