Support us

CrosswindFrance

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
France

46. Crosswind

Crosswind is wind blowing across the direction of travel and can push a vehicle sideways or affect its stability. Strong or sudden gusts are especially dangerous for motorcycles, bicycles, caravans, trailers and high-sided vehicles. Drivers should reduce speed, keep a firm but relaxed grip on the steering wheel and allow extra space from other road users. Particular care is needed on bridges, exposed roads and when passing large vehicles or leaving sheltered areas, where a sudden change in wind force can move the vehicle unexpectedly.

Crosswind
Warning for heavy crosswind. (Gard, France)
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
What is a crosswind?

A crosswind is wind that blows across the direction in which a vehicle is travelling and can push it sideways.

Why are crosswinds dangerous when driving?

Strong crosswinds and sudden gusts can affect steering and vehicle stability, particularly at higher speeds or on exposed roads.

Which vehicles are most affected by crosswinds?

Motorcycles, bicycles, caravans, trailers and high-sided vehicles are particularly vulnerable because wind can have a greater effect on their balance or large side surfaces.

How should you drive in strong crosswinds?

Reduce speed, keep a firm but relaxed grip on the steering wheel and allow extra space from other road users. Be prepared to correct the vehicle smoothly when gusts change direction or strength.

Where are crosswinds most dangerous?

Crosswinds can be particularly strong on bridges, exposed roads, open countryside and coastal routes, and when leaving tunnels, cuttings or other sheltered areas.

Why can passing a large vehicle be dangerous in strong wind?

A large vehicle can temporarily shelter you from the wind. When you pass it or leave its shelter, the crosswind can suddenly affect your vehicle again, requiring a smooth steering correction.

1 France 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Minimum speed 8 Advisory speed 9 Footpath 10 Bike path 11 Pedestrian warning 12 Tunnel 13 Bridge 14 Cycling street 15 Pedestrian zone 16 Speed bump 17 Toll road 18 Customs 19 One-way traffic 20 Quay 21 Slope 22 Bus lane 23 Bus stop 24 Dead end 25 Stop sign 26 Give way 27 Roundabout 28 Priority road 29 Road narrowing 30 Priority over oncoming traffic 31 Give way to oncoming traffic 32 Pedestrian crossing 33 Railway crossing 34 Mandatory direction 35 Turn prohibition 36 School area 37 Overtaking 38 Crossing animals 39 Slippery road 40 Rockfall 41 Aircraft 42 Curve 43 Chevron 44 Wrong-way driving 45 Roadworks 46 Crosswind 47 Height limit 48 Width limit 49 Length limit 50 Weight limit 51 Radar speed sign 52 Selective barriers 53 Low-emission zone 54 Priority at the next junction 55 Traffic lights 56 Traffic lights warning 57 Pedestrian lights 58 Road markings 59 Junction layout 60 Bike box 61 Speed feedback 62 Driving licence 63 Location marker 64 Road number 65 Countdown markers 66 Public toilet 67 Rest area 68 Traffic mirror 69 Emergency telephone 70 International border 71 Cycling route 72 End of restriction 73 Parking 74 No parking 75 No stopping 76 Parallel parking 77 Alternate-side parking 78 Parking meter 79 Parking disc 80 Disabled parking 81 Traffic management 82 Merging 83 Reversing 84 U-turn 85 Carpool 86 Traffic jam 87 Uncontrolled crossroad 88 Road surface 89 Ring road 90 Exit 91 Information point 92 Horse riding 93 Provisional licence 94 Hazardous cargo 95 Emergency exit 96 Runaway truck ramp 97 Radio service 98 Oversize load 99 Lane 100 Tyre inflation station ...