Whether you're heading to France for a driving holiday or simply crossing the border, understanding French speed limits is essential for a safe and legal journey.
Speed limits vary depending on road type, weather conditions, and even driver experience. Unlike Germany, all roads in France are subject to maximum speed restrictions.
Standard Speed Limits in France
Speed limits in France are posted in kilometres per hour (km/h). The following table outlines the default limits for private cars in dry weather conditions:
| Road Type
| Speed Limit (Dry Weather)
|
|---|
| Motorways (Autoroutes)
| 130 km/h (approx. 80 mph)
|
| Dual carriageways (central barrier)
| 110 km/h (approx. 68 mph)
|
| National & rural roads
| 80–90 km/h depending on region
|
| City/town areas
| 50 km/h (approx. 31 mph)
|
Some rural areas have reduced limits to 80 km/h. Always check local signage for confirmation.
Wet Weather Speed Limits
Speed limits in France automatically decrease when roads are wet.
No additional signs are required - drivers must adjust their speed accordingly:
| Road Type
| Speed Limit (Wet Weather)
|
|---|
| Motorways
| 110 km/h
|
| Dual carriageways
| 100 km/h
|
| National/rural roads
| 80 km/h
|
| Urban areas
| 50 km/h
|
Fog with visibility under 50m lowers the motorway limit to 50 km/h.
Limits for New Drivers & Towing
Drivers with less than 3 years' experience and those towing trailers must observe reduced speed limits:
| Driver/Vehicle Type
| Motorway
| Dual Carriageway
| Other Roads
|
|---|
| Licence < 3 years
| 110 km/h
| 100 km/h
| 80 km/h
|
| Towing
| 90 km/h
| 80–90 km/h
| 80 km/h
|
Fines and Penalties
French police strictly enforce speed limits using fixed and mobile cameras.
UK drivers can still be fined, even post-Brexit:
| Speed Over Limit
| Fine (Approximate)
| Possible Additional Penalties
|
|---|
| Up to 20 km/h
| €68–€135
| None
|
| 20–49 km/h
| €135
| Vehicle may be stopped
|
| 50+ km/h
| €1500
| Licence suspension, vehicle seizure
|
Fines must often be paid immediately. Unpaid fines can result in the vehicle being impounded.
Other Speed-Related Rules
- Camera detection systems are illegal. GPS devices that show camera locations must have this feature disabled.
- Red-bordered signs show active limits. A grey version with a diagonal black stripe indicates the end of that limit.
- Be mindful of Crit’Air zones, which may impose temporary speed restrictions during pollution alerts.
Summary of French Speed Limits
| Road Type
| Dry Limit
| Wet Limit
|
|---|
| Motorways
| 130 km/h
| 110 km/h
|
| Dual carriageways
| 110 km/h
| 100 km/h
|
| National/rural roads
| 80–90 km/h
| 80 km/h
|
| Urban areas
| 50 km/h
| 50 km/h
|
Speed Limits in France FAQs
What is the speed limit on French motorways?
130 km/h in dry conditions. In wet weather, it drops to 110 km/h. New drivers must also follow the reduced 110 km/h limit.
Are there roads in France with no speed limit?
No. Unlike Germany, all roads in France have clearly defined maximum speed limits, including motorways.
Do speed limits change automatically in the rain?
Yes. Wet weather automatically lowers speed limits. You are expected to know and obey the reduced limits even if signs don't change.
Can UK drivers be fined for speeding in France?
Yes. French authorities can issue fines to UK drivers, which may be enforced through rental agencies or bilateral agreements. Payment is often required on the spot.
Is 90 km/h still allowed on rural roads?
Some departments still allow 90 km/h, but many have moved to an 80 km/h limit. Always follow posted signage as regional rules may differ.
Following local speed limits helps avoid fines and ensures a safer journey throughout France.
Following local speed limits helps avoid fines and ensures a safer journey throughout France.
