Motorists planning to drive in France, or pass through the country on a road trip, should always take some time to familiarise themselves with French traffic laws. Besides driving on the right side of the road, drivers should be able to understand local road signs, and make sure they carry the necessary safety equipment in their car boot.
However, even if you’ve driven in France before, if you’re heading off on a road trip in 2025, there will be some changes you’ll need to familiarise yourself with before you get behind the wheel. Here are some differences you may see this year.
1. Increase in road tolls
Those who have driven in France will be familiar with the ‘peages’ (tolls) signs, and now it will cost more to pass through the barriers. As reported by The Local, a French news outlet, tolls increased by 0.92% from February 1, with rates calculated per kilometre and varying between roads.
Drivers can pay their tolls using cash or card, but beware that using your smartphone’s contactless feature could lead to trouble. France has strict rules about using mobile phones while driving, and any fines incurred can still be enforced once you return to the UK.
In 2024, some flux-libre (free flowing) lanes were introduced on major toll roads in France. These lanes have no barriers; you simply drive through and pay the toll online or over the phone within 72 hours.
2. Stricter penalties for road offences
Holidaymakers who flout the road rules in the Alpes-Maritimes region in south-east France will face sterner penalties. The increase in accidents in the area has led to harsher punishments for drink driving, including eight-month suspensions, up from six months. Refusing a breathalyser could result in an 11-month ban, which could seriously impact your holiday.
It’s crucial to remember that the drink driving limit in France is lower than in England and Wales. In the UK, it’s 80mg of alcohol per 100mL, while in France, it’s only 50mg.
The region has also increased the number of speed cameras, so be be on the lookout for speed limit signs. Remember, speed camera detectors are illegal in France, so this feature must be disabled on your GPS.
3. More roads reverting to 90km/h speed limits
In 2018, a blanket 80 km/h speed limit was introduced on secondary roads in France with the aim of reducing accidents. However, as reported by The Connexion France, some areas such as Allier and other central regions have reinstated their speed limits to 90km/h.
Visitors should be cautious and keep an eye out for speed limit signs on local roads, as the speed limit may change quite suddenly.
4. EV drivers will benefit from cheaper charging
Electricity prices in France are expected to drop by up to 14% this spring, a welcome development for motorists travelling to the continent in an electric vehicle (EV). According to a study by EV Powered, France already offers cheaper EV charging than the UK, with the French paying approximately €0.54 (£0.45) per KwH, compared to the British average of €0.68 (£0.57).
While this may not seem like a significant difference, it can quickly add up over the course of a lengthy road trip.
5. Border checks between neighbouring countries
France, being part of the Schengen Zone, usually allows free movement within the zone once you’ve crossed the border from the UK. However, due to increased security measures, France has implemented temporary border controls from November 1, 2024, to April 1, 2025, a period likely to be extended into the summer.
These checks apply to anyone entering the country via Spain, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, and Switzerland. Therefore, if you’re planning a road trip, ensure you have your passport to hand and be prepared for queues.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
