ExpresswayFrance
3. Expressway
An expressway is a road intended to carry through traffic efficiently, usually at higher speeds than ordinary roads. Expressways often have limited access, multiple lanes, separated carriageways or grade-separated junctions, but their design and legal status vary between countries.
An expressway is not always a motorway. It may have intersections, traffic lights or direct access, and the permitted road users, speed limits and special rules depend on local signs and regulations.
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
How do people refer to an expressway in France?
The legal French term is route à accès réglementé. Access is restricted to designated entry points. The legal classification can also exclude particular categories of road user or vehicle; check the restrictions on the road you enter.
🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • Légifrance, Road Infrastructure Code, Articles L151-1 and L151-2
Start of an expressway.
English • Traffic sign C107 • Road with regulated access.
Français • Panneau C107 • Route à accès réglementé.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967
© Gigillo83 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Gigillo83 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2010-07-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.
End of the expressway.
English • Traffic sign C108 • End of road with regulated access. This sign marks the end of the corresponding requirements.
Français • Panneau C108 • Fin de route à accès réglementé. Ce panneau indique la fin des prescriptions correspondantes.
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 2011-08-06. Wikimedia original unmodified.
What speed limit applies to cars on an expressway in France?
On a non-motorway road with physically separated carriageways, the usual car maximum outside built-up areas is 110 km/h, reduced to 100 km/h in rain. Other layouts have different limits. Follow signs and any lower novice-driver or vehicle limit.
🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • French Road Code — Code de la voirie routière L151-1–2; R413-2
Who may use an expressway in France?
Check the restrictions for the particular road. Under Article R151-2, the order conferring expressway status lists the categories of vehicles or users permanently prohibited on all or part of that route. Follow the applicable entry controls.

Traffic rules
France