One of the most confusing parts of driving in France is a rule called priorité à droite — literally “priority to the right”. The rule is simple in theory but surprising in practice: unless road signs say otherwise, vehicles joining the road from your right have priority. That means you must slow down or stop for them, even if you are travelling on what looks like the main road.

Years ago this rule was extremely common across France. Today it is less widespread because most major roads are clearly marked with priority signs, traffic lights, roundabouts, or give-way markings. However, it still appears regularly in villages, residential streets, small towns, and rural areas — exactly the places many families visit on holiday.

How Do You Know When It Applies?

In France, priority to the right is the default rule unless signs indicate otherwise.

Look out for:

• Small side roads without stop signs
• Junctions with no road markings
• A triangular warning sign with a black cross, which warns of upcoming priority-to-the-right junctions
• The yellow diamond priority-road sign, which means you have priority until the sign ends.

If you are unsure, slow down and check carefully to your right before entering a junction.

Important Driving Rules in France

If you are driving in France this year, remember these current legal requirements:

• UK drivers must carry a full valid driving licence
• Seat belts are compulsory for all passengers
• Children under 10 must use an appropriate child seat
• Headphones and earbuds while driving are illegal
• You must carry a warning triangle and reflective jacket in the vehicle
• Speed limits can change in wet weather
• Many French cities now operate low-emission zones (ZFE areas), so check requirements before entering major cities

French police can issue on-the-spot fines for traffic offences, including failing to respect right of way.

The Best Advice?

When driving in France, never assume the wider road has priority. French road rules often rely more on signage — or the absence of signage — than road size.

In villages and quieter roads especially, easing off the accelerator and checking to the right can save you from an expensive mistake.

Bon voyage — and drive carefully!