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MotorwayFrance

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

2. Motorway

A motorway is a road specially designed and signposted for motor traffic. Motorways normally have separate carriageways for opposing traffic, controlled access through designated entrances and exits, no direct access to neighbouring properties, and no level crossings with other roads, railways or paths.

Special traffic rules apply on motorways. The permitted road users, speed limits, lane rules, tolls and emergency procedures vary between countries, so drivers must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.

Access to motorway A79 at interchange 24 from the D994 roundabout. (Molinet, Allier, France)
Wikimedia.org • Tabl-trai • CC BY-SA
How can you recognise a motorway?

A motorway is normally identified by a special motorway sign at its entrance. It commonly has separate carriageways, controlled entrances and exits, and no ordinary intersections or direct access to neighbouring properties.

Who may use a motorway?

Motorways are primarily intended for motor vehicles capable of travelling safely at motorway speeds. Pedestrians, cyclists, animals and certain slow vehicles are generally prohibited, but the exact access requirements differ between countries.

What is the speed limit on a motorway?

There is no universal motorway speed limit. The applicable limit depends on the country, road section, vehicle category and driving conditions. Posted or variable speed-limit signs may replace the general national limit.

How should you enter a motorway?

Use the entrance or acceleration lane to observe motorway traffic and adjust your speed where possible. Enter only when there is a safe gap and follow the local priority and merging rules.

How should you leave a motorway?

Move into the correct lane in good time and signal when required. Enter the exit or deceleration lane before reducing your speed, unless traffic, signs or road conditions require you to slow down earlier.

Which lane should you use on a motorway?

Follow the local keep-left or keep-right rule and any lane-direction signs. Lanes closer to the centre of the motorway are commonly used for overtaking, but lane-use rules differ between countries and vehicle categories.

Can you stop on a motorway?

Voluntary stopping and parking are normally permitted only in designated parking or service areas. Drivers may still have to stop because of congestion, an emergency or another unavoidable situation.

Can you reverse or make a U-turn on a motorway?

Reversing, making a U-turn and driving against the direction of traffic are generally prohibited. If you miss an exit, continue to the next suitable exit.

What should you do if your vehicle breaks down?

Move the vehicle out of the traffic lanes when this can be done safely, activate the hazard warning lights and follow the local breakdown procedures. Leave the vehicle safely, keep away from moving traffic and use a warning triangle or safety vest where required by local law.

What is the difference between a motorway and an expressway?

A motorway normally has the highest level of access control and is governed by specific motorway rules. An expressway may have similar characteristics but may permit different road users or contain lower-standard junctions. The legal distinction varies between countries.

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 ...