United States → France

Driving in France when you know the US

Differences first, worst-to-get-wrong first. Rules that match are folded away at the bottom.

What to check before you drive in France

These are the key destination rules to check first. The comparison below shows every verified difference. Follow local signs and instructions on the road.

Which side of the road do you drive on in France?: In France you drive on the right.
What is the speed limit in France?: 130 km/h on motorways, 110 km/h on dual carriageways, 80 km/h on country roads and 50 km/h in towns and cities. Those are the national default limits, which apply where no sign says otherwise.
What is the drink driving limit in France?: The legal limit in France is 0.5 g/l. Drivers who passed their test recently are held to 0.2 g/l.
What do you have to carry in your car in France?: You must carry a warning triangle and a high-visibility vest. The vest must be within reach and worn if you leave a broken-down car on the road. Missing either is a 135 euro fine.

Read the full driving rules in France and the required car equipment in France .

Looking to rent a car? Rental agencies often have their own rules on driving ages and equipment, make sure you check with them before you travel.
We earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you. How we make money.

Need mobile data for navigation? A local eSIM is often cheaper than roaming. Install it before you land, so your maps work from the rental car park. We earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you. How we make money.

What's different (1)

Emergency number

Good to know

US · home911Checked 3 Aug 2026

France · destination112Direct lines also work: 15 medical, 17 police, 18 fire.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Known on one side only (34)

Speed limit on the motorway

Varies by region

US · homeNo single national answer:

Texas75 mph — about 121 km/hThe commission may set 80 or 85 where the road is designed for it — the highest signed limits in the country.Checked 3 Aug 2026

California65 mph — about 105 km/hThe general maximum unless 70 is posted.Checked 3 Aug 2026

France · destination130 km/h110 in rain. Lower limits are signed in tunnels and roadworks.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Speed limit on country roads

Varies by region

US · homeNo single national answer:

Texas70 mph — about 113 km/hThe statutory maximum unless the commission raises it for a numbered highway.Checked 3 Aug 2026

California55 mph — about 89 km/hOn a two-lane undivided highway, and for anything towing a trailer.Checked 3 Aug 2026

France · destination80 km/hDepartments may sign 90 on some roads. Sections with two lanes in the same direction are 90 on those lanes.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Speed limit in towns and cities

Varies by region

US · homeNo single national answer:

Texas30 mph — about 48 km/hThe default through an urban district unless zoned otherwise.Checked 3 Aug 2026

France · destination50 km/hCan be raised to 70 where signed. The Paris ring road is 70. Many city centres are signed lower.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

How much alcohol you may have in your blood

Varies by region

US · homeNo single national answer:

California0.08 % BAC — about 0.8 g/lChecked 3 Aug 2026

France · destination0.5 g/lChecked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

What you must carry in the car

US · homeNot yet verified

France · destination

Warning triangle
High-visibility vest

The vest must be within reach and worn if you leave a broken-down car on the road. Missing either is a 135 euro fine.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Which side you overtake on

US · homeNot yet verified

France · destinationLeftOvertaking on the right is only for passing a vehicle turning left, or trams.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Speed limit on a dual carriageway

US · homeNot yet verified

France · destination110 km/h100 in rain.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Speed limit in rain or snow

US · homeNot yet verified

France · destination

Motorway — 110 km/h
Dual carriageway — 100 km/h

Applies when rain or other precipitation is falling.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Speed limit for drivers who passed their test recently

US · homeNot yet verified

France · destination

Motorway — 110 km/h
Dual carriageway — 100 km/h
Country roads — 80 km/h

For the probationary period: 3 years after the test, or 2 with accompanied driving. Applies whatever the weather.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Alcohol limit for drivers who passed their test recently

US · homeNot yet verified

France · destination0.2 g/lFor the whole probationary period. In practice this means do not drink at all.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Youngest age you may drive

US · homeNot yet verified

France · destination17 yearsLowered from 18 in January 2024. Under-18s may not drive outside France.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Holding a phone while driving

Varies by region

US · homeNo single national answer:

CaliforniaNot allowedChecked 3 Aug 2026

France · destinationNot allowedChecked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Turning at a red light

Varies by region

US · homeNo single national answer:

CaliforniaAllowedAfter a complete stop at the limit line, yielding to pedestrians, unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted.Checked 3 Aug 2026

France · destinationNot allowedA complete stop is required at every red light. Cyclist exceptions are signed.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Priority to traffic coming from the right

US · homeNot yet verified

France · destinationYes — traffic from the right goes first at unmarked junctionsAt an unmarked intersection, traffic from the right has priority. This catches out visitors — a car pulling out from a small road on the right may have the right of way.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Who must wear a seatbelt

US · homeNot yet verified

France · destinationEveryone, in every seatChecked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Age below which a child needs a child seat

US · homeNot yet verified

France · destination10 yearsA child under 10 must use a restraint suited to their size and weight.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Youngest age a child may sit in the front

US · homeNot yet verified

France · destination10 yearsExceptions: a rear-facing baby seat with the airbag off, no back seats, no rear seatbelts, or the back full of other under-10s.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Winter tyres

US · homeNot yet verified

France · destinationRequired where signs say soIn 34 mountain departments from 1 November to 31 March, marked zones require either four winter tyres (3PMSF marking) or snow chains on board. Zones are signed at their entrance.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Helmets on a motorbike or scooter

Varies by region

US · homeNo single national answer:

TexasRequired for rider and passengerRider and passenger. A person aged 21 or over may ride without a helmet only if they have completed an approved motorcycle safety course or hold health insurance that covers motorcycle injuries. Police may not stop a rider just to check this.Checked 2 Sep 2026

CaliforniaRequired for rider and passengerDriver and any passenger, on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or moped.Checked 2 Sep 2026

France · destinationRequired for rider and passengerRider and passenger must wear an approved helmet, fastened, on any motorbike, moped, motor tricycle or quadricycle.Checked 2 Sep 2026 · official source

Largest motorbike or scooter you may ride on a car licence

Varies by region

US · homeNo single national answer:

Texas

Engine up to 50 cc
Power up to 5 hp
Top speed up to 30 mph

Texas does not count a moped as a motorcycle, so any class of driver licence covers one; that rule is Transportation Code 521.085, which takes its meaning of motorcycle from this definitions chapter. A moped must sit inside all three limits: it cannot reach more than 30 mph in a mile, its engine cannot produce more than five brake horsepower, and if it has a combustion engine that engine is 50 cc or less and drives through a transmission with no gear shifting. Only the horsepower and speed limits apply to an electric machine. Anything larger is a motorcycle and needs a Class M licence.Checked 2 Sep 2026

CaliforniaNone — you need a motorcycle licenceA car licence (Class C) covers no moped or motorcycle. A moped (top speed 30 mph, under 4 brake horsepower) needs a Class M2 licence or endorsement; anything larger needs Class M1. One exception: the holder of a California licence of any class may ride a rented moped for up to 48 hours without the M2 endorsement.Checked 2 Sep 2026

France · destination

Engine up to 50 cc
Power up to 4 kW
Top speed up to 45 km/h

Permis B covers a moped (cyclomoteur) with no extra step; the AM category is not needed if you hold another category such as B. The source defines the class as two or three wheels, 45 km/h maximum, 50 cc maximum if it has a petrol engine, and 4 kW maximum motor power, so the engine cap is for petrol machines and the power cap applies to all. Riding a light motorbike or scooter up to 125 cc and 11 kW on permis B needs the licence held for at least 2 years and a 7 hour practical course, which gives a certificate. Holders of a European B licence must also do the course. The source does not say whether a non-European car licence gets the moped allowance.Checked 2 Sep 2026 · official source

What a rider must wear or carry

Varies by region

US · homeNo single national answer:

CaliforniaNothing beyond a helmetThe DMV Motorcycle Handbook says the only item required by law is a DOT-compliant helmet. Eye protection, jacket, gloves and boots are recommended, not required.Checked 2 Sep 2026

France · destination

Gloves
High-visibility vest
Reflective stickers on the helmet

Rider and passenger must wear CE marked gloves. A hi-vis vest must be carried on the rider or the bike and worn if you stop on the road after a breakdown. The helmet must carry four reflective elements: front, back and both sides.Checked 2 Sep 2026 · official source

How you pay for motorways

US · homeNot yet verified

France · destination

Toll booths
Electronic tolls with no barriers

Most motorways are tolled. Newer free-flow sections (A13, A14, A79) have no barriers — pay online or at a tobacconist within 72 hours, or fines follow the number plate.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Alcohol limit for professional drivers

Varies by region

US · homeNo single national answer:

California0.04 % BACCommercial vehicles, and passenger-for-hire driving.Checked 3 Aug 2026

France · destinationNot yet verified

Hands-free phone calls

Varies by region

US · homeNo single national answer:

CaliforniaAllowed, with restrictionsAdults may use hands-free mode. Drivers under 18 may not use a phone at all.Checked 3 Aug 2026

France · destinationAllowed, with restrictionsEarpieces, earphones and headsets are all banned while driving. Only systems built into the car are allowed.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Who has priority at a roundabout

US · homeNot yet verified

France · destinationDepends on the signsAlmost all roundabouts have give-way signs, so traffic already on the circle has priority. On the rare unsigned ones, entering traffic from the right has priority instead — Place de l'Étoile in Paris works this way.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

What happens if you park wrongly

US · homeNot yet verified

France · destination

A fine
Towing

Obstructive parking can mean immobilisation and the pound, not just a fine.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

When winter tyre rules apply

US · homeNot yet verified

France · destination1 November to 31 MarchChecked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Snow chains

US · homeNot yet verified

France · destinationRequired where signs say soChains on the drive wheels satisfy the mountain-zone rule if you do not have winter tyres. A specific sign can make chains compulsory on a given road.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Youngest age you may ride the smallest class of scooter

Varies by region

US · homeNo single national answer:

Texas15 yearsFrom 15 a person may hold a restricted Class M licence for motorcycles of 250 cc or less, which also covers a moped. The restriction lifts at 16. An ordinary car licence, which covers mopeds too, is issued from 16.Checked 2 Sep 2026

California16 yearsRiders under 21 must first complete a training course and hold an instruction permit for six months.Checked 2 Sep 2026

France · destination14 yearsThe BSR (category AM) can be taken from age 14 and covers mopeds under 50 cc limited to 45 km/h. People born before 1988 need no licence for a moped.Checked 2 Sep 2026 · official source

Riding between lanes of slow traffic

Varies by region

US · homeNo single national answer:

TexasNot allowedSince 1 September 2023 a motorcycle may not be ridden between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction, or pass a vehicle inside the same lane. Two motorcycles may ride side by side in one lane.Checked 2 Sep 2026

CaliforniaAllowedLane splitting, riding a two-wheeled motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving vehicles, is legal. The Highway Patrol publishes safety guidelines, which are advice rather than law.Checked 2 Sep 2026

France · destinationAllowed, with restrictionsLegal everywhere in France since 11 January 2025, but only on motorways and dual carriageways with a central reservation, at least two lanes each way and a limit of 70 km/h or more, and only when traffic is in continuous queues on all lanes. Ride between the two leftmost lanes at 50 km/h maximum, 30 km/h if one lane is stopped. Two or three wheelers up to 1 m wide only. No overtaking other filtering riders.Checked 2 Sep 2026 · official source

Smallest motorbike allowed on the motorway

US · homeNot yet verified

France · destination

Engine at least 50 cc
Power at least 4 kW
Top speed at least 45 km/h

The ban is by vehicle class: Code de la route article R421-2 lists cyclomoteurs among the vehicles refused access to motorways, with no figures of its own. The cited source is article R311-1, which defines a cyclomoteur as a two or three wheeler with a design speed of no more than 45 km/h, an engine of no more than 50 cc if petrol, and no more than 4 kW. A machine at exactly 45 km/h is still a cyclomoteur and stays off the motorway; one that is above ANY of the three caps is classed as a motorcycle and may enter, so a machine does not have to be above all three. Motor tricycles up to 15 kW and 550 kg unladen are also refused.Checked 2 Sep 2026 · official source

Headlights on a motorbike in daytime

Varies by region

US · homeNo single national answer:

TexasRequired at all timesAt least one headlamp must be lit whenever a motorcycle is ridden. Motorcycles made before model year 1975 are exempt.Checked 2 Sep 2026

CaliforniaRequired at all timesA motorcycle first registered from 1978 must have a headlamp that switches on with the engine and stays lit while the engine runs.Checked 2 Sep 2026

France · destinationRequired at all timesIn daytime, motorbikes and mopeds must ride with dipped headlights or daytime running lights on.Checked 2 Sep 2026 · official source

Whether police can fine you on the spot

US · homeNot yet verified

France · destinationYes — visitors must pay at the roadsideA driver who does not live in France must generally pay the fixed fine or a deposit immediately, and the car can be held until it is paid.Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Typical fines

US · homeNot yet verified

France · destination

Holding a phone — fine from 135 EUR, 3 points

Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source

Same in both (2)

Which side of the road you drive on — Right official source
Whether you need an International Driving Permit — Depends on where your licence is from official source