Rules of the road in France

Driving around France can be a real pleasure compared to the clogged roads of the UK if you remember a few key points. Before you head across to France make sure you know exactly what cover you have from your current insurance company. Also if you are a member of a breakdown scheme see if it can be extended to cover you whilst away, it could prove invaluable. If you are driving a right hand drive car in France make sure you have converted the headlights with the stick-on filters you can buy from any good car spares shop. Make sure you do this before driving in France either on the ferry or train for example and make sure you take them off when you are immediately back in your own country. The minimum driving age is 18, driver and all passengers must wear seat belts and children under 10 must ride in the back seat. Use full or dipped headlights, as in the UK, in poor visibility and at night but your sidelights only when the car is stationary. It is also a good idea to have a complete spare bulb kit, a red warning triangle in case you have to stop and a fire extinguisher. Speed limits are clearly signposted at the roadside and they are: