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Driving in France

By law, one red warning triangle and at least one high-visibility vest/waistcoat must be carried in a vehicle.

In the event of breakdown:-

  • The driver must put on the high visibility vest before leaving the vehicle, therefore they must normally be carried in the passenger section of the car. 
  • Place the warning triangle at least 30 metres from the breakdown to warn approaching traffic.
  • Hazard warning lights must also be switched on when the vehicle has them.

Failure to carry these items in the vehicle is punishable by a fine incurred of around Euros 80 per item not carried.

  • All cyclists must wear a reflective vest at night, outside of urban areas (from 1 October 2008).


The French Société Prévention Routière (Road Safety Department) strongly advise carrying reflective vests for all vehicle occupants.
  • The high-visibility garment must conform to EU standards EN 471 or EN 1150, in order to conform with European Directive 89/686/EEC
  • The triangle must conform to EU standards, evidence for which is the stamp E 27 R

 

 

 

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