City limitFrance
An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of France. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.
For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.
110. City limit
A city limit is a boundary or roadside indication showing that a driver is entering or leaving a named city, town, village, locality or municipality. It is commonly marked by a place-name or boundary sign.
The meaning of these signs varies between countries. A city-limit or locality sign may identify an administrative boundary, a named settlement or a traffic-related boundary. It does not necessarily mark the beginning or end of a legally defined built-up area, and passing the sign does not always change the applicable speed limit or other traffic rules.
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What happens to the normal car speed limit on entering a French built-up area?
The general maximum in an agglomération is 50 km/h, unless an applicable local measure or speed-limit sign provides otherwise. Do not assume an arbitrary place-name sign has the same legal effect as an official built-up-area boundary.
Is the French urban speed limit always 50 km/h on every street?
No. Local authorities may set lower limits, including 30 km/h, and drivers must comply with the speed indicated for the road or zone.

Traffic rules
France