CurveFrance

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.


42. Curve

A curve is a section of road that changes direction to the left or right. A sharp, unexpected or poorly visible curve can reduce a driver’s view of approaching traffic, stopped vehicles, pedestrians and other hazards.

Drivers should reduce speed before entering the curve, remain within their lane and use smooth steering, braking and acceleration. Warning signs may indicate the direction of the first curve or a series of successive curves.

Curve
Warning for a curve to the right. Speed limit of 70 km/h. (Haute-Savoie, France)
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
What makes a bend dangerous in France?

Curves shorten your view of the road ahead and can reduce the margin for correcting a mistake. Drivers may encounter winding routes in the Alps, Pyrenees and rural areas; the safe speed can be well below the posted maximum. Watch for changing road surfaces and people or vehicles hidden beyond the curve.

🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • French Road Code — R413-17, R414-1–4, R414-11; 1967 order article 3

How should you approach a sharp curve in France?

Slow down before the bend, select the correct lane position, look through the curve and steer smoothly. Keep enough grip and visible stopping distance for the road and weather conditions.

🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • French Road Code — R413-17, R414-1–4, R414-11; 1967 order article 3

Is overtaking safe on a blind bend in France?

No. Do not start overtaking where your view of oncoming traffic is obstructed or where signs or road markings prohibit it. Wait until there is a lawful, clear and sufficiently long view ahead.

🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • French Road Code — R413-17, R414-1–4, R414-11; 1967 order article 3

Warning for a curve to the left. Warning for a curve to the left.

English • Traffic sign A1b • Left-hand bend.

Français • Panneau A1b • Virage à gauche.

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 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Source revision 2013-07-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Warning for a curve to the right. Warning for a curve to the right.

English • Traffic sign A1a • Right-hand bend.

Français • Panneau A1a • Virage à droite.

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 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Source revision 2013-07-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.

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 ...