As a service to our guests, we have put together this collection of information to answer questions about visitors driving in France. This information has been sourced from various places and to the best of our knowledge is accurate. We always advise checking the regulations with official sources before travelling.

Minimum Age: The minimum age at which visitors may drive a car is 18. In the case of UK visitors, a full UK licence is required. UK licences that do not incorporate a photo are acceptable but drivers must be able to provide photographic proof of identity, for example, a valid passport. It is advisable to update UK licences to the new photographic version if time permits. You must carry your licence with you whilst driving.

Insurance: Car insurance is compulsory and the minimum cover requirement is third party. It is important to check with your insurance company that you are covered to drive in France and for how long that cover lasts. You may also like to check that your fully comprehensive cover is not reduced when driving outside of the country of origin. Your insurance company should be able to issue you with a green card or some other proof of cover should you need to produce your documents. You must carry proof of insurance with you whilst driving.

Registration Document: It is compulsory to carry an original registration document with you whilst driving. If the vehicle is not registered in your name then carry a letter from the owner giving you permission to drive.

Country Sticker: For vehicles from Britain a GB sticker is compulsory, unless your number plate is the new Euro-style plate with the GB euro symbol, in which case you are not required to display a GB sticker.

Warning Triangle: It is not compulsory for visitors to France to carry a warning triangle, but in certain breakdown or emergency situations it may be necessary to use one. For instance a breakdown just after a bend would require the use of a warning triangle, it is therefore recommended that a warning triangle is carried. In all cases it is compulsory to use hazard warning lights or a warning triangle in the event of a breakdown or emergency.

Headlamps: Headlamp adjustment is compulsory. Most older vehicles require a simple kit which comprises stickers which need to be positioned accurately on the headlight as per instructions. Some newer models require adjustment or other methods. Please contact your dealer for full information.

Seat Belts: It is compulsory for passengers to wear seat belts in both the front and the rear of a vehicle if fitted.

Child Safety: Children under 10 can not travel as a front seat passenger. It is necessary to use a restraint system in the rear seats which is dependant upon the weight of the child, 9-15kg - a child seat, over 15kg a booster seat in conjunction with normal seat belts. It is possible to use a rear facing baby carrier on the front seat for children up to 9 months (less than 9kg) as long as the vehicle is not fitted with a passenger airbag.

Visibility: Dipped headlights must be used in poor visibility.

Drinking & Driving: Drinking and Driving is wholly unadvised. The limit (0.05%) is lower than that imposed in the UK for instance, and penalties are harsh and include fines - imprisonment - confiscation of licence.

Toll Roads: Some motorways in France are toll roads. Journeys can be made toll free by using minor roads but this will result in longer journey times. Most of the toll roads in Lower Normandy are located east of Caen, there are very few, if any, on the west side of Caen.

Speeding: Holders of EU licences who break the speed limit by more than 40kmh will face having their licence confiscated on the spot.

Motorcycles: Use of dipped headlights during the day is compulsory as also is the wearing of crash helmets for both driver and passenger.

Radar Detectors: Radar detectors are strictly prohibited. You may not carry, transport, or use a radar detector. The penalty is: confiscation of the detector, a large on the spot deposit against the fine, a court summons with the possible outcome being confiscation of the vehicle. Leave it at home!!!

Fines - On The Spot: French police impose on the spot fines for speeding, crossing solid white lines, not coming to a full halt at a "Stop" sign, and other offences. These fines can be harsh so drive courteously and pay attention to road signs to avoid this problem.

Spare Bulbs: It is advised but not compulsory for visitors to carry a spare set of bulbs.

In places such as Lower Normandy it is best to purchase petrol during business hours as most petrol stations are closed after 7pm. When open, the cashier will accept foreign credit cards or cash, but the automated pumps which come in to affect after closing (in some but not all stations) will not always accept foreign cards. This also applies to Sunday when most if not all will be closed. This may not be true of some of the major routes but do not take chances. Best fuel prices are obtained at supermarkets.

Right Side Of The Road: Whilst in France you must drive on the right hand side of the road. When at a roundabout you must travel anti-clockwise. You must also give way to the right if the road on the right does not have stop, give way signs or white lines across the junction. Most major junctions have have signs to prevent cars coming from the right but not all! A lot of junctions on minor roads do allow the traffic on the right priority, so keep an eye up ahead for traffic coming from the right. In built up areas always give priority to traffic from the right.

Roundabout Priorities: When approaching a roundabout if you see a sign that reads "Vous n'avez pas la priorité" or "Cédez le passage" then you must give priority to traffic on the roundabout and give way to traffic coming from the left. When there is no such sign then traffic coming on to the roundabout has priority. In our experience it is always best to be cautious when approaching, or when on a roundabout. Remember you must travel anti-clockwise on a roundabout.

Breakdown: It is strongly advised to take out breakdown insurance to cover for driving in France. You may already have cover but it may require extending for use outside of the country of origin, it is best to check with the agent concerned. If you do not have cover then try here: Breakdown Insurance - for short term deals at a good price.