With the rising popularity of road trips, tourists around the world are switching to cars for international trips as well. But setting out on a foreign road in your own or a rental vehicle, without proper knowledge, might not be such a great idea. Tourists in France are being fined €1,500 for not being aware of the local driving rules. To travel safely and enjoy yourself while driving in France, it is essential to become familiar with the local traffic laws. It is not only required but also crucial for your safety.
Tourists In France Are Fined For Not Following Driving Rules
When you think about driving a car in another country, you always think about which side of the road to drive on. But is that all you need to be careful about? Apparently, not! Especially if you plan on hitting the road in France, being aware of the local driving rules is a must to avoid being fined. By being mindful of these rules, you can avoid hefty fines and potential accidents and fully enjoy your trip to France. These fines slapped on tourists start at €68 and will likely go up as the country aims to minimise automobile pollution.
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Make A Note Of These Driving Rules In France
Overall, driving in France ought to be safe and enjoyable if you abide by these fundamental guidelines:
- Every driver in France is required to purchase and display a Crit’Air sticker worth €4.61 on their windscreen. It is essential to display the emission levels of their car. Based on the amount of fine particles and nitrogen oxides it emits, each vehicle is ranked on a scale from 0 (electric cars) to 5 (the most polluting vehicles). French cities may forbid certain low-emission zones from being entered by high-polluting vehicles with a Crit’Air rating.
- Paris, Strasbourg, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Nice, Montpellier, Grenoble, Rouen, and Reims are among the French cities with low emission zones, along with Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, and Grenoble.
- Travellers can purchase the Crit’Air sticker in advance on the official Crit’Air website to have it prepared before entering France.
- Before entering France, cars must be without their speed detectors because doing so could result in fines of up to €1,500.
- Driving while wearing headphones is not permitted, and there are penalties for not wearing a hi-vis vest when a car breaks down on the side of the road.
For the sake of avoiding potential fines and ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey, it is imperative to observe and abide by local traffic laws in France.
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