
The exact penalty for a speeding, parking, or other driving offence will depend on the nature of the offence (read our guide to penalties and driving offences in France for more details), but generally speaking, you will be issued a fine (an ‘amende’) and one or more points will be deducted from your licence.
Full Answer
What is the fine for speeding in France?
If you’re travelling between 20 kph and 50 kph over the limit, the speed fine in France is €135. If you’re breaking the speed limit by under 20 kph when the speed limit is less than 50 kph, the fine is €135.
Do you have to pay speeding and parking fines from abroad?
Paying Speeding and Parking Fines from Abroad. As more countries fall prey to the scourge of the speed camera, and local authorities realise that unsuspecting visitors are a great source of income, more and more travellers are incurring fines for minor traffic offences whilst driving abroad.
What happens if you’re stopped on a foreign driving licence in France?
Nevertheless, fines and imprisonment can also be applied against those driving in France on a foreign driving licence if stopped by police. We considered cross-border offences in our Newsletter article Cross-Border Fines on Driving Offences, written prior to Brexit, but much of it still relevant.
How do I pay a fine from the French government?
If you receive a fine from the French Ministry of Economy and Finances, you may pay it through the secured website amendes.gouv.fr, choosing the English version. All you need is the E-PAYMENT NUMBER that you’ll find on the back of the form you received and a credit card.
How long does it take to pay a speeding fine in France?
What do you need to know about speeding in France?
What is the National Speed Limit France?
What is the purpose of speed cameras in France?
How fast can you drive a car in France?
What happens if you speed in France?
Why are speed limits changed in France?
See 2 more

Speed limits in France: the ultimate guide | RAC Drive
Here at the RAC, we have summarised all the relevant information you will need for your French road trip. Breaking the speed limit in France will likely result in being hit with a large fine, points on your licence, or worse – so stick to limits displayed on the road signs – no matter what type of road you’re on.
French Speed Limits - Driving in France - All you need to know
French Speed Limit Conversions. Obviously those who drive in the UK will of course be used to mph and not km/h. Many modern vehicles have digital displays allowing you to easily change from mph to km/h at the touch of a button.
Driving in France: Speed Limits, Road Signs, and Rules
In France, the road signs give prominence to the names of places rather than the road numbers, often from a great distance. Motorways or French ‘Autoroutes’ are A-roads followed by a number. There are plenty of motorway services in France called ‘Aire’ with ample parking, somewhere to eat and drink and often a play area for children.
Speed limits in France - The Good Life France
Being aware of the speed limits in France could keep you from being fined or having your vehicle impounded. Easy and clear guide to the speed limits in France.
Driving In France: French Driving Laws & Helpful Tips
With stunning scenery to discover there's no better way to explore France than behind the wheel of a car. Driving allows you to choose your A to B, and even take a detour on the spur of the moment, so you have total freedom to design your journey.
Vehicle classification on french motorways - ASFA - Autoroutes
Vehicle classification VEHICLE CATEGORY Vehicle category is determined by three criteria: - Overall height - Gross vehicle weight (GVW)* (for trains, towing vehicle only)
How long does it take to pay a speeding fine in France?
When you’re caught on a speeding camera, the French authorities will post you your fine within 100 days. The longer you wait to pay your fine, the more it will cost you.
What do you need to know about speeding in France?
Everything You Need to Know About Speeding in France. If you’re planning a French road trip, it’s vital that you know the national speed limit in France and what to expect if you’re caught speeding. Adhering to the national speed limit in France will help you to stay safe on the road, protect yourself and others, and avoid heavy penalties. ...
What is the National Speed Limit France?
The national speed limit in France uses the metric system, which is different to the UK. The speed limit is listed in kilometres rather than miles, so British drivers need to be extra vigilant during a French road trip.
What is the purpose of speed cameras in France?
Speed cameras and the Gendarmerie monitor traffic to ensure the speed limit on France’s motorway is being followed. Speed cameras are not often obvious to drivers, and the Gendarmerie may patrol motorways in unmarked vehicles.
How fast can you drive a car in France?
If you’re driving a car and towing a caravan that’s heavier than your car, you need to pay extra attention to the national speed limit in France: 65 kph (40 mph) if the excess weight is less than 30%. 45 kph (28 mph) if the excess weight is more than 30%. Many foreign drivers don’t realise that the national speed limit in France lowers ...
What happens if you speed in France?
If you’re caught speeding in France, either a speed camera or the Gendarmerie will register your offence. After being pulled over by the Gendarmerie, you’ll be handed a fine and you’ll have to pay that fine on-the-spot. If you’re caught speeding in France by an extreme amount, the Gendarmerie could confiscate your license ...
Why are speed limits changed in France?
These changes in speed limit are in place to improve road safety in France, so be sure to follow them closely when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
French Driving Offences
In France, all drivers – including foreign drivers and rental car drivers – must adhere to the French ‘ Code de la Route ’. Many of these laws are common sense and will likely be similar to those in place in your own country.
What happens if you commit a driving offence in France?
Violation of any of these rules can result in a fine, points on your licence, impounding of your vehicle, and/or prosecution, depending on the severity of the offence.
Penalties and Points for French Driving Offences
The penalties for each class of driving offence will depend on the classification level and the type of offence. Typically, all offences will result in a fine and the deduction of points from your licence.
Driving in France
Whether you own a car in France, travel to France in your UK or EU-registered car, or hire a rental car – FrenchEntrée has all the need-to-know info about driving in France. Our Essential Reading articles will take you through buying, registering, and insuring your car, as well as offering tips and advice on driving and car ownership in France.
Why are UK drivers flashed in France?
Since the UK left the EU, drivers in France on UK plates who are flashed for speeding escape fines and penalties, as there is no longer a reciprocal agreement between the two countries.
Is a licence suspension automatic?
Although the penalties sometimes look severe, the licence suspensions and prison suspensions shown are the maximum that a judge can decide. By contrast, all minor offence fines are automatic. Those resident in France from within the EU who commit an offence that would otherwise result in:
What countries have fines of 10%?
For instance, Norway applies fine of up to 10% of annual income and possibly jail if the fine isn’t paid. Italian Cities are also notorious for complex disc systems in City Centres which tourists are unaware of, until they return home to a ticket.
Which country has mutual recognition of driving disqualifications with Great Britain and Northern Ireland?
Republic of Ireland The Republic of Ireland has mutual recognition of driving disqualifications with Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
What happens if you ignore a rental fine?
If you ignore a fine issued to you, and the authorities pass it on to the rental company, its unlikely they could charge your credit card after the event with the amount, unless their terms specifically state this. It’s more likely that they will continually harass you, until you pay, and if you don’t you will most certainly be blacklisted by that company. There are rumours of a shared blacklist amongst rental companies though I have seen no evidence of this. What is certain is that if the rental company incurs a charge and has to chase you, they will certainly impose an admin fee on top of the fine.
When did the EU pass the registration bill?
In 2011 the EU passed a bill stating that EU Member States will have to provide details of the driver or holder of the vehicle registration certificate to the authorities of the country where the offence took place.
Is there mutual recognition of driving disqualifications with Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland?
There is mutual recognition of driving disqualifications with Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Mexico The Driver License Agreement covers Mexico, Canada and Mexico and means that any offence committed in those countries can be prosecuted in the offender’s home nation.
Which countries have passed legislation regarding demerit points?
Australia The Australian States and Territories have all passed legislation regarding the recognition of demerit points and licence suspensions in other states/territories.
Is there a myth about unpaid traffic fines?
There are a whole load of urban myths surrounding unpaid traffic fines and entry to the USA, such as visitors being refused entry at immigration. Its difficult to separate absolute truth from fiction, and obviously the authorities won’t publicise their policy in case it causes people to evade payment.
How long does it take to pay a speeding fine in France?
When you’re caught on a speeding camera, the French authorities will post you your fine within 100 days. The longer you wait to pay your fine, the more it will cost you.
What do you need to know about speeding in France?
Everything You Need to Know About Speeding in France. If you’re planning a French road trip, it’s vital that you know the national speed limit in France and what to expect if you’re caught speeding. Adhering to the national speed limit in France will help you to stay safe on the road, protect yourself and others, and avoid heavy penalties. ...
What is the National Speed Limit France?
The national speed limit in France uses the metric system, which is different to the UK. The speed limit is listed in kilometres rather than miles, so British drivers need to be extra vigilant during a French road trip.
What is the purpose of speed cameras in France?
Speed cameras and the Gendarmerie monitor traffic to ensure the speed limit on France’s motorway is being followed. Speed cameras are not often obvious to drivers, and the Gendarmerie may patrol motorways in unmarked vehicles.
How fast can you drive a car in France?
If you’re driving a car and towing a caravan that’s heavier than your car, you need to pay extra attention to the national speed limit in France: 65 kph (40 mph) if the excess weight is less than 30%. 45 kph (28 mph) if the excess weight is more than 30%. Many foreign drivers don’t realise that the national speed limit in France lowers ...
What happens if you speed in France?
If you’re caught speeding in France, either a speed camera or the Gendarmerie will register your offence. After being pulled over by the Gendarmerie, you’ll be handed a fine and you’ll have to pay that fine on-the-spot. If you’re caught speeding in France by an extreme amount, the Gendarmerie could confiscate your license ...
Why are speed limits changed in France?
These changes in speed limit are in place to improve road safety in France, so be sure to follow them closely when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
