Want to know what you need to drive in France? You are in the right place!
France is one of my favourite places to drive. There are so many amazing places to see and the roads are pretty easy to navigate. I have driven to France multiple times from the UK and other places around Europe. I actually now have to drive through France every time I visit the UK because I now live in the Netherlands!
But no matter if you are using a rental car or using your own vehicle like me-there are a few driving requirements you need to follow when in France!
To help you drive in France safely and confidently, this guide explores everything you may need for driving and navigating the roads in France.
This includes the best driving in France kit, documents you may need and other useful information.
So let’s jump in and start looking at everything you need to drive in France for your next road trip!
Short On Time?
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Do I need anything for driving in France?
Yes, there are a few things you will need for driving in France as they have strict driving rules and regulations!
This includes a breathalyser kit, as well as any other required documents such as your driver’s licence and passport.
You should also ensure that all lights and indicators on your car are functioning properly and that your tyres have adequate tread depth – this is particularly important for driving in winter.
It is also a good idea to take a basic first aid kit and a warning triangle with you, as these are compulsory for driving in France.
If your car is fitted with headlights that can be switched between left-hand and right-hand drive, make sure they are set correctly – failure to do so could result in a fine.
Most Kits for driving in France include all of these items so you do not have to pay for them separately.
It also works out a lot cheaper as I painfully found out!
🥇 If You Are Looking For The Best Kit For Driving In France & Europe, The GADLANE driving kit is the #1 Option!
It has hundreds of good reviews and can be used all over Europe, not just in France!
☝️However, It is so popular that sometimes it’s out of stock, the AA Euro Kit is a fantastic alternative!
Finally, make sure you have enough petrol to get you from A to B too!
Having all of these for hitting the roads in France should help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable journey!
What kit do I need to drive in France?
There are so many driving kits for France on the market, that it can be impossible to know which one to pick!
But If you are looking for the overall best kit for driving in France, you should check out the GADLANE European Driving Kit.
The GADLANE European Car Travel Kit
It is the perfect choice for anyone looking for an affordable and easy way to make sure their car is roadworthy when travelling in Europe.
It also has a budget-friendly price tag that is a lot cheaper than stores like Halfords!
This is one of the most popular kits to buy because of its amazing value for money.
There are also hundreds of positive reviews from customers vouching for its quality and effectiveness!
Not only is it cheaper than other options, but it also makes sure you have all the necessary safety equipment to comply with the driving laws in France and Europe.
✅ Check Out Prices For The GADLANE European Driving Kit Here!
✅ The kit contains a reflective warning triangle for when your car breaks down on an unlit road, which is really useful!
✅ You will also find a set of headlight beam converters so you can use your headlights without dazzling other drivers.
✅ It also comes with a UK sticker and a breathalyser to make sure you are not in violation of any local laws.
So if you’re looking for an affordable and comprehensive car travel kit for France that has everything you need to comply with European driving laws, this complete kit is worth considering.
For a safe trip and a full guarantee you won’t be fined, this is the best kit for driving in France!
What is the mandatory kit for driving in France?
You will notice if you go to some shops or online stores that the French driving kits have EVERYTHING you may need for every single situation you may run into.
However, if you don’t have much luggage space or just want to make sure you have all the legally required items, your kit needs to have the following items:
- Reflective Vest
- UK Car Sticker
- Headlamp Beam Reflector
- Warning Triangles
- Bulb Kit
- Breathalyser
✅ For a kit that has the mandatory items driving in France, I always use The GADLANE driving kit
Is a breathalyser kit required in France?
As I mentioned above, a breathalyser kit is essential if you plan to drive a car in France and you should have a breathalyser kit with you.
This applies to all drivers from outside of the country, including British citizens and residents.
This is a requirement for driving in France and the rest of Europe.
These kits are relatively inexpensive, usually costing no more than ten euros. They can be bought from any half-decent auto parts store or most petrol stations.
They are usually available at supermarkets and pharmacies too!
To avoid any fines, you need to buy these kits in advance so make sure you do before you set off.
👉 Click Here for the best Breathalyser kit for driving in France and Europe.
Most driving in France kits do include them, but a lot of them don’t. So it’s always a good idea to buy a separate breathalyser kit just in case.
It is important to note, however, that the breathalyser kit must be compliant with French standards – which means it must have a National Approval Number (NAN) printed on it.
Without this number, you may run into some trouble and be fined.
Driving in France checklist and requirements
Driving through France in your own car or rental can be overwhelming if you don’t know the regulations.
The last thing you will want is to be stressed when driving in an unfamiliar country.
Every country across Europe has different driving requirements so if you are driving from France to another Country, you must be up to date on them all.
However, France has one of the most strict driving requirements so if you have got these covered, you should be all set to go!
To help you enjoy driving in France, here is a checklist of essential items you need:
✅Valid driver’s licence and passport
✅ Insurance documents
✅ Up-to-date map or GPS device
✅ First aid kit (this is the one I always take to Europe) and warning triangle
✅Spare tyre with an adequate tread depth
✅ Adequate fuel to get from A to B
✅Lights and indicators functioning properly
✅ Headlights set correctly for left or right-hand drive (if necessary)
To help you drive the roads in France confidently, here are some key driving rules you should know before your trip:
Driving to France from the UK
Driving from the UK to France is not only pretty easy, but it is also a great and cheap way to reach the rest of Europe!
However, before setting off for your trip to France, there are a few things you should know.
✅ You can either get the ferry across or use the channel tunnel. The prices can range for both so keep an eye out for deals and discount codes.
✅ The driver must be at least 18 years old.
✅ You must carry your valid driver’s licence, as well as your passport and insurance documents.
✅ GB stickers and no longer valid so your car must have a UK sticker.
✅ If you are driving a vehicle that is not from Europe, make sure you have fitted your head beam adapters.
✅ Familiarise yourself with local driving laws and regulations. If you are going to get fined anywhere in Europe, it will probably be here!
What documents do I need to drive in France from the UK?
When driving your own car to France, there are a few documents you will need to make sure you comply with French driving regulations.
Here is a rundown of the documents you need for driving in France:
✅ Your Valid driver’s license and passport
✅ Travel insurance, car insurance and breakdown cover
✅ For certain parts of France you will need a clean air sticker. However, not all cars are allowed this sticker due to their age and emissions. So it’s a good idea to check here if you need one so you can plan your route.
UK sticker for driving in France
If you are driving from the UK to France, you will need to display a UK sticker on your vehicle.
The sticker should be clearly visible on your car’s rear bumper or window and must be at least 10 cm² in size.
The old sticker before Brexit was GB so if you are buying a kit for driving in France, make sure it has the updated UK one in it.
It is really important to put this on before you enter France and start driving. And I recommend you take 2 sets, just in case one falls off the car.
Driving In France Final Thoughts:
Now that you know a bit more about what to expect when driving in France, as well as the best driving kit for French roads, you should be all set to have a great time on your next getaway.
French roads can be a lot different from what you’re used to, so it’s important to be prepared before driving there. So make sure you use this guide and checklist so you have everything you need to enjoy your French road trip!
I hope you found this article useful! Here are some more posts to help you plan your trip:
✔️Eating In Europe Cheaply: The Ultimate Foodies Guide to Europe on a Shoe String
✔️What Countries In Europe Speak English?
✔️What To Wear In Europe (+ What You Should Avoid Wearing): The Guide For All Seasons
✔️The Most Romantic Places In Europe For Your Next Trip
✔️The Best Wizz Air Cabin Bag For Your Next Flight
Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.
