Driving in France is different from driving in either Ireland or the UK. And not just from the perspective of driving on the right-hand side, rather than the left. Here are a few tips to help you on your way.
Please note that as rules and laws may often change, you should check with official sources before making any arrangements. Here are a few websites to help with this:
France – Official – Transport Advice
Ireland – Official - Travel Advice
UK – Official - Travel Advice
The RAC
The AA (UK)
AA Ireland
French Embassy in Ireland
French Embassy – UK
Drivers must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to legally drive in France. Riders of mopeds or motorcycles up to 125cc must be aged 16 or over.
Driving licences issued in the EU, the UK, and EEA countries are accepted. International driving permits are recognised but not required.
What’s Required:
- You must carry a full valid driving licence. Non-EU licence holders are required to have an International Drivers Permit, while driving in the EU. Check if you need an IDP.
- Motor insurance certificate
- Proof of ID (Passport)
- Vehicle registration document
- ‘Clean Air’ sticker (Crit’Air vignettes). Certain cities require you to display a Crit'Air sticker on your windscreen.
- Reflective jackets - One for each car occupant and these must be kept inside the vehicle within easy reach
- Warning triangle – for each car
- UK / IRL sticker – if not designated on the vehicle number plate
- Headlamp beam deflectors – stick-on or manual adjustment depending on your vehicle.
Drivers of vehicles must carry and be able to produce a valid driving licence. Irish Drivers with a full driving licence don’t currently need an additional licence to drive in the EU. In the event of the UK leaving the EU with no deal, holders of GB driving licenses and GB registered cars should note the following:
- Non EU licence holders are required to have an International Drivers Permit.
- GB registered/insured cars would no longer benefit from the EU’s automatic third-party motor insurance cover, and will need a physical Green Card as evidence of Insurance. These are issued by insurance companies, currently fee-free.
- Furthermore, drivers towing GB registered caravans on trailers will be required to have two green cards for insurance purposes – one for their vehicle and one for the unit they are towing.
However, drivers will no longer benefit from the EU’s automatic third-party motor insurance cover,and will need a physical Green Card as evidence of Insurance. These are issued by insurance companies, currently fee-free. Furthermore, drivers towing caravans on trailers will be required to have two green cards for insurance purposes – one for their vehicle and one for the unit they are towing.
Drivers of vehicles must carry and be able to produce a valid driving licence. UK and Irish Drivers with a full driving licence don’t currently need an additional licence to drive in the EU. In the event of the UK leaving the EU with no deal, visitors to Ireland and the UK will continue to be permitted to drive with their home country full driving licence.
However, drivers will no longer benefit from the EU’s automatic third-party motor insurance cover, and will need a physical Green Card as evidence of Insurance. These are issued by insurance companies, currently fee-free. Furthermore, drivers towing caravans on trailers will be required to have two green cards for insurance purposes – one for their vehicle and one for the unit they are towing.
