Advisory speedFrance
8. Advisory speed
An advisory speed is a recommended speed for a particular road section or hazard rather than a legally imposed maximum speed. It may be shown near bends, junctions, steep gradients, roadworks or other locations where a lower speed can help drivers negotiate the road safely.
Drivers should treat an advisory speed as guidance for safe driving conditions and should travel even more slowly when weather, visibility, traffic or road conditions require it. A separate legally binding speed limit must still be obeyed.
Wikimedia.org • Sebleouf • CC BY-SA
What does an advisory-speed sign mean in France?
The blue square sign indicates a recommended speed in km/h. Official French wording is Vitesse conseillée. It differs from the circular red-bordered sign imposing a maximum.
🔗 equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • French road-sign order, Article 5-8, signs EB10 and EB20
Advisory speed limit.
English • Traffic sign C4a • Recommended speed. This sign indicates the advised speed where conditions permit and no lower limit applies to the vehicle category. Drivers must remain in control of their speed in all circumstances, in accordance with article R. 413-17 of the Highway Code.
Français • Panneau C4a • Vitesse conseillée. Ce panneau indique la vitesse à laquelle il est conseillé de circuler si les circonstances le permettent et si l'usager n'est pas tenu de respecter une vitesse inférieure spécifique à la catégorie de véhicule qu'il conduit. En toutes circonstances, l'usager doit rester maître de sa vitesse, conformément à l'article R. 413-17 du code de la route.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967
© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 3.0 • SVG original non modifié.
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 self-made from source above • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Source revision 2013-04-27. Wikimedia original unmodified.
End of the advisory speed limit.
English • Traffic sign C4b • End of recommended speed.
Français • Panneau C4b • Fin de vitesse conseillée.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967
© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 3.0 • SVG original non modifié.
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 self-made from source above • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Source revision 2013-04-27. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Can an advisory speed override a lower legal limit in France?
No. A recommendation does not authorise exceeding an applicable legal maximum, including a lower vehicle-specific limit. Follow the binding restriction and use a still lower speed if the hazard or conditions require it.
🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • French Road Code — R413-1–5, R413-17–19; 1967 order article 5 C4a/C4b
Must I maintain an advisory speed in poor conditions in France?
No. A recommendation is not a compulsory minimum or a guarantee that its number is safe in all conditions. Reduce speed for poor grip, restricted visibility, traffic or another hazard, and retain control of the vehicle.
🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • French Road Code — R413-1–5, R413-17–19; 1967 order article 5 C4a/C4b
What does France’s end-of-advisory-speed sign mean?
The official wording is Fin de vitesse conseillée. It ends the indicated recommendation, rather than a regulatory speed limit. Continue to obey any applicable maximum and choose a speed suitable for the road.
🔗 equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • French road-sign order, Article 5-8, signs EB10 and EB20

Traffic rules
France