Car rental in Lyon

In Lyon, a system of penalties applies to traffic rule violations, which divides all offences into 5 classes:

• The first one – the driver does not comply with parking rules;
• The second one – the driver changes lanes or direction without giving any signals and has no insurance certificate;
• The third one – a car hired in Lyon exceeds the speed limit by no more than 20 km/h;
• The fourth one – using a mobile phone while driving;
• The fifth one – the speed limit is exceeded by more than 50 km/h.

Car booking in Lyon allows you to travel along the motorways of France, complying with the following standard speed limits:

• A built-up area - 50 km/h;
• A motorway - 110 km/h;
• A trunk highway - 130 km/h;
• Outside a built-up area - 90 km/h.

For motor vehicles with trailers there are different speed restrictions.

During wet weather, the following speed limits apply: for a motorway - 100 km/h, outside a built-up area - 80 km/h, for trunk highways - 110 km/h.

One of the most notable features of parking zones in Lyon is their operating conditions. A car hired in Lyon can be parked in any French city for a maximum period of 24 hours. This rule applies to one parking zone only, unless it is a long-term car park.

You will be able to use parking services by means of parking meters ("horodateurs"). Payment in such zones is made by credit card. You should also remember that most parking areas have free hours from 7:00 PM to 9:00 AM. In some cities, additional free parking hours are provided.

For a person who drives a motor vehicle, the permissible blood alcohol level is 0.5%. If this threshold is exceeded, the driver will be punished by a fine.

It should be noted that since July 2012 all motor vehicle drivers have been obliged to have a disposable breathalyser. Before starting your car trip, make sure you comply with this requirement of French legislation.

In Lyon, unleaded (sans plomb) petrol is used, as well as diesel fuel (gazole) for servicing cars. According to the traffic regulations in France, it is allowed to transport fuel in special canisters. Along the motorways, petrol stations (LPG) can be found with convenient access. Fuel prices at filling stations located along the motorways are a bit higher than those offered at more remote filling stations.

The use of motorways in France is subject to tolls. Therefore, when starting your trip in a rented car from Lyon to neighbouring cities in the country, you should bear in mind the need to pay tolls. You should also consider the need to pay special charges for passing through tunnels and certain sections of road.

The toll payment is based on the main rates applied to travelling on motorways, the distance covered, and the category of the car rented in Lyon.

The system of toll roads in France is managed by several companies located in different regions. The amount to be paid is always displayed on a digital board at the entrance to the toll section. Payment can be made in cash, by credit card or through a remote payment system.