Before you even think about setting off, you’ll need to make sure your car is kitted out with the legally required safety gear for driving in France. Trust me, the last thing you want is a roadside fine (or a meltdown in the backseat) because you forgot something small!
- Hi-Vis Vests: You’ll need one per passenger, and they must be easily accessible (not in the boot)!
- Warning Triangle: If you break down, you need to place this 30 metres behind your car..
- Breathalysers: France previously mandated carrying two NF-approved breathalysers, but fines are no longer enforced for not having them. Still, it’s recommended – especially if you’re sampling any wines.
- Headlamp Beam Deflectors: If your car’s headlights are designed for UK roads, you’ll need these to avoid dazzling drivers.
- Spare Bulbs: Not legally required, but handy to have—especially if you’re driving at night.
- UK Sticker: Since Brexit, the old GB sticker isn’t valid anymore. Make sure you have a UK sticker unless your number plate already has one.
Do you need a Crit’Air Sticker?
The Crit’Air sticker (or “Certificat Qualité de l’Air”) is a special emissions sticker required in certain French cities. If you don’t have one and drive into a restricted zone, you could be fined up to €180!
Where Is the Crit’Air Sticker Required?
- Permanent Zones: Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Grenoble, and Strasbourg.
- Temporary Zones: During high pollution periods, some cities activate restrictions that apply to all vehicles without a sticker.
How to apply for a Crit’Air Sticker
- Visit the official French government website: https://www.certificat-air.gouv.fr/
- Enter your vehicle details (registration, fuel type, emissions standard).
- Pay the fee (usually around €4.61 including postage).
- Receive your sticker by post (can take up to four weeks, so order in advance!).
Without a valid sticker, you could face fines of up to €180 if you enter a restricted zone during a pollution peak.
Other Important French Driving Rules
- Speed limits change in the rain: On motorways, the limit drops from 130km/h to 110km/h when it’s wet.
- Car Seats for kids: Children under 10 must be seated in an appropriate child seat.
- Priority to the right (priorité à droite): In some areas, traffic entering from the right has priority unless indicated otherwise.
- Toll Roads: France has an extensive toll system; many families use the “Liber-t” electronic tag for faster payments.
Final Checklist for a Stress-Free Trip
- Hi-vis vests for all passengers
- Warning triangle
- Headlamp deflectors
- UK sticker
- Crit’Air sticker (where applicable)
- Child car seats (where applicable)
- Travel insurance covering driving abroad
- Snacks, water, and entertainment for the kids (because let’s be real, no road trip is smooth without them)
With a little preparation, driving in France can be an amazing experience for the whole family. Now, who’s ready for a French road trip? Bon voyage!