Speed at the wheel: speed limits and penalties
Verified 24 August 2022 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)
What does the highway code say about speed limits? What fine for speeding? How many points are withdrawn from the driver's licence in case of speeding? We tell you the rules to know.
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In general
Taxiway | General rule | Young driver |
|---|---|---|
Highway | 130 kph | 110 kph |
Road with 2 roads separated by 1 central median | 110 kph | 100 kph |
Section of road with at least 2 lanes assigned to the same direction of traffic | 90 kph | 80 kph |
Two-way road, without central separator | 80 kph | 80 kph |
Agglomeration | 50 kph | 50 kph |
However, the local traffic authority may set 90 kph (instead of 80 km/h) the maximum speed allowed on sections of two-way roads without central separators which depend on its competence.
Please note
the local traffic authority may reduce these speeds.
Rain or other precipitation
Taxiway | Rain |
|---|---|
Highway | 110 kph |
Road with 2 roads separated by 1 central median | 100 kph |
Section of road with at least 2 lanes assigned to the same direction of traffic | 80 kph |
Two-way road, without central separator | 80 kph |
Agglomeration | 50 kph |
However, the local traffic authority may set 90 kph (instead of 80 km/h) the maximum speed allowed on sections of two-way roads without central separators which depend on its competence.
Please note
the local traffic authority may reduce these speeds.
When visibility is less than 50 m
Taxiway | Visibility less than 50 m |
|---|---|
Highway | 50 kph |
Road with 2 roads separated by 1 central median | 50 kph |
Section of road with at least 2 lanes assigned to the same direction of traffic | 50 kph |
Two-way road, without central separator | 50 kph |
Agglomeration | 50 kph |
Please note
the local traffic authority may reduce these speeds.
One simulator tells you what you might be at risk for speeding:
What is the risk in case of a road violation?
In image
Penalties for speeding
The holding, transport and use of a radar warning device is prohibited.
You risk fine up to €1,500.
You lose automatically 6 points on your driver's licence.
The radar warning is seized. If placed, adapted or applied on the vehicle, the vehicle shall be seized.
You may also additional penalties following:
- Suspension of driving licence for a period of up to 3 years (accommodation possible outside the professional activity)
- Confiscation of the vehicle when the radar warning device is placed, adapted or applied to a vehicle
In case of speeding, you receive a notice of violation and a payment card (vehicle) flashed by radar or intercepted by security forces).
- General Code for Local and Regional Authorities: Articles L3221-1 to L3221-13Maximum authorised speed established by the local authority (section L3221-4-1)
- Route Code: items R412-6 to R412-16General principles of circulation
- Route Code: items R413-1 to R413-16Maximum permitted speeds
- General Code for Local and Regional Authorities: items L2213-1 to L2213-6-1Mayor's powers over traffic
- Instruction on the implementation of the Mobilities Guidance Act for maximum permitted speeds on non-conurbation roads (PDF - 6.0 MB)
- What is the risk in case of a road violation?
Simulator
- Driver's licence: consult his points and statements (Telepoints)
Online service
- Make an online appeal regarding the driving licence
Online service
- Radar Map: where are the radars in my department?
Search tools
- Pay your fine online via fines.gouv.fr
Online service
- Check your infringement file
Online service
FAQ
- Driver’s licenceService-Public.fr
- Payment of the flat fine after a radar checkService-Public.fr
- Interception of the vehicle for contravention: payment of the lump sum fineService-Public.fr
- Administrative suspension of driving licencesService-Public.fr
- Driver’s licence: scale of points withdrawn by violationService-Public.fr
- Recovery of driver’s licence pointsService-Public.fr
- Driver’s licence points recovery trainingService-Public.fr