Everything You Need to Know About Speeding in France

If you’re planning a French road trip, it’s vital that you know the national speed limit in France and what to expect if you’re caught speeding. Adhering to the national speed limit in France will help you to stay safe on the road, protect yourself and others, and avoid heavy penalties.

In this guide, we cover the national speed limit in France, including the speed limit on France’s motorways, the varying speed fines in France and what will happen if you exceed speed limits.

What is the National Speed Limit France?

The national speed limit in France uses the metric system, which is different to the UK. The speed limit is listed in kilometres rather than miles, so British drivers need to be extra vigilant during a French road trip.

The national speed limit in France is as follows:

• Motorways: 130 kph (80 mph)
• Dual Carriageways: 110 kph (68 mph)
• Main Roads Outside Built-up Areas: 80 kph (49 mph)
• Main Roads Within Built-up Areas: 50 kph (31 mph)

The ring road that surrounds Paris, the Boulevard Peripherique, has its own speed limit of 70 kph (43 mph).

If you’re driving a car and towing a caravan that’s heavier than your car, you need to pay extra attention to the national speed limit in France:

• 65 kph (40 mph) if the excess weight is less than 30%
• 45 kph (28 mph) if the excess weight is more than 30%

Many foreign drivers don’t realise that the national speed limit in France lowers during wet weather:

• Motorways: 110 kph (68 mph)
• Dual Carriageways: 100 kph (62 mph)
• Main Roads Outside Built-Up Areas: 70 kph (43 mph)
• Main Roads Within Built-Up Areas: 50 kph (31 mph)

These changes in speed limit are in place to improve road safety in France, so be sure to follow them closely when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Speed Limit in France Motorway

The motorway in France, also known as the Autoroute, is an extensive network which many road trippers from the UK use to get around the country efficiently and safely. There are many benefits of using the Autoroute, so be sure to follow its speed limit carefully so you can continue to use it.

Speed cameras and the Gendarmerie monitor traffic to ensure the speed limit on France’s motorway is being followed. Speed cameras are not often obvious to drivers, and the Gendarmerie may patrol motorways in unmarked vehicles.

To recap, the speed limit in France’s motorway is:

• 130 kph (80 mph) in dry weather conditions
• 110 kph (68 mph) in wet weather conditions
• 50 kph (31 mph) in foggy weather, when visibility is less than 50 m

For more advice on French motorway laws, check out our comprehensive guide to driving in France.

What If I’m Caught Speeding in France?

If you’re caught speeding in France, either a speed camera or the Gendarmerie will register your offence.

After being pulled over by the Gendarmerie, you’ll be handed a fine and you’ll have to pay that fine on-the-spot.

If you’re caught speeding in France by an extreme amount, the Gendarmerie could confiscate your license and you wouldn’t be able to drive in France for at least three months. Another driver in your party will have to drive the car instead or, if you’re alone, you’ll have to pay the price of towing your vehicle.

When you’re caught on a speeding camera, the French authorities will post you your fine within 100 days. The longer you wait to pay your fine, the more it will cost you.

Speed Fines in France

Speed fines in France vary depending on how fast you’re travelling:

• If you exceed the speed limit by over 50 kph, the speed fine in France is €1,500.
• If you’re travelling between 20 kph and 50 kph over the limit, the speed fine in France is €135.
• If you’re breaking the speed limit by under 20 kph when the speed limit is less than 50 kph, the fine is €135.
• If you’re breaking the speed limit by under 20 kph when the speed limit is over 50 kph, the fine is €68.

An €135 penalty may be lowered to €90 if paid within 15 days, and may be increased to €375 if paid after 45 days.

A €68 speed fine in France may be lowered to €45 if paid within 15 days.

In France, it’s also illegal to use devices that track and map the location of speed cameras. If you are discovered to be using one, you risk being fined €1,500 and your device will likely be confiscated.

Road Safety in France

Following the national speed limits in France is important to ensure you’re staying safe on the roads. Using the Autoroute is one of the safest ways to travel through France, just remember that the speed limits are weather-dependent and are listed in kph, not mph. To fully take advantage of the efficiency of France’s Autoroute network, our toll tags make a real difference – you can move through tolls with ease and efficiency, avoid fumbling for loose change, and even avoid queues.

For more information on French toll tags, please visit our website or get in touch with a member of the Emovis Tag team.