French Speed Limits 2018 – Cuts to 90kph Limit

1. Urban Areas: The speed limit within urban areas or cities is generally 50 kilometers per hour (31 miles per hour).

2. Non-Urban Roads (Outside Cities):

   • On two-lane roads with no central reservation or barrier, the speed limit is typically 80 kilometers per hour (50 miles per hour).
   • On divided roads with a central reservation or barrier, the speed limit is usually 110 kilometers per hour (68 miles per hour).
   • On expressways or dual carriageways, the speed limit can be 110 kilometers per hour (68 miles per hour) or 130 kilometers per hour (81 miles per hour) depending on the signage. Be sure to check the signs for the specific speed limit.

3. Motorways (Autoroutes): The speed limit on most French motorways is 130 kilometers per hour (81 miles per hour), but it can be reduced to 110 kilometers per hour (68 miles per hour) in adverse weather conditions.

Two-lane rural roads with no central barrier such as this will see the speed limit reduced from 90kph to 80kph.

Changes to Speed Limits in France from 1st July 2018

Why did France reduce the Speed Limit?

The reduction in the speed limit aims to reverse the trend of increasing road deaths in France. 2017 saw a 1% rise from a previously recorded high of nearly 3,500 in 2016. Road deaths in France have been increasing since a historic low of 3,268 in 2013 despite a drop in road deaths in Europe over the same period (see more on EU accident statistic here). in 2016, road deaths in France accounted for nearly 14% of all recorded fatalities in Europe, an alarmingly high figure which has driven the speed limit drop soon to take effect.

55% of those deaths (1,911 victims) happened on the 400,000km of rural roads (known as secondary roads) where the current 90kph speed limit is set to drop to 80kph. Of those, 32% were attributed to “excessive or inappropriate” speed. The reduction in the speed limit is expected to cut road deaths by up to 400 per year, representing around an 11% drop.


Dual carriageway's such as this with a central reservation will not be affected

What are the Speeding Fines in France?

Unlike the recent law requiring all cars in France to have a breathalyzer in the car, where a ‘soft launch’ was introduced giving flexibility for those not up to speed, the change in the speed limit will carry an immediate fine and is likely to be heavily policed from launch by the Gendarmerie. Speeding fines in France are often ‘on the spot’ and start from 68 EUR for minor excess speeds, right up to 750 EUR and the confiscation of your vehicle for more serious misdemeanors. More information on speeding fines in a rental car here.



Naturally, the change to the speed limit in France has met some stern opposition from driver’s associations, however should the measures lead to the anticipated drop in road deaths it’ll be considered a successful change to the law. So if you’re hiring a car in France this year, make sure you are aware of the change to the speed limit, reduce your speed accordingly and enjoy a safe journey. For more information, see our complete guide to driving in France.