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LaneFrance

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

99. Lane

A lane is a longitudinal part of a roadway intended to accommodate a line of moving vehicles. A roadway may contain one or several lanes for traffic travelling in the same or opposite directions.

Lanes are commonly separated by continuous or broken road markings. Traffic signs, lane arrows and lane-control signals may indicate which vehicles may use a lane, which direction traffic must follow or whether a lane is open or closed.

Sign indicating 4 lanes, 2 in your direction and 2 in the opposite direction, for a distance of 7 kilometres. Speed limit of 110 km/h. (Haute-Savoie, France)
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
What is a traffic lane?

A traffic lane is a longitudinal part of a roadway intended for a line of moving vehicles.

Is a lane the same as a roadway?

No. A roadway is the larger area intended for vehicle traffic and may contain one or several individual lanes.

How are traffic lanes normally marked?

Lanes are commonly separated by continuous or broken longitudinal road markings. Their appearance and legal meaning depend on the local traffic-sign system.

Can you cross a broken lane line?

Normally yes, when permitted and safe, for example when changing lane or overtaking. Drivers must still check surrounding traffic and follow local rules.

Can you cross a continuous lane line?

Normally no, except where local law provides a specific exception. A continuous line generally indicates that crossing the marking is prohibited.

Should you signal before changing lane?

Yes. Drivers should indicate their intention in sufficient time and change lane only after making sure the movement can be completed safely.

Who has priority when changing lane?

A driver changing lane generally must give way to traffic already travelling in the lane being entered, although specific merging rules may apply in some situations.

Can a lane be reserved for certain vehicles?

Yes. Particular lanes may be reserved for buses, bicycles, high-occupancy vehicles or other specified traffic according to local signs and regulations.

Can a traffic lane be temporarily closed?

Yes. Lane-control signals, temporary signs, barriers or roadworks markings may close a lane or direct traffic into another lane.

What should you do when your lane ends?

Follow the merging rules and road markings, observe surrounding traffic and move into the continuing lane safely. Special zipper-merging rules may apply during congestion.

What do lane-direction arrows mean?

Arrows painted in a lane can indicate the direction or directions that traffic using that lane must follow, particularly when approaching an intersection.

Should you remain in one lane when possible?

Yes. Avoid unnecessary lane changes. Choose an appropriate lane and change only when needed for overtaking, turning, merging or following the required route.

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 ...