Fake Police
Every summer, a group of deceived self-driving tourists emerges in France. Some scammers impersonate police officers on the roads, threatening to fine you for violating a driving rule and demanding cash payments.
In such situations, stay vigilant! Real French police officers do stop drivers—whether for speeding, breaking other driving rules, or conducting random checks. However, if you’re fined by the police, you’ll always receive a “pay later” ticket, not a demand for “cash on the spot.”
“Priority to the Right”
This most disliked road rule in France still applies in some areas. The “priority to the right” (priority à droite) rule means you must yield to vehicles approaching from the right unless there are signs or markings indicating otherwise.
In practice, on most main roads and in towns, you determine right-of-way by street signs, road markings, and traffic lights. “Priority to the right” typically applies on unmarked rural roads. Exceptions include areas around the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
Beware of French Drivers
Although not all French drivers are bad, be prepared for situations like cutting in line, jostling for position, or sudden turns by others. Additionally, with the proliferation of autonomous driving technology, you may encounter self-driving cars on certain roads in France. In general, it’s safest to be cautious of local drivers while driving in France. Keeping your distance is the safest driving behavior.
