Car rental in France

The system for paying penalties is, in some cases, quite unusual. For example, there are several types of offences where the penalty is only €45 if paid within the first 15 days, but if payment is made after 45 days you will be required to pay €180. As a rule, such "bonuses" apply to minor speeding offences. Overall, however, penalties in France are quite severe.

You should pay close attention to traffic signs. Speed limits across the country are generally the same, except in certain specific cases, which are clearly indicated on the signs. The following limits apply throughout France:

• In built-up areas the speed limit is 50 km/h;
• After leaving a built-up area you may drive at up to 90 km/h;
• On dual carriageways the speed limit is 110 km/h;
• The speed limit on motorways is 130 km/h.

In wet weather lower limits also apply. If it is raining, you should reduce your speed to 100 km/h on dual carriageways and to 110 km/h on motorways, with a minimum recommended speed of 80 km/h.
In conditions of reduced visibility, a maximum speed of 50 km/h applies on all roads.

Under French law it is forbidden to leave your car in the same place for more than 24 hours. It is better to use a parking meter, which are widely available across the country. Prepaid parking cards for use in these meters can be bought in tobacconists with red signage. If no restrictions are indicated, you can park free of charge from 7:00 PM to 9:00 AM, including at weekends and on public holidays. In addition, parking zones are free of charge throughout August.

It is of course inadvisable to drink alcohol when driving a hire car in France. However, if you cannot resist the famous French wine, then one or two glasses should not cause serious problems. In France you are allowed to drive with a blood alcohol level not exceeding 0.5‰.

• If the level is higher than 0.5‰ but lower than 0.8‰, a penalty of €135 will be imposed;
• A blood alcohol level higher than 0.8‰ will result in a penalty of €4,500 and disqualification from driving for 3 years. If the driver refuses to undergo a test, the penalty will be the same;
• Drivers of scooters and passenger cars must also carry a disposable breathalyser in their vehicle. This rule has been in force since 01 July 2012.

French traffic regulations are similar to those in the rest of Europe. However, there are several specific rules concerning the transport of children:

• Dipped headlights on passenger cars must be used in poor visibility and when driving through tunnels;
• Children under 10 years of age must travel in an appropriate child restraint. When a child is tall enough to use an adult seat belt (135-150 cm), a booster seat is no longer required. All children weighing less than 13 kg must travel with their back to the direction of travel. If a child is carried in the front seat, the airbag must be deactivated;
• Telephone calls made without a hands-free device are prohibited;
• Seat belts must be fastened by the driver and all passengers, both in the front and rear seats.

You will not find leaded petrol at French filling stations. Unleaded petrol is available with 95 and 98 octane ratings. You can also use diesel fuel. It is permitted to transport fuel in canisters. In addition, there are gas filling stations. Large supermarkets usually offer lower fuel prices than roadside stations.

• 95 petrol — €1,92;
• 98 petrol — €1,98;
• Diesel — €1,86;

The toll charged on roads in France depends directly on the type and category of vehicle and the distance travelled. There are also several toll bridges and tunnels. The payment system is very convenient. It accepts credit cards and cash, as well as remote payment systems. There are, of course, some nuances. For example, there are different tolls for passing through the Mont Blanc Tunnel, which connects France and Italy, depending on the country from which you are entering.