Does France drive on the same side as the US?

Yes—France drives on the right-hand side of the road, the same as the United States, with most vehicles featuring left-hand drive. Travelers will find the side of travel familiar, though several rules and norms differ from the U.S. and are worth noting.

Which side of the road does France use?

Mainland France uses right-hand traffic, and drivers sit on the left side of the vehicle. This convention also applies across France’s overseas departments and territories, such as Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion, French Guiana, New Caledonia, and French Polynesia, which all drive on the right.

How it compares with the United States

While the side of the road matches the U.S., practical differences in rules, signs, and enforcement can affect your drive. Here are the key similarities and differences that matter on the road.

• Side and seating: Both countries drive on the right; cars are typically left-hand drive.
• Speed limits: France uses km/h (e.g., 130 km/h on motorways, 110 in rain; 80–90 on many two-lane roads; 50 in towns unless posted otherwise). The U.S. uses mph with state-by-state limits.
• Right on red: Generally prohibited in France unless a specific small amber arrow indicates a permitted turn; always yield to pedestrians and traffic. In much of the U.S., right-on-red is often allowed unless signed otherwise.
• Roundabouts: In France you usually yield to traffic already in the circle (“Cédez le passage”). A famous exception is Paris’s Arc de Triomphe, where entering traffic has priority.
• Priority to the right: At some unmarked intersections in France, vehicles from the right have priority (“priorité à droite”), a rule far less common in the U.S.
• Tolls and enforcement: Many French autoroutes are tolled and speed cameras are widespread. On-the-spot fines are possible for certain offenses.
• Alcohol limits: France’s legal limit is 0.05% BAC for most drivers (0.02% for novice drivers). U.S. limits are typically 0.08%, varying by state and driver category.
• Equipment and phones: Seat belts are mandatory; a reflective vest and warning triangle are required in the vehicle. Handheld phone use is banned, and using headphones/earbuds while driving is prohibited.

Taken together, these differences mean U.S. drivers should be comfortable with the side of travel but attentive to signage, priority rules, and metric speeds.

Exceptions and edge cases

There are no routine left-side-driving exceptions within France. However, neighboring countries and certain road layouts can change what you encounter just across a border or in unusual junctions.

Overseas territories

For travelers heading beyond mainland France, it helps to know the local convention—fortunately it’s consistent across French jurisdictions.

• Right-hand traffic: Réunion, Mayotte, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, Saint Barthélemy, French Guiana, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna, and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon all drive on the right.
• Vehicle mix: Some islands have many right-hand-drive imports, but traffic still keeps right.

This uniformity means you won’t need to switch driving sides when traveling within French territories.

Neighboring countries

Border crossings can raise questions about driving norms. Here’s what to expect around France.

• Right-hand neighbors: Spain, Andorra, Monaco, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg all drive on the right.
• Left-hand exception nearby: The United Kingdom (and the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey) drive on the left; you’ll switch sides when crossing the Channel.

Most continental trips from France keep you on the right; only Channel crossings will flip the driving side.

Tips for U.S. travelers driving in France

If you’re used to U.S. rules, a few targeted preparations will go a long way toward a smooth drive in France.

1. Know the signs: Learn “Cédez le passage” (yield), “Priorité à droite,” and speed camera warnings.
2. Watch speed in kilometers: Set your car’s display to km/h if possible; note rain reduces motorway limits to 110 km/h.
3. Plan for tolls: Many autoroutes are tolled—carry a payment card or consider a transponder (Télépéage).
4. Roundabout etiquette: Yield to traffic already circulating unless signage indicates otherwise.
5. Parking rules: Blue zones may require a disc; check local rules to avoid fines or towing.
6. Documents: Carry your license; an International Driving Permit is recommended if your license isn’t in French or doesn’t use Latin script. Keep insurance and registration handy.
7. Safety gear: Keep a reflective vest accessible from the cabin and a warning triangle in the vehicle.

These steps help bridge the small but important differences between U.S. and French driving practices.

Summary

France drives on the right—just like the United States—and most cars are left-hand drive. The biggest adjustments for U.S. drivers are metric speeds, stricter right-on-red rules, roundabout priority, occasional “priority to the right,” and robust toll and speed-camera systems. With those nuances in mind, driving in France should feel largely familiar.

Is it difficult for Americans to drive in France?

Driving in France as an American is manageable, though requires preparation for specific rules like priorité à droite (priority to the right), and the prevalence of roundabouts. Major cities like Paris are best avoided due to heavy traffic and difficult parking, making a car more suitable for countryside travel. You will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your U.S. license, and it’s wise to get a GPS and understand French road signs and toll payment systems before driving. 
Key French Driving Rules to Know

• Priorité à Droite: This is the most significant difference from U.S. driving. When there are no signs, traffic from the right has the right-of-way at intersections, so you must yield to cars on your right. 
• Roundabouts (Ronds-points): These are very common and serve as major intersections, so learn how to navigate them. 
• Lane Discipline: Stay in the right lane unless you are passing; the left lane is for overtaking only. 
• Speed Limits: Be aware of speed cameras and understand that speed limits can be higher on highways (autoroutes) and lower in towns. 
• No Right Turn on Red: This rule does not exist in France. 

Practical Considerations

• International Driving Permit (IDP): You need an IDP, which translates your U.S. driver’s license into multiple languages. Get one from the AAA before you leave. 
• GPS: A GPS is highly recommended, especially for navigating complex cities and country roads. 
• Tolls (Péage): French highways often have toll booths. You can pay with cash or credit card, but it’s best to know how the system works beforehand. 
• Parking: Parking in cities can be scarce and expensive. In rural areas, look for blue zones, which require a parking disc. 

When to Drive and When Not To

• Avoid City Driving: Opens in new tabCities such as Paris have heavy traffic, poor signage, and limited, costly parking. Use public transportation within cities. 
• Embrace Countryside Roads: Opens in new tabDriving is excellent for exploring the countryside, allowing you to travel at your own pace and discover more of the country. 

General Tips

• Be Patient: While French drivers can be direct, they follow rules and signals. When encountering impatient drivers behind you on narrow roads, pull over to let them pass. 
• Know the Signs: Road signs are in French, so familiarize yourself with common ones like “Rappel” (speed limit reminder) and “Sortie” (exit). 

What countries in Europe drive on the same side as the US?

Around 64 countries drive on the left-hand side of the road while the rest of the world drives on the right. In Europe, very few countries drive on the left like we do. These are The Channel Islands, Cyprus, Ireland, the Isle of Man and Malta.

Which side is the steering wheel on in France?

In France, cars have the steering wheel on the left side because the country drives on the right side of the road. This is a standard configuration in most countries with right-hand traffic, providing the driver with a better view of oncoming vehicles. 
Why the left-hand position is standard

• Safety and Visibility: Opens in new tabPlacing the steering wheel on the left allows the driver to be closer to the center of the road, giving them a better line of sight to judge oncoming traffic and avoid collisions. 
• Passenger Convenience: Opens in new tabWith the driver on the left, passengers can board and alight from the side of the car closest to the pavement, which is safer. 

Contrast with left-hand traffic 

• In countries that drive on the left side of the road (like the United Kingdom), the steering wheel is typically on the right side of the vehicle. 
• This arrangement ensures the driver is positioned closer to the center of the roadway, enhancing visibility of oncoming traffic on their side of the road. 

Why do French drive on the right?

The subsequent Revolutionary wars and Napoleon’s European conquests led to the spread of driving on the right to Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands. Napoleon ordered his armies to use the right-hand side of the road in order to avoid congestion during military manoeuvres.