Toll roads in France? How to buy a vignette in France? Where to buy a vignette in France? Fines in France? Parking in France? Autostradas in France? Toll tunnels in France? Toll bridges in France? Ferries in France? We have collected answers to all these questions for you in this article.
Motorways in France
From July 1, 2016, entry to the center of Paris is restricted!
Now to enter the center on weekdays from 08:00 to 20:00 you need to purchase an environmental sticker of the appropriate category .
The length of the network of public highways in France is 1,028,446 km. The length of highways is 11,882 km. In France, all roads are paved.
Toll roads in France
In France, there is a toll for the use of motorways depending on the category of vehicle and the distance traveled. Some bridges and tunnels are also tolled.
Category of vehicles:
| A letter. | Vehicle | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | A motorcycle, a motorcycle with a sidecar | |
| 1 | A car with a height of up to 2 m and a total weight of no more than 3.5 tons with/without a trailer | |
| 2 | A car with a height of 2 m to 3 m and a total weight of no more than 3.5 t with/without a trailer | |
| 3 | A car with a height of 3 m or more or a total weight of more than 3.5 tons | |
| 4 | A vehicle with more than 2 axles and a height of 3 m or more or a gross weight of more than 3.5 t |
Tariffs for travel on motorways in France
The system of toll roads in France is managed by several companies distributed in different regions. The payment amount is always displayed on the board when entering the toll plaza. Payment can be made by cash, credit card or through remote payment systems.Tariffs for travel on some highways for 2023:
| Trunk | Route (distance) | Tariff |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Paris – Lille (211 km) | € 17.30 |
| A2 | Combles – Saint-Aybert (Belgium border) (77 km) | €4.10 |
| A4 | Paris – Strasbourg (482 км) | €40.90 |
| A5 | Paris – Langres (225 km) | € 19.40 |
| A6 | Paris – Lyon (445 km) | €36.50 |
| A7 | Lyon – Marseille (306 km) | € 25.40 |
| A8 | La Fare-les-Oliviers – Menton (Italian border) (224 km) | € 25.30 |
| A9 | Orange – Le Boulou (border of Spain) (280 km) | € 26.00 |
| A10 | Paris – Bordeaux (557 km) | €57.20 |
| A11 | Ponthévrard – Nantes (347 km) | €34.40 |
| A13 | Paris – Caen (226 km) | € 25.40 |
| A16 | Montsoult – Ghyvelde (Belgium border) (337 km) | € 22.60 |
| A20 | Vierzon – Montauban (428 km) | € 14.20 |
| A26 | Troyes – Calais (395 km) | €35.80 |
| A28 | Abbeville – Tours (367 км) | €42.10 |
| A31 | Beaune – Zoufftgen (cordon to Luxembourg) (350 km) | € 20.30 |
| A36 | Ladoix-Serrigny – Ottmarsheim (German border) (237 km) | € 19.50 |
| A39 | Dijon – Bourg-en-Bresse (145 km) | € 12.20 |
| A40 | Mâcon – Mont Blanc Tunnel (Italian border) (207 km) | € 23.50 |
| A43 | Lyon – Tunnel du Fréjus (Italian border) (186 km) | € 25.30 |
| A63 | Bordeaux – Bayonne (border of Spain) (206 km) | € 16.10 |
| A71 | Orléans – Clermont-Ferrand (267 km) | € 28.70 |
The table shows the approximate tariffs for passenger cars, which are calculated once at the beginning of the year on the basis of the website of the French motorways, provided that the traffic between the points is carried out on the same motorway.
For example: Paris – Lille (€ 17.30), subject to driving only on the motorway. When traveling by a different route, the fare may differ in one direction or another.A1
Sections with special payment (tunnels)
Mont Blanc tunnel
The Mont Blanc tunnel is built under the Mont Blanc mountain between Chamonix (France) and Courmayeur (Italy). The Mont Blanc tunnel has a length of 11,611 m. Of this, 7,644 m is in France, and 3,967 m is in Italy.
Tariffs for 2024:
| Vehicle | To one side | Back and forth | For 10 trips | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles with sidecar or without sidecar | €34.10 | €42.80 | € 106.90 | |
| Passenger cars with 2 or more axles, the height in the area of the front axle is less than 1.3 m and the total height is not more than 2 m | €51.50 | €64.20 | € 160.60 | |
| Passenger cars, minibuses and vans with 2 or more axles with a total height of more than 2 m and not more than 3 m | €68.10 | € 85.80 | € 214,10 |
Fares through the tunnel on the French side are different from fares on the Italian side.
Frejus tunnel
The Frejus Tunnel connects Bardonecchia in Italy and Modane in France. The Frejus tunnel is 12,895 m long, of which 6,360 m is in Italy and 6,535 m in France.
Tariffs for 2024:
| Vehicle | To one side | There and back within 7 days | For 8 trips | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles with sidecar or without sidecar | €34.10 | €42.80 | € 107.60 | |
| Passenger cars with 2 or more axles, the height in the area of the front axle is less than 1.3 m and the total height is not more than 2 m | €51.50 | €64.20 | € 164,60 | |
| Passenger cars, minibuses and vans with 2 or more axles with a total height of more than 2 m and not more than 3 m | €68.10 | € 85.60 | € 215,50 |
Puymorens tunnel
The Puymorens tunnel is part of the international highway E9 between Toulouse (France) and Barcelona (Spain). The Puymorens tunnel is 4,820 m long
.Tariffs for 2024:
| Vehicle | Tariff (EUR) | |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles with sidecar or without sidecar | € 4.50 | |
| Passenger cars with 2 or more axles, the height in the area of the front axle is less than 1.3 m and the total height is not more than 2 m | € 7.50 | |
| Cars, minibuses and vans with 2 or more axles with a total height of more than 2 m and not more than 3 m | €15.50 |
Payment is made on the south side of the tunnel.
Maurice Lemaire tunnel
The Maurice-Lemaire Tunnel is part of the regional road N159 connecting Nancy in France and Freiburg in Germany. The Maurice-Lemaire tunnel is 6,872 m long
Tariffs for 2024:
| Vehicle | Tariff (EUR) | |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles with sidecar or without sidecar | €3.90 | |
| Passenger cars with 2 or more axles, the height in the area of the front axle is less than 1.3 m and the total height is not more than 2 m | € 6.60 | |
| Passenger cars, minibuses and vans with 2 or more axles with a total height of more than 2 m and not more than 3 m | €10.30 |
Initially, it was a railway tunnel, which was later converted into a road tunnel.
Prado-Carénage and Prado-Sud tunnels in Marseille
The Prado-Carénage tunnel in Marseille connects the port with the city center. The Prado-Carénage tunnel has a length of 2,455 m.
This tunnel was built in 1993 and became the first toll city tunnel in France.
In November 2013, the second Prado-Sud toll tunnel was opened in Marseille. It has a length of 1,500 m and connects the coastal areas with the A50 highway.
Passage through these tunnels is allowed only for passenger cars, minibuses and vans with a height of no more than 3.2 m and a total weight of up to 3.5 tons. The maximum speed is limited to 60 km/h.
Tariffs for 2024:
| Tunnel | Tariff (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Prado-Carénage | €3.10 |
| Prado-Sud | € 2.50 |
| Both tunnels | €5.60 |
Eurotunnel
The Eurotunnel or Channel Tunnel runs under the English Channel. Its length is about 51 km, of which 39 km is under the bottom of the strait. The tunnel connects continental Europe with Great Britain.
Fares include transportation of the car, up to 9 passengers and luggage. There are several types of tickets:
- Day Trip & Overnight – tickets (return) must be purchased as part of a 2-day return. The return must be completed by midnight (local time) on the second day after departure. Tickets are priced from £31 per journey.
- Short Stay – tickets (return) must be purchased within 5 days of return. Returns must be completed by midnight (local time) on the fifth day after departure. Tickets are priced from £73 each way.
- Standard – standard tickets. Tickets are priced from £91 each way.
Detailed information on all tariffs can be viewed on the official website of Eurotunnel
Motorway tunnel A86
The A86 motorway, which is the ring road around Paris, has a toll tunnel. Its length is about 10.5 km.
Only passenger cars, minibuses and vans with a height of no more than 2 m and a total weight of up to 3.5 tons are allowed to travel through the tunnel. It is prohibited to travel through the tunnel for motorcycles, as well as for cars equipped with LPG. The maximum speed in the tunnel is 70 km/h.Tariffs for 2023 (Euro):
Caluire tunnel in Lyon
The Caluire tunnel is part of the Périphérique Nord toll complex, which includes 4 tunnels with a total length of 6.5 km, 2 viaducts and 2 toll stations. It connects the A6 (Paris – Marseille) motorway with the A42 (Geneva) and A43 (Grenoble – Chambery).
Tariffs for 2024:
| Vehicle | Tariff (EUR) | |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles with sidecar or without sidecar | € 1.20 | |
| Passenger cars with 2 or more axles, the height in the area of the front axle is less than 1.3 m and the total height is not more than 2 m | € 2.40 | |
| Passenger cars, minibuses and vans with 2 or more axles with a total height of more than 2 m and not more than 3 m | €3.60 |
Sections with special payment (bridges)
Millau Viaduct
The Millau Viaduct is a bridge structure (viaduct) that spans the valley of the River Tarne near the town of Millau in southern France (Averon department). The length of the bridge is 2,460 m-code, and the height of the roadbed at the highest point reaches 270 m-code above the river Tarn.
Tariffs are approved by the French government and the company Eiffage du viaduc de Millau. Fares are updated annually on February 1.Tariffs for 2023:
| Vehicle | Tariff | Summer tariff * | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles with sidecar or without sidecar | €6.00 | €6.00 | |
| Passenger cars with 2 or more axles, the height in the area of the front axle is less than 1.3 m and the total height is not more than 2 m | €10.10 | € 12.50 | |
| Passenger cars, minibuses and vans with 2 or more axles with a total height of more than 2 m and not more than 3 m | € 15.10 | € 18.60 | |
| A car with a height of 3 m or more or a total weight of more than 3.5 tons | €33.80 | €33.80 |
* valid in summer from June 15 to September 15.
There is only one payment point for both directions. It is located 4 km north of the viaduct and has 18 lanes (9 in each direction). Payment can be made by cash, credit cards and remote payment systems.
Bridge of Normandy
The Normandy Bridge spans the mouth of the Seine River and connects Le Havre and Honfleur. The length of the bridge is 2.143 m.
Tariffs for 2024:
| Vehicle | Tariff (EUR) | |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles with sidecar or without sidecar | —- | |
| Passenger cars with 2 or more axles, the height in the area of the front axle is less than 1.3 m and the total height is not more than 2 m | €5.80 | |
| Cars, minibuses and vans with 2 or more axles with a total height of more than 2 m and not more than 3 m | € 6.70 | |
| A car with a height of 3 m or more or a total weight of more than 3.5 tons | € 7.30 |
Tankarville Bridge
The Tancarville Bridge spans the Seine and connects Tancarville and Marais-Vernier. The length of the bridge is 1,420 m.
Tariffs for 2024:
| Vehicle | Tariff (EUR) | |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles with sidecar or without sidecar | —- | |
| Passenger cars with 2 or more axles, the height in the area of the front axle is less than 1.3 m and the total height is not more than 2 m | € 2.70 | |
| Cars, minibuses and vans with 2 or more axles with a total height of more than 2 m and not more than 3 m | €3.40 | |
| A car with a height of 3 m or more or a total weight of more than 3.5 tons | €4.10 |
Bridge of the island of Re
The Isle of Re Bridge connects the mainland with the Isle of Re in western France (Department of Charente-Maritime). The length of the bridge is 2,927 m, and the height above sea level is 42 m.
Initially, it was planned to make this bridge free from 2012, but later this decision was abandoned due to fears of a large influx of cars.
Tariffs for 2024:
| Vehicle | Tariff | Summer tariff * | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles with sidecar or without sidecar | €3.00 | €3.00 | |
| A car with a height of up to 3 m and a total weight of no more than 3.5 t with/without a trailer | € 8.00 | €16.00 | |
| A car with a height of more than 3 m or a total weight of more than 3.5 tons | €18.00 | €18.00 |
* valid in summer from June 20 to September 11.
The payment point is located on the mainland 200 m from the bridge and has 8 lanes. Payment can be made by cash, credit cards and remote payment systems. The ticket price includes travel across the bridge there and back.
Parking in France
You may not stop or park next to curbs painted with yellow lines. If it’s a broken yellow line, you can stop there for a short time. Time and other restrictions are marked on the signs nearby. You can only park on the right side of the road unless there is a sign that says otherwise.
Parking for more than 24 hours in the same place is prohibited (unless it is a long-term parking lot). In France, parking machines (“horodateurs“) are widespread.
These parking lots work with special credit cards that can be bought at kiosks with a sign in French “tabacs” (specially licensed tobacco kiosks, marked with a red sign).
Unless otherwise stated, parking is free between 7pm and 9am and on weekends and public holidays, and throughout August. Smaller towns often offer free parking between 12:00 and 13:30. Tariffs and parking time are written on the machine.
The fine for parking violations is €17.
Parking in Paris
From July 1, 2016, entry into the center of Paris is prohibited from 08:00 to 20:00 on weekdays for vehicles manufactured up to 1997 and motorcycles produced before 2000.
From October 1, 2016, the fine for this violation will be €35 for passenger cars, and from January 1, 2017, €68.
In Paris, parking can be booked on the Parkings de Paris website (in English). Parking is selected according to the height of the vehicle. The booking service is free.
Road map of France
The main traffic laws of France
Speed limits in France
Standard language speed limits in France (unless otherwise indicated on signs).
Cars and motorcycles]:
- in the settlement – 50 km/h
- outside the settlement – 80 km/h
- on the road – 110 km/h
- on the highway – 130 km/h
Cars with a trailer:
- in the settlement – 50 km/h
- outside the settlement – 80 km/h
- on the road – 100 km/h
- on the highway – 100 km/h
1 In rainy weather, the speed limit is lower: 70 km/h outside the settlement, 100 km/h on the highway and 110 km/h on the highways.
Traffic on highways is prohibited for vehicles whose speed according to technical characteristics does not exceed 60 km/h.
When visibility on the road is less than 50 m, the maximum speed should not exceed 50 km/h, regardless of the type of road.
For cars with studded tires, the maximum permitted speed is no more than 90 km/h.
On sections of highways with more than two lanes, vehicles with trailers are only allowed to use the two extreme right lanes, even for overtaking.
Speed cameras in France
In France, a large number of speed cameras (about 4,000) are installed on the highways, which detect violations of the speed limit.
As of 11 May 2011, speed camera warning signs are no longer in use. Previously, signs were placed at a distance of one to two kilometers from the first radar.
Alcohol
Maximum permissible blood alcohol level in France 0.5‰.
If the level of alcohol in the blood is more than 0.5 ‰ and less than 0.8 ‰, then the fine will be € 135.
If the level of alcohol in the blood is greater than 0.8‰, then the fine will be up to €4,500 and the suspension of the license for a period of up to 3 years. It is also possible to be imprisoned for up to 2 years. A similar punishment is provided for refusal to undergo an examination for alcohol intoxication.
If you caused an accident that resulted in serious injury while your blood alcohol level was above the legal limit, you will be fined up to €10,000 and imprisoned for up to 2 years.
From July 1, 2012, drivers of all cars and motorcycles (except mopeds) must have a disposable breathalyzer in their car.
This is a change in the traffic rules of France designed to reduce the number of serious accidents on the roads of France. According to statistics, the number of road accidents with fatal consequences committed under the influence of alcohol in France exceeds 30%.
Since July 1, 2015, the permissible level of alcohol in the blood for novice drivers (driving experience less than 2 years) is 0.2‰. The fine is €135.
Low light
The use of dipped headlights in France during the day is mandatory in conditions of insufficient visibility. Also, the use of dipped beam is mandatory when driving through tunnels.
The French government strongly recommends the use of dipped beam headlights 24 hours a day for four-wheel drive vehicles.
The fine for driving at night or in conditions of insufficient visibility without lights is 135 euros.
Transportation of children in France
The use of a suitable restraint is mandatory for children under 10 years of age or when the child’s growth will allow him to use a seat belt (between 1.35 m and 1.50 m).
It is stronglyrecommended to transport children under the age of 10 in the back seat of the car. If the child is transported in the front seat, the airbag must be turned off.
Children weighing up to 13 kg must be transported with their back facing the direction of travel.
The driver is responsible for all children under the age of 18 in the vehicle.
Fine – €135.
Safety belts
Use of seat belts in France is mandatory for front and rear passengers. The fine is €135.
Phoning
It is prohibited to use a telephone device in France that is not equipped with a technical device that allows for hands-free conversations while driving. The fine is €135.
Since July 1, 2015, it is prohibited to wear any device that can emit sound (conversations, music, radio) in the ear while driving any vehicle (including a bicycle). The fine is €135.
Tinting
Tinting of the windshield is prohibited in France, except for a 10 cm strip at the top to protect from the sun.
The front side windows, according to the requirements of UN/ECE Regulation No. 43, must have a degree of light transmission of at least 70%.
Tinting of the rear window is allowed, provided that the car is equipped with 2 side mirrors.
Fines in France
Police officers have the right to charge fines (up to €375) for traffic violations on the spot. At the same time, an official receipt must be issued. Fines are divided into 5 classes.
Vehicles parked in violation of the rules may be removed by the police at the owner’s expense. You can read here how to pay a parking fine.
Fines for some traffic violations in France:
| Violations in France | Fines (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Exceeding the speed by no more than 20 km/h | € 68[1] |
| Exceeding the speed by no more than 20 km/h in the settlement | € 135[2] |
| Speeding from 20 km/h to 50 km/h | € 135[2] |
| Speeding over 50 km/h | € 1,500 |
| Crimes committed by pedestrians | €4 |
| Changes in the direction of traffic without warning | €35 |
| Traffic in an emergency lane | €35 |
| Traffic with faulty lighting devices | €68 |
| Passing through a traffic light prohibition signal | €135 |
| Violation of overtaking rules | €135 |
| Intersection of a solid line | €135 |
| Driving in the left lane when the right lane is free on a road with two lanes in one direction | €135 |
| Failure to maintain a safe distance between cars | €135 |
| Missing or illegible license plates | €135 |
| Crossing a railway track with a closed barrier | €135 |
| Traffic in the opposite direction | €135 |
| Stopping or parking at night or in poor visibility without emergency lighting | €135 |
| Use of video recording in the driver’s field of view (screen) other than GPS devices | € 1,500 |
[1] If paid within 15 days, the fine will be €45, and if paid after 45 days – €180. The maximum possible fine for this violation is €450 (if the case is prosecuted in court).
[2] If paid within 15 days, the fine will be €90, and if paid after 45 days – €375. The maximum possible fine for this violation is €750 (if the case is considered in court).
Useful Information
Fuel prices in France
Unleaded (sans plomb) gasoline (95-E10, 95 and 98) and diesel (< a i=3> Gasoline). There is no leaded gasoline. There are gas filling stations (GPL).
Average prices for all types of fuel as of 17.12.2023:
- Lead Free 95-E10 — €1,768
- Lead Free 95 — €1,797
- Lead Free 98 — €1,852
- Gazole — € 1.746
- GPL — € 0.994
Emergency numbers in France
- The European emergency number is 112
- Ambulance – 15
- Police – 17
- Fire service – 18
Mandatory equipment
Equipment that necessary to have in a car in France:
- Emergency stop sign – except for motorcycles
- Reflective vest is mandatory when exiting a vehicle that has stopped on the road or roadside, at night or in poor visibility conditions. A fine of up to €135.
- Alcotester – mandatory since July 1, 2012.
Winter equipment
Winter tires
The use of winter tires is optional in France.
They are needed in mountainous areas for a short period of time. Appropriate signs are installed on such roads (“Pneus Neige”).
Studded tires
The use of studded tires in France is allowed from the last Saturday of November 11 to the last Sunday of March. Depending on weather conditions, this period may be extended.
When driving on studded tires, a 90 km/h speed limit sticker is mandatory for cars registered in France. For cars registered in foreign countries, it has a recommendation nature.
Anti-slip chains
Anti-skid chains in France may be required in some cases on some mountain passes.
Recommended equipment and other regulations in France
It is recommended to equip your cars with a set of spare bulbs.
At roundabouts with signs “Vous n’avez pas la priorité” (“You have no priority”) or “Cédez Le Passage” (“Give way”), vehicles traveling in a circle have priority. In the absence of such a sign, vehicles entering such an intersection have priority.
Transportation or use of radar detectors is prohibited. Violation of this rule will result in a fine of up to €1,500 and confiscation of the device.
Since January 3, 2012, the use of GPS satellite navigation software that indicates the location of fixed and mobile speed cameras is prohibited. This feature should be deactivated.