Driving — France
What travelers need to know about driving in France. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.
Driving in France: prohibited — what is legal at home can be a serious crime here.
France's drink-drive limit is 0.5 g of alcohol per litre of blood (0.25 mg/L of breath), dropping to 0.2 g/L for novice drivers with a probationary licence.
From 0.5 g/L: fine up to €750 and loss of 6 licence points; 0.8 g/L or more is a criminal offence with up to €9,000 fine and 3 years in prison.
§ Service-Public (France)Verified Jul 5, 2026
In France you must give way to traffic approaching from your right at most intersections and roundabouts, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to immediate arrest.
Driving under the influence may result in immediate arrest and detention.
§ US State DeptVerified Jul 5, 2026