MotorwayFrance
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.
Wikimedia.org • Tabl-trai • CC BY-SA
How do people refer to a motorway in France?
The French term is autoroute. A divided road is not automatically an autoroute; the motorway designation determines which special rules apply.
🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • French Road Code — R413-2, R413-4–5, R421-1–9
Start of a motorway.
English • Traffic sign C207 • Beginning of a motorway section. This sign marks the start of the special motorway traffic rules.
Français • Panneau C207 • Début d'une section d'autoroute. Ce panneau annonce le début de l'application des règles particulières de circulation sur autoroute.
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 2024-10-04. Wikimedia original unmodified.
End of the motorway.
English • Traffic sign C208 • End of a motorway section. This sign marks the end of the special motorway traffic rules.
Français • Panneau C208 • Fin d'une section d'autoroute. Ce panneau annonce la fin de l'application des règles particulières de circulation sur autoroute.
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 2024-10-04. Wikimedia original unmodified.
What speed limit applies to cars on a motorway in France?
For an ordinary car, the normal maximum is 130 km/h, reduced to 110 km/h during rain or other precipitation. Probationary drivers are also limited to 110 km/h. When visibility is below 50 metres, the maximum is 50 km/h. Obey lower signs and adjust speed to conditions.
🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • French Road Code — R413-2, R413-4–5, R421-1–9
Who may use a motorway in France?
Pedestrians, bicycles, mopeds, motor quadricycles, tractors and agricultural machinery are among the road users excluded from motorways. Other categories are also excluded. Public-works machinery may be admitted only under the specified official authorisation; being motorised does not by itself give motorway access.
🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • French Road Code — R413-2, R413-4–5, R421-1–9
What should I do if I miss a motorway exit in France?
Continue to the next exit and choose a safe onward route. Do not reverse, make a U-turn or cross the central reservation to return to a missed exit.
🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • French Road Code — R413-2, R413-4–5, R421-1–9
Who should recover a broken-down vehicle on a French motorway?
On a concession motorway (autoroute concédée), recovery must be handled by an approved motorway recovery operator. Contact the motorway operator through its emergency system and follow its instructions.
