| Speed Limit on Motorways | - 130kmh (80mph)
- 110kmh (68mph) when wet
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| Speed Limit on Open Roads | - If dual carriageway with central reservation – 110kmh (68mph)
- Otherwise 90kmh (55mph)
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| Speed Limit in Towns | |
| Alcohol Limit | - 50mg of alcohol in bloodstream
- Severe penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol apply including fines, imprisonment and suspension of driving licence
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| Road Tolls | - Roads that charge a toll can be recognised by the words “péage” or ”par péage” on blue signs
- A ticket is collected at the start of the journey at a gate machine on the motorway
- Tolls are paid at the exit point
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| Use of Mobile Phone Whilst Driving | - It is illegal to use a hand held mobile phone when driving and can result in an on the spot fine of € 35 and 2 points on a French driving licence
- It is legal to use a hands free unit
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| On the Spot Fines | - On the spot fines and deposits can be very hefty
- An official receipt should always be obtained
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| Seat Belts | - Compulsory for front and rear seated passengers if already fitted
- Children under 6 months may sit in a child seat in the front of the vehicle but ALL other children under 10 must sit in the rear of the vehicle
- All children under the age of 10 MUST sit in a child/booster seat (in the rear of the vehicle) or the driver will be liable for a fine
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| Traffic Light Regulations | - Red – Stop
- Amber – Stop or Slow Down if car can’t be stopped safely
- Green – Go
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| Rush Hour in Built Up Areas | |
| Fuel | - Main fuel stations are open 24hrs a day
- Some fuel stations have automatic pumps operated by credit cards
- A sign on the pump will indicate which cards are accepted
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| Parking Advice | - Severe parking restrictions have been implemented in Paris and parking is now forbidden in many streets
- Yellow lines mean absolutely no parking
- Parking is allowed on one side of the street only and signs will indicate which side to park
- Pay and display machines are common throughout France, otherwise parking is normally free between 1900 hrs and 0900hrs and at weekends and public holidays
- Larger cities also operate a blue zone system whereby parking discs or tickets must be displayed for a maximum stay of 1.5hrs
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