Under European directive No 91/439 of 20th July 1991, a valid English driving licence is also valid in France, although in practice the French authorities require that an English licence be exchanged for a French licence after one year of French residency.
Lost driving licences
Lost driving licences may be replaced by contacting the appropriate prefecture (district) within the relevant department. The prefecture will provide a French licence once they have ascertained whether that person is entitled to a valid licence in their home country.
Fines and tickets
If a French resident accumulates sufficient driving offences in France, resulting in a loss of licence under the French points system, they are obliged to re-sit their French driving test.
Speed limits
Most roads are limited to a maximum of 90 km per hour, with built-up areas limited to a maximum of 50 km per hour. Dual carriageways are limited to 110 km per hour. Autoroutes are limited to 130 km per hour unless the weather conditions are poor, in which case the limit is 110 km per hour.
