Speed at the wheel
Verified 28 July 2023 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)
Changes to some driving speed rules
Published on 26 July 2023
The Interdepartmental Road Safety Committee of July 17, 2023 has taken several measures regarding the rules of speed at the wheel.
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What are the maximum permitted speeds on the road? What fine in case speeding ? How many minus points ? Here are the main rules to know about driving speed.
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In general
Taxiway | General rule | Young driver |
---|---|---|
Motorway | 130 kph | 110 km/h |
Road with 2 carriageways separated by 1 median | 110 km/h | 100 km/h |
Road section comprising at least two lanes in the same direction of travel | 90 km/h | 80 km/h |
Two-way road, without central separator | 80 km/h | 80 km/h |
Agglomeration | 50 km/h | 50 km/h |
However, the local authority responsible for traffic may fix 90 km/h (instead of 80 km/h) the maximum speed allowed on sections of two-way roads without center separator which depend on its competence.
Please note
the local traffic authority may reduce these speeds.
In rainy weather or other precipitation
Taxiway | In rainy weather |
---|---|
Motorway | 110 km/h |
Road with 2 carriageways separated by 1 median | 100 km/h |
Road section comprising at least two lanes in the same direction of travel | 80 km/h |
Two-way road, without central separator | 80 km/h |
Agglomeration | 50 km/h |
However, the local authority responsible for traffic may fix 90 km/h (instead of 80 km/h) the maximum speed allowed on sections of two-way roads without center separator which depend on its competence.
Please note
the local traffic authority may reduce these speeds.
In case of visibility less than 50 m
Taxiway | Visibility less than 50 m |
---|---|
Motorway | 50 km/h |
Road with 2 carriageways separated by 1 median | 50 km/h |
Road section comprising at least two lanes in the same direction of travel | 50 km/h |
Two-way road, without central separator | 50 km/h |
Agglomeration | 50 km/h |
Please note
the local traffic authority may reduce these speeds.
One simulator shows you the sanctions that you're risking in case of speeding :
What is the risk in the event of a traffic offense?

Fines and points withdrawn from driving licenses for speeding:
For an excess of less than 20 km/h in agglomeration: flat-rate fine of €135 and withdrawal of 1 point
For an excess of less than 20 km/h outside agglomeration: flat-rate fine of €68 and withdrawal of 1 point
For speeding equal to 20 km/h and less than 30 km/h: flat-rate fine of €135 and withdrawal of 2 points
For speeding equal to 30 km/h and less than 40 km/h: flat-rate fine of €135 and withdrawal of 3 points
For a speeding of 40 km/h and less than 50 km/h: flat-rate fine of €135 and withdrawal of 4 points
For a speeding of 50 km/h or more: fine up to €1,500 and withdrawal of 6 points
In case of excess speed equal to or greater than 30 km/h, you risk other sanctions: mandatory awareness training, suspension of the license for a maximum of 3 years, confiscation of the vehicle...
The possession, transportation and use of a radar warning device is forbidden.
You risk a fine up to €1,500.
You automatically lose 6 points on your driving license.
The radar warning is seized. If placed, adapted or applied to the vehicle, the vehicle shall be seized.
You may also additional penalties following:
- Suspension of driving license 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
You must adapt your speed based on the condition of the road, traffic difficulties, in particular on the tracks adjacent, and foreseeable obstacles.
You must reduce your speed in particular in the following situations:
- On crossing or the overtaking of pedestrians including those who left a vehicle or cyclists alone or in groups;
- On crossing or the overtaking of everything vehicle, immobilized or low-speed traffic on a shoulder, a emergency stop band or a carriageway, equipped with special lamps or whose driver makes use of hazard warning lights
- On overtaking of stationary convoys
- On crossing or the overtaking of public transport vehicles or vehicles used for child transport, at the time of descent and the climb of travelers
- In all cases where the road does not show up not fully clear, or risk of slippery
- When the visibility conditions are insufficient (rain and other precipitation, fog...)
- In the bends
- In the rapid descents
- In the narrow road sections or congested or lined with houses
- As the rib tops and intersections where the visibility is not insured
- When you use special lighting equipment and in particular of your dipped-beam headlamps
- On crossing or the overtaking of animals
Failure to comply with the rules relating to control and reduction of speed shall be punished by fine up to €750.
You must not not interfere with the normal operation of other vehicles while circulating for no good reason to one abnormally low speed.
On the left-most lane of a motorway, when the circulation is fluid and that the atmospheric conditions are good, you need to move at least 80 km/h.
Failure to comply with these rules is punishable by fine up to €150.
- General code for local and regional authorities: Articles L3221-1 to L3221-13Maximum authorized speed set by the local authority (Article L3221-4-1)
- Highway Code: Articles R412-6 to R412-16General principles of movement
- Highway Code: Articles R413-1 to R413-16Maximum permitted speeds
- Highway Code: Articles 413-17 to R413-19Speed control
- General code for local and regional authorities: Articles L2213-1 to L2213-6-1Powers of the Mayor in respect of traffic
- Instruction on the implementation of the law governing mobility for maximum permitted speeds on roads outside built-up areas (PDF - 6.0 MB)
- What is the risk in the event of a traffic offense?
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- Speed and drivingMinistry of the Interior
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