September 14, 2024, 6:31 am | Read time: 3 minutes
During the European Football Championship, many Germans will be getting into their cars and driving to France. However, sometimes different traffic rules apply on the roads there than in Germany. An overview from the ADAC.
1. Can I decorate my car with flags and banners?
Just like in Germany, it is generally permitted in France to decorate your car with flags or banners. However, the driver’s view must not be obstructed at any time. In addition, decorative accessories must be attached in such a way that they cannot come loose and thus endanger others.
2. How much would it (theoretically) cost to hold a honking concert?
Honking the horn in urban areas is only permitted if you are warning of danger – this is also the case in Germany. Anyone who violates this rule risks a fine of 35 euros. However, as in Germany, there is a very high probability that the police will be accommodating during the European Championship and let the fans celebrate.
3. What are the speed limits on French roads?
Good to know for a road trip through France: The speed limit on French highways is 130 km/h (110 km/h in wet conditions). Outside built-up areas, on country roads, the speed limit is 90 km/h (80 km/h in wet conditions) and 50 km/h in built-up areas. The speed limit on the Paris Ring is 70 km/h. Anyone driving 20 km/h too fast faces a fine of 135 euros or more. If you drive 50 km/h too fast, you could even be fined 1,500 euros. By way of comparison, in Germany, anyone who is 20 km/h too fast outside built-up areas only pays 30 euros and 35 euros in built-up areas.
4. What is the legal blood alcohol limit for driving in France?
As in Germany, the drink-drive limit is 0.5 per mille. For novice drivers who have had their license for less than three years, the upper limit is 0.2 per mille. Since the summer of 2012, vehicle owners have been required to carry breathalyzer kits, although violations are not punished with a fine, as stated on the website of the French embassy in Germany.
5. What should I be aware of when traveling with children in the car during a road trip in France?
Children under the age of ten must be secured with a suitable child seat. Failure to do so can result in a fine of 90 euros or more. In Germany, children up to the age of twelve must be secured, provided they are not taller than 1.50 meters. The fine here are 60 euros and one point.
6. What penalties might I face for illegal parking?
In France, parking offenders can expect a fine of 15 euros or more, depending on the offense. If you park your car in tunnels or underpasses, you can expect a fine of 35 euros or more. In Germany, a warning fine of 10 to 35 euros is normally issued, depending on the offense. As in Germany, parking offenders can also expect to be towed away or have their car fitted with a parking claw.
7. What are the consequences of using my smartphone while driving?
Anyone caught using their cell phone while driving without a hands-free system will have to pay at least 135 euros. Headphones, earplugs, and headsets for making calls are also prohibited. In Germany, the fine is 60 euros and one point. Drivers are not allowed to use their cell phones at all, but headsets are permitted.
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8. What are the rules for navigating traffic circles in France?
In contrast to the rules in Germany, in France, the driver entering the traffic circle has right of way – unless a traffic sign states otherwise: “Vous n’avez pas la priorité” (You do not have right of way).
The original of this article was published in 2016.