Driving in France as a United Kingdom National
France has an excellent road network with scenic autoroutes, but be prepared for toll charges, priority-to-the-right rules, and mandatory safety equipment in your vehicle.
Key Things to Know First
France generally accepts foreign licences for short-term visitors. Carry your original licence and passport at all times.
United Kingdom drives on the left, but France drives on the right. Extra caution required at roundabouts, intersections, and after exits.
Tips for switching sidesUnited Kingdom uses mph, but France uses km/h. Verify your GPS or navigation app is set to the correct unit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Rule | United Kingdom | France | Change? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic side | Left-hand traffic | Right-hand traffic | Yes |
| Speed unit | mph | km/h | Yes |
| IDP required | — | No | No |
| Min. driving age | 17 | 18 | Differs |
| Emergency number | 999 | 112 | Different |
| Road difficulty | Moderate | Moderate | — |
Speed Limits in France
Speed limits in France are posted in km/h (kilometres per hour). Quick reference: 50 km/h ≈ 31 mph · 100 km/h ≈ 62 mph · 130 km/h ≈ 81 mph.
Documents to Carry in France
- Original driving licence from United Kingdom — must be valid and unexpired
- Passport or national ID — carry at all times while driving
- Car insurance certificate — verify it covers France before departure
- Vehicle registration / rental agreement
Emergency Number in France
112 is the pan-European emergency number, widely accepted across many countries worldwide.
Emergency numbers for all countriesFull France Driving Guide
Road rules, toll system, fuel types, parking, regional quirks — everything you need for driving in France.
Read the complete guide