French driving laws to know for your Rugby World Cup road trip
Don’t get caught out by French driving laws if you’re making the trip to the Rugby World Cup – here's everything you need to know
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Thousands of Brits are planning on driving to France ahead of the Rugby World Cup to show their support for their national team.
The Web Ellis Cup is up for grabs once again, and many drivers will be visiting host cities with hopes that England, Scotland, or Wales could be crowned as champions.
Whenever you’re driving to and around a new country, it’s important that you consider the laws and regulations of the roads.
You’ll find that different countries have their own set of rules to follow, and you don’t want to get caught out.
Breaking driving laws abroad can land you with a fine that will definitely put a dampener on your rugby road trip, whether you’re with the winning team or not.
Rules can change often as well, so keep an eye out for updates. When France reduced its secondary streets speed limit to 80km/h from 90km/h, 78% of UK motorists had no idea.
Take a look at the driving regulations you need to consider when driving in France.
What are ‘Crit’Air’ stickers?
It’s important to display a ‘clean air’ sticker on your windscreen when travelling in France to detail your car’s emission levels.
Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at cinch, explained: “These stickers, known as ‘Crit’Air vignettes’, are a legal requirement in several cities across France.
"They have been introduced by the French government in a bid to tackle air pollution.
“There are six different-coloured tickets in total, each indicating a vehicle’s environmental impact.
"For example, green stickers are for zero-emission electric cars, while dark grey ones are reserved for the least eco-friendly models.
“All vehicles need to have a Crit’Air vignette attached to their windscreen to be able to circulate and park in restricted traffic zones.
“If you’re caught driving without a sticker, you can expect to pick up a hefty fine of up to €180.”
What’s the alcohol driving limit in France?
Celebrating a rugby match usually involves at least a couple of drinks, and it’s not unheard of to use a pint to drown your sorrows if your team doesn’t win.
If you plan on having some alcoholic drinks while in France, bear in mind that the alcohol limit is lower than the threshold in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
While the latter three locations have an alcohol limit of lower than 0.8g/L, in France you’ll be expected to stick below 0.5g/L.
Those who come from Scotland will be used to this limit – it’s the same as in Scotland.
If you're found at the wheel with alcohol levels between 0.5g/L and 0.8g/L, you could face a penalty of €135, six points on your licence and a possible suspension for up to three years.
With more serious cases, fines can rise to €4,500, and you could even end up with a prison sentence.
Is it illegal to wear headphones while driving in France?
While there are no rules on driving while wearing headphones in the UK, it’s actually illegal to wear any sort of headphones or earbuds while driving in France.
Wearing these devices can cause a distraction while on the road as they block out important sounds like traffic noise and sirens.
If you’re desperate to listen to your Rugby road trip playlist while in France, choosing a car with a quality sound system is the way to go.
Some used Audi models get Bang & Olufsen audio systems, while you can also find models like the Volkswagen Polo Beats Edition that prioritise brilliant sound.
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What paperwork do you need to drive in France?
Hopefully you’ve already packed your passport, but there are some other documents you’ll need when driving in France.
Alongside your driving licence, you’ll need a certificate that proves you have the correct insurance for driving in France.
If your UK driver insurance has third-party cover, you can legally drive your car with all the protection you need.
You’ll also need your V5C certificate to prove that you’re the owner of the car you’re driving.
Should you be caught without the right type of insurance, you can receive a costly fine of up to €3,750.
Speed camera alerts in France
Did you know it’s illegal to use speed camera detection systems on your sat-nav when driving in France?
That includes any GPS system that shows speed camera alerts, including radar and laser detection devices.
Using speed camera alerts in France is punishable with a fine of up to €1,500, and you could even have your car seized.
A fine that size can really ruin the rugby fun, especially if you end up losing your car...
Essential equipment for French road trips:
While we’re sure you’ve already got your rugby road trip essentials sorted, there are a few more items that you must keep in your car by law when driving in France.
These include:
Warning triangle – This is compulsory in all vehicles with four or more wheels.
Reflective jackets – You need to have one reflective jacket per passenger. They must always be stored inside the vehicle and kept within easy reach.
Headlamp beam deflectors – As UK cars are built to drive on the left, you’ll either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam yourself to avoid dazzling fellow drivers on the road.
Breathalyser – Until 2020, it was a legal requirement to carry a breathalyser inside your car at all times. While it’s no longer compulsory, having one with you is still good practice.
Child seats – If you’re travelling to the World Cup with your little ones, you’ll need to have child seats to keep your kids safe. Unlike in the UK, French rules on child seats are based on weight rather than height. If your kid is 10 years old or younger and weighs less than 15kg, they need a child seat by law.