Expat drivers in France urged to learn new rules of the road

French lawmakers have unveiled revised rules for all drivers in a bid to reduce severe accidents.

Drivers’ behaviour is the target of a number of new measures recently announced by the French government. Due to come into force next July, the new laws are expected to reduce France’s higher than average toll of road accidents by reducing speed limits, changing road markings and the increased targeting of drunk drivers and those using mobile phones whilst at the wheel.

The speed limit is to be cut by 10kph to 80kph on main roads without central barriers, and is expected to reduce the number of accidents resulting in death by around 350 to 400 a year. Numbers of fatalities will be continually monitored and the rule will be re-evaluated in July 2020. The cost of changing speed limit signs and road markings will be borne by the State.

The new rules will crack down heavily on drunk drivers and those driving whilst affected by drugs. The alcohol/blood limit is set at 0.8 grammes, with offenders having their driving licenses immediately confiscated and their cars impounded for seven days. If found drinking and driving again, offenders will have their cars confiscated until a medical test has been taken and the cars have been fitted with a breathalyser which prevents ignition if alcohol is detected. In addition, those using mobile phones whilst driving are also in the government’s sights, with on-the- spot confiscation of driving licenses if a driving offence is committed.

In another incentive aimed at reducing road accidents, a technical examination which judges vehicles’ roadworthiness is being introduced in May with the aim of keeping unsafe cars off the French roads. The new test is similar to the UK’s MOT test, and includes an increased number of points for mechanics to consider when examining a car. At present, cars fall into two categories – favourable and safe to drive and unfavourable, with drivers given two months to make necessary changes and repairs before a second check-up. A third ‘critical’ category is being introduced, with the vehicle not allowed on the roads until all repairs have been done.