Driving Orientation in France: Left or Right-Hand Drive?

France uses right-hand traffic: drivers keep to the right side of the road, and most vehicles are left-hand drive with the steering wheel on the left. This applies across metropolitan France and its overseas departments and regions, aligning with most of continental Europe.

What “right-hand traffic” and “left-hand drive” mean

In France, roads operate on right-hand traffic (RHT), meaning vehicles travel on the right side. Correspondingly, cars are typically left-hand drive (LHD), placing the driver on the left side of the vehicle for better visibility of oncoming traffic and road centerlines. This setup is standard across the European mainland and differs from countries like the United Kingdom and Ireland, where traffic keeps left and cars are commonly right-hand drive (RHD).

Where this applies

Right-hand traffic is used throughout mainland France and in its overseas departments and regions, including places like Réunion, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, and French Guiana. Neighboring countries Spain, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, and Switzerland also drive on the right. Note that the nearby Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey)—which are not part of France—drive on the left, as do the UK and Ireland.

Practical implications for visitors

If you’re arriving from a left-driving country or renting a car in France, the following points summarize what to expect and how to adapt smoothly.

• Vehicle layout: Rental cars will almost always be left-hand drive; gear shifters (in manuals) are operated with the right hand.
• Overtaking: Pass on the left and return to the right after overtaking when safe.
• Roundabouts: In most roundabouts, circulating traffic has priority; however, specific junctions (notably Paris’s Place Charles-de-Gaulle/Arc de Triomphe) may give priority to entering traffic—follow posted signs.
• Priority to the right: At some unsigned intersections (priorité à droite), traffic entering from the right has priority. Watch for signage indicating exceptions.
• Motorways and tolls: Toll booths (péages) are set up for right-hand traffic; electronic toll tags (Télépéage) can speed passage through dedicated lanes.
• Headlights and mirrors: If driving a right-hand drive vehicle imported or ferried from the UK or elsewhere, use headlight beam deflectors and adjust mirrors for right-side travel.

Overall, adapting to right-hand traffic is straightforward with attention to signage, lane discipline, and the priority rules that apply at specific junctions and roundabouts.

Border crossings and ferries

Drivers coming from the UK or Ireland via ferry or Eurotunnel should switch to keeping right immediately upon entering France. Road signage and lane markings guide the transition, but extra care is advised at the first few junctions and roundabouts.

Historical note and consistency

France standardized right-hand traffic in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and Napoleonic influence helped spread this convention across much of continental Europe. The result is a largely consistent driving orientation across France and its neighbors, minimizing confusion for cross-border travel within the Schengen area.

Summary

France drives on the right-hand side of the road, and vehicles are left-hand drive. This system is consistent across metropolitan France and its overseas departments and aligns with most of continental Europe, making it familiar to drivers from neighboring countries on the continent and straightforward—if slightly different—for visitors from left-driving nations.

Is France a right-hand drive?

What side of the road do they drive on in France? In France, you drive on the right side of the road. The right-hand lane is the slow lane, while the left lane is for overtaking.

Can US citizens drive in France?

Yes, US citizens can drive in France with their valid US driver’s license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) for short visits (less than 90 days). An IDP serves as a translation of your US license and is required by French authorities to legally drive, although some car rental agencies may not ask for it. To be prepared, carry your valid US license, the IDP, and your passport. 
What you’ll need:

• Valid US Driver’s License: Your license must be valid for the duration of your trip. 
• International Driving Permit (IDP): This document translates your US license into several languages, including French. You can obtain an IDP from organizations like the American Automobile Association (AAA) in the US before your trip. 
• Passport: A valid passport is necessary for identification. 

Important things to remember:

• Legal Requirement: While some car rental companies might not require an IDP, it is a legal requirement from French authorities. You could face fines if you are stopped by the police and do not have one. 
• Where to get an IDP: The American Automobile Association (AAA) issues International Driver’s Licenses in the United States for this purpose. 
• For Longer Stays: If you become a resident of France (staying over 90 days), you will eventually need to exchange your US license for a French one. 

Is driving in France hard for an American?

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 are right-hand drive?

Right-Hand Drive Countries
Some specific countries that use right-hand drive cars include Japan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea.