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QuizTraffic rulesFrance

Test your knowledge with our multiple-choice quiz. Learn from each answer and improve your understanding of the traffic rules and road signs of France.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
France
True/false 17 France 37 Car controls 109 Dashboard lights 40 Priority rules 9 Pedestrians 19 Cyclists 20 Driving licence 40 Show all 644
What is the minimum licence for a car with a maximum authorised mass of 3,500 kg?

401. What is the minimum licence for a car with a maximum authorised mass of 3,500 kg?

✓ Licence B.
Licence C.
Licence D1.
Licence BE.

Category B normally covers motor vehicles with a maximum authorised mass not exceeding 3,500 kg and designed to carry no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver.

Car with a maximum authorised mass of 3,500 kg
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which factors can increase a vehicle's stopping distance?

402. Which factors can increase a vehicle's stopping distance?

✓ Higher speed, slower reactions, poor grip, and vehicle condition.
Using dipped headlights and keeping the windows closed.
Lower speed, dry roads, and good tyres.
Having a full fuel tank and adjusted mirrors.

Stopping distance can increase because of higher speed, slower driver reactions, reduced tyre grip, poor weather or road conditions, worn tyres, weak brakes, or a heavier vehicle. Both the driver's reaction distance and the vehicle's braking distance can be affected.

Road and vehicle conditions affecting stopping distance
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a trailer begins to sway?

403. What should you do if a trailer begins to sway?

Steer quickly from side to side.
✓ Ease off the accelerator and reduce speed smoothly.
Move into another lane to create more space.
Accelerate to pull the trailer straight.

Sudden steering or braking can worsen trailer sway. Stay calm, hold a steady course, and reduce speed smoothly.

Trailer swaying behind a towing vehicle
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which vehicle combination is covered by driving licence D1E?

404. Which vehicle combination is covered by driving licence D1E?

A category D bus with a heavy trailer.
A category C1 goods vehicle with a heavy trailer.
Any minibus with any trailer.
✓ A category D1 vehicle with a trailer over 750 kg.

Category D1E covers combinations consisting of a category D1 vehicle and a trailer with a maximum authorised mass above 750 kg.

Minibus and trailer covered by category D1E
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does the AUTO setting on the lighting control do?

405. What does the AUTO setting on the lighting control do?

It switches on the front fog lights.
It flashes the headlights automatically.
✓ It switches the headlights on or off automatically when needed.
It keeps the main beam switched on.

The AUTO lighting setting allows the vehicle to switch its exterior lights on or off automatically according to ambient light conditions. The driver remains responsible for ensuring that the correct lights are being used.

AUTO setting on the vehicle's lighting control
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How can alcohol affect your driving ability?

406. How can alcohol affect your driving ability?

It improves your vision in poor light.
It has no effect if you drive slowly.
It makes your reactions faster.
✓ It can reduce judgement, coordination, and reaction speed.

Alcohol affects several abilities needed for safe driving, including concentration, decision-making, coordination, and hazard perception.

Alcohol impairment and driving ability
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How should luggage or other cargo be carried in or on a vehicle?

407. How should luggage or other cargo be carried in or on a vehicle?

✓ Securely, within load limits, without blocking visibility or lights.
Loosely in the passenger area for short journeys.
Anywhere, as long as the vehicle is not overloaded.
Where it is easiest to reach while driving.

Unsecured or overloaded cargo can affect steering and braking, injure occupants during sudden stops, or fall into the road. It must not obstruct the driver's view or vehicle lights.

Luggage and cargo carried in a vehicle
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What word is commonly shown on STOP signs in France?

408. What word is commonly shown on STOP signs in France?

ALTO.
PARE.
DUR.
✓ STOP.

In France, STOP signs commonly display the word STOP.

Different wording used on stop signs
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What may happen when you press the accelerator fully in an automatic vehicle?

409. What may happen when you press the accelerator fully in an automatic vehicle?

The transmission selects Park.
✓ The transmission may shift to a lower gear for stronger acceleration.
The parking brake applies automatically.
The engine switches off.

In many automatic vehicles, pressing the accelerator fully can activate kickdown, causing the transmission to select a lower gear and provide stronger acceleration.

Accelerator-pedal operation for automatic kickdown
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which selector position is used to drive the vehicle backwards?

410. Which selector position is used to drive the vehicle backwards?

✓ R (Reverse).
P (Park).
D (Drive).
N (Neutral).

Select R (Reverse) when you need to drive the vehicle backwards. The vehicle should be stationary before selecting Reverse.

Automatic gear selector with P, R, N and D positions
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid resting your hand on the gear lever while driving?

411. Why should you avoid resting your hand on the gear lever while driving?

It can apply the parking brake.
It can disengage the clutch.
It can increase engine speed.
✓ It can cause unnecessary wear in the gear-selection mechanism.

Resting your hand on the gear lever can place unnecessary pressure on parts of the gear-selection mechanism and contribute to wear. Keep both hands on the steering wheel when you are not changing gear.

Driver's hand resting on a manual gear lever
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if steam begins coming from underneath the bonnet?

412. What should you do if steam begins coming from underneath the bonnet?

Pour cold water over the engine immediately.
✓ Stop safely, switch off the engine, and keep clear until it has cooled.
Open the coolant cap to release the pressure.
Keep the engine running so the cooling system keeps working.

Steam can indicate an overheated and pressurised cooling system. Do not remove the coolant cap while the system is hot.

Steam rising from underneath a vehicle's bonnet
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid blocking a junction?

413. Why should you avoid blocking a junction?

Vehicles in a junction lose priority.
Your stopping distance becomes longer.
✓ Other traffic needs space to move safely.
Traffic lights may stop working.

Blocking a junction can prevent vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians from moving safely. Enter only when there is enough space to drive through and clear the junction.

Traffic blocking a road junction
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
When may drivers normally use the horn at night in France?

414. When may drivers normally use the horn at night in France?

Whenever approaching a junction.
✓ When necessary to avoid danger.
Whenever another vehicle is nearby.
Whenever overtaking.

At night in France, use of the horn is generally restricted to situations where it is necessary to avoid danger.

Vehicle horn use during night-time driving
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a motorcycle helmet visor is badly scratched?

415. What should you do if a motorcycle helmet visor is badly scratched?

Use it only during daylight.
Keep using it if the weather is dry.
✓ Replace it before riding.
Cover the scratches with clear tape.

A badly scratched or damaged visor can reduce or distort your view, especially in bright sunlight or at night. Replace a visor that no longer provides a clear, safe view and follow the helmet manufacturer's instructions.

Scratched visor on a motorcycle helmet
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a motorcycle's drive chain is too loose?

416. What should you do if a motorcycle's drive chain is too loose?

Increase speed to keep the chain under tension.
Lubricate it and ignore the loose tension.
Keep riding if the motorcycle still moves normally.
✓ Adjust it correctly or have it checked before riding.

A loose drive chain can affect power transmission, damage components, or come off the sprockets. The chain should have the correct tension and lubrication specified by the motorcycle manufacturer. A chain that is too tight can also cause damage.

Loose drive chain on a motorcycle
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Are motorcycle riders generally required to wear a helmet in France?

417. Are motorcycle riders generally required to wear a helmet in France?

No.
✓ Yes.

Motorcycle riders in France are generally required to wear an approved helmet.

Motorcyclist wearing a protective helmet
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What should you expect when leaving a sheltered area during strong winds?

418. What should you expect when leaving a sheltered area during strong winds?

Your steering may become lighter.
The vehicle may automatically slow down.
Higher speed limits.
✓ A sudden gust may affect your vehicle.

Buildings, trees, and other obstacles can block wind. When you leave shelter, a sudden gust may push your vehicle.

Vehicle leaving a sheltered stretch of road
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before turning across a cycle lane?

419. What should you do before turning across a cycle lane?

✓ Check mirrors and blind spots carefully for cyclists.
Enter the cycle lane without checking behind.
Sound your horn and turn immediately.
Turn quickly before cyclists reach the junction.

Cyclists may be beside or behind you when you turn. Check mirrors and blind spots, signal clearly, and turn only when it is safe.

Vehicle preparing to turn across a cycle lane
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you make sure drivers have seen you before crossing?

420. Why should you make sure drivers have seen you before crossing?

Once a driver sees you, no further checks are needed.
A driver who sees you can always stop in time.
Making eye contact gives you priority.
✓ To reduce the risk of stepping into their path.

Before crossing, make sure approaching drivers have noticed you and that it is safe to proceed. Do not assume that a driver will stop simply because you have seen each other.

Pedestrian checking whether an approaching driver has seen them
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before driving if snow or ice covers your vehicle?

421. What should you do before driving if snow or ice covers your vehicle?

Clear only the windows and mirrors.
✓ Clear the windows, mirrors, lights, roof, and number plates.
Let the heater clear the ice while you drive.
Leave snow on the roof if it is firmly packed.

You need a clear view in every direction. Snow or ice left on the roof can also fall or blow onto other road users.

Clearing snow and ice from a vehicle before driving
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Where should you go after safely leaving a disabled vehicle in a tunnel?

422. Where should you go after safely leaving a disabled vehicle in a tunnel?

✓ To a protected emergency area or exit away from traffic.
Remain beside the vehicle and wait for assistance.
Wait directly behind the vehicle where drivers can see you.
Walk along the traffic lane toward the tunnel entrance.

Move away from live traffic and use a marked emergency exit, refuge area, or protected walkway where available.

Leaving a disabled vehicle for a tunnel emergency area
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which vehicle combination is covered by driving licence C1E?

423. Which vehicle combination is covered by driving licence C1E?

Any category C vehicle with a heavy trailer.
A category D1 minibus with a heavy trailer.
Any combination weighing more than 12,000 kg.
✓ A C1 vehicle with a heavy trailer, up to 12,000 kg combined.

Category C1E covers a category C1 vehicle with a trailer over 750 kg, provided the combination does not exceed 12,000 kg. It can also cover certain category B vehicles towing trailers over 3,500 kg, again with a combined maximum authorised mass not exceeding 12,000 kg.

Goods vehicle and trailer covered by category C1E
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Why should you avoid braking hard on a curve?

424. Why should you avoid braking hard on a curve?

It can make the tyres grip the road more strongly.
It can make the vehicle accelerate more slowly afterwards.
✓ It can reduce control and increase the risk of skidding.
It can make the steering feel heavier.

Hard braking on a curve can upset the vehicle's balance and reduce grip. Slow down before the curve and steer smoothly.

Vehicle braking while negotiating a bend
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should you pass a large vehicle in strong winds?

425. How should you pass a large vehicle in strong winds?

Stay close beside it to remain sheltered from the wind.
✓ Be prepared for sudden wind changes when passing.
Keep the steering fixed while you move past it.
Accelerate sharply as soon as you start passing.

Large vehicles can block wind and then expose you to strong gusts when you pass them.

Vehicle passing a large vehicle in windy conditions
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Which side do people drive on in France?

426. Which side do people drive on in France?

Left-hand side.
✓ Right-hand side.

Traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road in France.

Road traffic and the designated driving side
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What does the single-wipe position of the windscreen-wiper control do?

427. What does the single-wipe position of the windscreen-wiper control do?

Runs the wipers continuously.
✓ Operates the windscreen wipers once.
Activates the rear wiper.
Sprays washer fluid onto the windscreen.

The single-wipe position operates the windscreen wipers for one sweep and then stops. It is useful when only a small amount of water or spray needs to be cleared from the windscreen.

Single-wipe setting on the windscreen-wiper control
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What is the minimum licence for a motorcycle with more than 35 kW?

428. What is the minimum licence for a motorcycle with more than 35 kW?

Licence A2.
✓ Licence A.
Licence B.
Licence AM.

Category A2 is limited to motorcycles with power not exceeding 35 kW. A motorcycle with more than 35 kW therefore requires category A.

Motorcycle with more than 35 kW
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you be extra careful at night?

429. Why should you be extra careful at night?

Street lighting makes drivers less alert.
✓ Visibility is reduced.
Road markings become less important.
Road surfaces are usually more slippery.

At night, it is harder to see pedestrians, cyclists, road markings, and hazards. Reduce speed and use the correct lights.

Road traffic in reduced night-time visibility
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What do the + and − controls of cruise control normally do?

430. What do the + and − controls of cruise control normally do?

Change the transmission gear.
Switch between cruise control and the speed limiter.
✓ Increase or decrease the selected cruising speed.
Apply or release the parking brake.

When cruise control is active, the + and − controls normally increase or decrease the selected cruising speed. The amount of each adjustment can vary between vehicles.

Plus and minus controls for the cruising speed
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What should you check before towing a trailer?

431. What should you check before towing a trailer?

Check the tyres only if the trailer has been unused.
✓ The coupling, safety connections, lights, tyres, and load.
Secure the load only if it is heavy.
Check only that the trailer is securely coupled.

The trailer must be correctly connected and roadworthy. Its lights, tyres, safety connections, and load should all be checked.

Checking a trailer before towing
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What should you do if you see smoke or fire inside a tunnel?

432. What should you do if you see smoke or fire inside a tunnel?

Stay inside the vehicle and wait for the smoke to clear.
Reverse toward the entrance without checking behind.
Stop near the fire so you can assess the situation.
✓ Follow tunnel instructions and leave the tunnel if it is safe to do so.

If it is safe to drive out of the tunnel, do so. If you cannot continue safely, stop, switch off the engine, leave the vehicle, and use the marked emergency exits or refuge routes. Follow tunnel-control instructions.

Smoke inside a road tunnel
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Which signs may indicate that you are becoming too tired to drive safely?

433. Which signs may indicate that you are becoming too tired to drive safely?

Wanting to adjust the cabin temperature.
Feeling comfortable and relaxed.
Listening to quieter music.
✓ Yawning, heavy eyelids, and difficulty concentrating.

Warning signs of driver fatigue can include repeated yawning, heavy eyelids, difficulty concentrating, wandering thoughts, and trouble maintaining a steady road position. These signs mean you should stop and rest before continuing.

Driver showing signs of fatigue
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How should cyclists ride when travelling in a group?

434. How should cyclists ride when travelling in a group?

Ride side by side even when traffic cannot pass safely.
Keep the same speed even when gaps become unsafe.
Follow the cyclist ahead without checking traffic yourself.
✓ Predictably, with safe gaps and clear communication.

Safe spacing and communication help group members respond to braking, turns, obstacles, and changing traffic conditions.

Group of cyclists riding along a road
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you check shortly after securing a load?

435. What should you check shortly after securing a load?

Increase speed briefly to test the restraints.
Check the load only when you reach your destination.
✓ Stop safely and check that the restraints are still tight.
Assume the load is secure once the journey has started.

Loads and straps may settle or loosen after the journey begins. Recheck them at a safe stopping place.

Rechecking straps securing a vehicle's load
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which foot should normally operate the brake and accelerator in an automatic vehicle?

436. Which foot should normally operate the brake and accelerator in an automatic vehicle?

✓ The right foot.
The left foot.
Both feet together.
Either foot at the same time.

In an automatic vehicle, the right foot should normally operate both the brake and accelerator pedals. The left foot should rest on the footrest to reduce the risk of pressing both pedals at the same time.

Right-foot control of an automatic vehicle's pedals
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What information is needed when requesting emergency assistance?

437. What information is needed when requesting emergency assistance?

Only the road name and nearest town.
Your insurance details and last service date.
Your vehicle colour and approximate location.
✓ Your exact location, direction of travel, vehicle details, and the problem.

Road numbers, junctions, location markers, direction of travel, and a clear description of the incident help assistance reach you quickly.

Requesting help after a vehicle breakdown
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which vehicles are especially vulnerable to strong crosswinds?

438. Which vehicles are especially vulnerable to strong crosswinds?

✓ High-sided vehicles such as trucks, buses, and vans.
Low, heavily loaded vehicles.
Vehicles without winter tyres.
Electric vehicles.

High-sided vehicles can be pushed sideways because of their large side area. Cyclists and motorcyclists can also be strongly affected by sudden gusts.

High-sided vehicle exposed to crosswinds
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should a front passenger keep their feet off the dashboard?

439. Why should a front passenger keep their feet off the dashboard?

It can prevent the passenger airbag from deploying.
It can make the front seat slide forwards during braking.
✓ It can greatly increase the risk of injury if the airbag deploys.
It can prevent the engine from cooling properly.

A front airbag deploys very quickly and with considerable force. If a passenger has their feet or legs on the dashboard, airbag deployment can force their legs backwards and greatly increase the risk of serious injury. Passengers should sit normally with their feet in the footwell and wear their seat belts correctly. The driver should make sure everyone is seated and restrained safely before setting off.

Passenger resting their feet on the dashboard
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Why should cyclists avoid using a handheld phone?

440. Why should cyclists avoid using a handheld phone?

Because a phone may be used only at low speeds.
Because phones must be switched off while cycling.
Because phone signals can interfere with traffic lights.
✓ It reduces your control and attention.

Using a phone can distract you and may prevent you from steering, braking, or reacting properly.

Cyclist using a handheld phone
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control button operate?

441. What does this vehicle-control button operate?

The parking brake.
The hazard warning lights.
The central locking system.
✓ The engine or drive system.

The engine start/stop button is used to start or switch off the vehicle's engine or electric drive system. Starting the vehicle normally also requires the brake or clutch pedal to be pressed.

Engine start/stop button in a vehicle
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you normally do after completing an overtake?

442. What should you normally do after completing an overtake?

Remain in the overtaking lane until another vehicle approaches.
Slow down before returning to the normal lane.
✓ Return to the normal driving lane when it is safe.
Stay beside the vehicle until there is another reason to change lanes.

After overtaking, return to the normal driving lane when you have passed the other vehicle by a safe distance. Check your mirrors, signal when appropriate, and avoid moving back too soon.

Vehicle returning to its lane after overtaking
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you not drive too close behind another vehicle?

443. Why should you not drive too close behind another vehicle?

It increases tyre pressure.
It makes your steering less responsive.
✓ You may not have enough time to stop.
It causes the vehicle ahead to use more fuel.

Driving too close, or tailgating, reduces the time and space available to react and increases the risk of a rear-end collision. Use defensive driving and keep a safe following distance.

Vehicle tailgating the traffic ahead
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which selector position prevents drive being transmitted to the wheels?

444. Which selector position prevents drive being transmitted to the wheels?

D (Drive).
R (Reverse).
P (Park).
✓ N (Neutral).

Select N (Neutral) when drive should not be transmitted to the wheels. Unlike Park, Neutral does not lock the transmission to prevent the vehicle from rolling.

Automatic gear selector with P, R, N and D positions
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you check before starting a long journey?

445. What should you check before starting a long journey?

✓ Tyres, lights, fluids, windows, mirrors, and essential equipment.
Only the tyres and fuel level.
Only the dashboard warning lights.
Nothing if the vehicle was recently serviced.

A brief vehicle check can reveal tyre damage, low fluid levels, faulty lights, or visibility problems before they cause danger. Also confirm that any spare wheel or tyre-repair equipment is available and usable.

Vehicle safety checks before a long journey
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does the ACC position of a traditional ignition switch normally allow?

446. What does the ACC position of a traditional ignition switch normally allow?

The parking brake to release.
The transmission to select Drive.
The starter motor to turn the engine.
✓ Electrical accessories to be used without starting the engine.

The ACC (accessory) position normally supplies power to certain electrical accessories, such as the audio system, without starting the engine. The exact functions available can vary between vehicles.

ACC accessory position on an ignition switch
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What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

447. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Electronic stability control.
✓ Driving mode selection.
Cruise control.
Four-wheel drive.

This control selects a driving mode. Depending on the vehicle, different modes can alter characteristics such as accelerator response, steering assistance, transmission behaviour or energy use.

Selector for the vehicle's driving modes
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
When should you consider delaying a journey because of severe weather?

448. When should you consider delaying a journey because of severe weather?

Only when your vehicle has no winter tyres.
Whenever the weather forecast mentions rain.
Never, if the vehicle is in good condition.
✓ When conditions make driving unsafe.

Severe weather can create dangerous conditions. Delaying a journey may be the safest choice when risks are too high.

Severe weather making a road journey hazardous
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Why should you increase your following distance on wet roads?

449. Why should you increase your following distance on wet roads?

To reduce road surface damage.
✓ Because braking distances are longer.
Because wet roads make the speedometer less accurate.
Because tyres need more space to warm up.

Water reduces grip between the tyres and the road, so it takes longer to slow down or stop safely.

Following distance between vehicles on a wet road
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do about a chip in the windscreen?

450. What should you do about a chip in the windscreen?

✓ Have it assessed and repaired promptly.
Ignore it if it is outside your direct view.
Clean the glass and continue driving normally.
Wait until the chip becomes a larger crack.

A chip can obstruct your view, weaken the glass, and develop into a larger crack. Have it checked and repaired promptly.

Stone chip in a vehicle's windscreen
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA