Car Rental France
Car Rental France
The common car rental age is 21. However, it can be higher (sometimes 25) for certain companies. You must have had a valid driving license for at least a year. Visitors staying less than 90 days carrying an EU, International or U.S State license may drive.
General Information About France
Region: Europe
Population: 59,107,500 October 2002
Capital: Paris
Climate: Generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean.
Languages: French
Currency: 1 Euro = 100 cents
National Holiday: Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789)
HolidayCity Paris Hotels and Accommodation
Reservation for Paris hotels, accommodation and apartments at discounted rates.
Some Driving Laws In France
Driving is done on the right.
Seat belts are compulsory; all passengers must wear seat belts.
The blood/alcohol limit in France is 50mg. If you are caught over this limit you could face fines of up to 30,000FF and two years in jail. Your license can also be taken off you immediately.
Bus lanes are reserved exclusively for buses, taxis and bicycles.
You are also required to carry the vehicle's registration document, and the current insurance certificate (a green card is not mandatory but remains internationally recognized and helpful). Also, a nationally approved plate or sticker is required. Car rental agencies will provide their customers with all these necessary documents.
If the vehicle you are driving is borrowed, in addition to all the above, a letter of authorization from the owner is necessary.
Road Conditions As Stated By The U.S Bureau Of Consular Affairs
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Good
| Speed Limits |
| In Town |
 50km/h |
| Paris Beltway |
80km/h |
| Main Roads |
90km/h |
| Dual Carriage Ways |
110 km/h |
| Motorways |
130 km/h |
Types Of Roads
Autoroutes (Marked on signs with A): express highways for which you must pay tolls
Routes Nationales (Marked on signs with N): national motorways for which there are no tolls, often with several lanes
Routes Departementales (Marked on signs with D): smaller scenic country roads with less traffic
Driving Tips In France
Be aware that French drivers drive more aggressively and exceed speed limits. Be prepared to drive more defensively. Rush hour in Paris and major towns are situated around hours of going to and from work (7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m). Fridays can be more congested due to people leaving the city. Pay attention to the road as the lane marking and road signs are not as clear as in North America. Are you travelling with children? Most motorway service stations have 'baby corners' with changing facilities and high chairs.
Info On Road Conditions From Regional Information Centres
| Region |
Telephone Number |
| Ile-de-France/Centre |
33 (0) 1 48 99 33 33 |
| North |
33 (0) 3 20 47 33 33 |
| East |
33 (0) 3 87 63 33 33 |
| West |
33 (0) 2 99 32 33 33 |
| South-West |
33 (0) 5 56 96 33 33 |
| Rhone-Alpes/Auvergne |
33 (0) 4 72 81 57 33 |
| Mediterranean |
33 (0) 4 91 78 78 78 |
| For motorway conditions throughout France (Autoroute Info) |
33 (0) 1 47 05 90 01 |
Emergency Telephone Numbers
Police/Ambulance Service: 17
Fire Service: 18
More information about your Rental Car in France
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