International driving license for driving in France

France has always been a crowd favorite when it comes to international tourist destinations in the world. Touring the capital is such a fulfilling experience, especially with its magnificent architecture, which captivated even the infamous German dictator leader’s artistic and cultural structures during World War II.

Most of the cities and communes in France have trendy food districts, elegant architecture for urban areas, and picturesque sceneries in the countryside. What more is that you can drive further to some countries like Andorra, Spain, Italy, and Monaco, but an International Drivers Permit (IDP) is required there, unlike in France, so you might as well get one.

First-time tourists and well-versed travelers alike flock to Paris to spend time in its most world-renowned spots like the iconic Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the famed Notre-Dame de Paris. But some other notable places you can explore are the Musée d'Orsay, the Luxembourg Gardens, or Le Marais. If you are into some creepy settings, you can visit the Catacombes de Paris. You’ll find that it is not “all scare,” but also rich in history and architecture.

The city where the history of cinema began as Auguste and Louis Lumiere had invented the cinematograph. Known as the "Capital of Lights," this city is bound to bringing you much excitement.

This is known as a production powerhouse. Next to Burgundy, it's the second-most wine producer in the country. Other than that, Bordeaux is also a famous shopping region in France.

Nice is the best location you can find that's perfect for a summer getaway. With its sunny weather and beautiful beaches, one can never go wrong in visiting this top destination. Learn more about what Nice offers by reading on.

Knowing the technical and practical driving rules when driving in France can help you navigate your way through this beautiful city. Despite being on the same continent, France's driving standards are very different from that of the UK. Inversely, driving in France is generally the same as how it is in the US. Here are some reminders about driving rules, standard practices, and some tips for driving in France.

As a general rule among all European Union and European Economic Areas since 2013, you can drive in France if you have a valid European license. You do not have to exchange your native license with a French license. A non-European license is valid in France, provided that it does not have any restrictions or suspensions.

You can use your US license when driving in France; just make sure you have a translated document of your French license.

Being a tourist in France or any other country, you must always carry identification documents. These can be checked or required to be presented during police stops. Car rental for driving in France may also require you to present your passport. Be sure to check your things if you have all the necessary things before going about in France.

In case you’re wondering if you need an International Driving Permit in France, it is not required to have one. But it is highly recommended when traveling to France to visit other countries around the area that require one, like Spain and Italy.

An International Drivers Permit can prevent language barrier problems being the official translation of your native driver's license, and it can be used as proof of identification during police stops. Some rental agencies can also require an International Driving Permit for car rentals in France.

You must have all the necessary qualifications to be able to drive in France. You must be of age and a holder of a valid driver’s license before you can drive in France. The age requirement for driving in France is 18 years old. So even if you can legally drive in your home country at 16 or 17, French roads are off-limits for you.

Before you get behind the wheel in France, you have to be of sound mind and body to carry out all the responsibilities of a good driver, especially if you are a tourist.

When driving in another country, you must have basic knowledge about its roads and rules. Read the following if you haven’t researched it yet.

The national speed limit is 130 kilometers per hour. Driving on main roads in France have a limit of 80 kilometers per hour, while 50 kilometers per hour is the standard limit for built-up areas.

Both drivers and passengers should wear seat belts at all times. It is the driver’s responsibility to make sure that all passengers wear seatbelts, especially for those below 18, to be properly restrained in the vehicle.

Approach Warnings

The light-up sequence of French traffic lights can suddenly switch from red to green precariously without switching to amber first. A continuously flashing amber light indicates that you can continue cautiously if the road is clear, while still giving other vehicles or pedestrians the right of way. Sometimes having a green light would still mean that you have to give way.

A flashing red light indicates no entry. If accompanied by a yellow arrow, you may proceed in the arrow's direction but still, give way to vehicles and pedestrians traveling in that direction.

Horns should be used only to give essential caution to other road users for a specific duration within a day. Flashing passing lights must be used as a warning upon approach when driving in France from sunset to sunrise. The use of horns in all built-up areas is prohibited except in total emergency cases. It is also forbidden to use multi-tone horns, sirens, and whistles.

Like most countries, the French drive on the right side of the road. Vehicles approaching from your right have the right of way at intersections, unless indicated differently by present traffic regulators. It is a standard to give way in most roundabouts. Drivers approaching these roundabouts must give way to vehicles already in them or about to enter from your left.

The general rule for overtaking is that it should be done on the left. But in some cases, when heavy traffic affects specific lanes, you may overtake on the right of other cars on slow-moving lanes. You should be very careful in overtaking so as not to cause any accidents. Police may stop you from driving and ask for credentials. You may present your International Drivers Permit along with your native driving license.

The blood alcohol level limit is 0.05% for private vehicle drivers. At the same time, 0.02% is the limit for bus, coach, and new drivers with less than three years of experience. Random breath tests can be done by the police and even a drug test that is compulsory after a driver has caused an accident or committed a serious violation.

Speed limits are bound to get broken by people who are under the influence. By doing a DUI, the possibility of making multiple offenses is great. From DUI to breaking speed limits, and in worse case scenarios, homicide or destruction of property. So, before downing more alcohol, always remember this French driving rule. If you break this rule, you may need to present your native drivers license, international driver's permit, and another valid form of identification.

Road signs indicate both general and paid parking areas. It can only be allowed on the right side of two-lane roads and both sides for wide one-way streets. Parking illegally will result in towing and impoundment of your car. You will have to go to the local police station to pay a fine for the violation and the vehicle released separately.

If you want to avoid getting fined or having your driver's license confiscated, following the traffic road rules like a French driver is essential. However, if you are still unfamiliar with France's parking rules, a French driving test is highly recommended. This French driving test will fully help you understand the road rules.

You can use the calculator on the Association of French Motorway Companies (ASFA) website to know how much you will have to pay. Fees may vary depending on the distance traveled and the car type, so you should know the category your car falls in. A car belongs to Class A, but a motorhome or campervan will be Class B.

A triangular sign indicates junctions or roundabouts, with a red border and three arrows forming a circle in the center. Drivers approaching one must give way to traffic already on the roundabout. In the absence of a sign, the right of way rule also applies to these areas.

Fines are imposed, and confiscation of vehicles may happen in some cases, and your car can be confiscated. The main violations where this can happen are:

• If you do not stop during a police contrôle (being stopped or checked by police)
• When driving without a license or insurance
• Exceeding the speed limit by over 50 km/h
• Multiple offenses of driving under the influence of alcohol
• During hit and run situations
• When driving a vehicle with the wrong license category, which does not cover that vehicle

If your car breaks down, you cannot call your own assistance company for help because freeways in France are privately managed. If this happens, orange emergency telephone lines are placed every two kilometers along main roads and freeways for emergency calls to the police or the official breakdown service within the area. You may dial 112 if no emergency road telephone is accessible. You will be towed and charged accordingly.

Dangerous driving includes driving when unfit, like driving while being injured, visually impaired, physically, and mentally compromised. Falling asleep at the wheel can cause accidents, and it is also considered “dangerous driving,” If you are found guilty of any of the following, you can be fined, banned, or worse, end up in prison.

Keep in mind that random compliance checks are normal in France, so don’t be too anxious about police stops. You need to cooperate and communicate with the local authorities and follow instructions during these checks. Identification documents or legal requirements for driving in France are often needed for verification. Here’s a run-down of what you have to do:

• Slow down towards the side of the road, then stop your car.
• Turn on your hazard lights.
• Communicate with the police officer about the reason for stopping you.
• Present your identification card, whether it’s an ID check or a violation.
• Wait for further instructions.
• Cooperate with the authorities when asked to be spoken with at the precinct.

If you ever get involved in a car accident, always remember to exchange car insurance details with the other driver. Switch your hazard lights on and set up a red warning triangle at 50 & 150 meters behind your car to warn approaching vehicles.

If two or more cars are involved, it is standard practice that you will be asked by the French driver involved to fill a “constat amiable” or an amiable declaration, which is an accident report sheet. Call your insurance company at once.

Traveling to a country is best enjoyed when renting a vehicle and exploring every top destination with no limitation. With the presence of an IDP, it makes that goal attainable as it will act as the translation for your native driver's license. So, when you’re faced with by law officials who speak in the native French tongue, your IDP will translate your information for you if you can’t communicate in French.