Speed Limits and Control - France Driving Test

If riding in urban areas, the maximum speed is

50 km/h: The speed limit in built-up areas is 50 km/h unless otherwise posted. Lower limits may apply near schools or residential streets.

If riding on roads without central divider

You must follow 80 km/h limit: On roads outside urban areas without a median strip, the limit is 80 km/h.

If riding on roads with central divider

You must follow 90 km/h limit: On divided rural roads, the speed limit is 90 km/h unless otherwise indicated.

If riding on expressways (dual carriageways)

You must follow 110 km/h limit: Motorcycles can travel up to 110 km/h on expressways outside urban zones.

If riding on motorways (autoroutes)

You must follow 130 km/h limit: On French motorways, the limit is 130 km/h in good conditions.

If riding in rain on motorways

You must reduce to 110 km/h: In wet conditions, the motorway limit drops from 130 km/h to 110 km/h for motorcycles.

If visibility is under 50 meters

You must not exceed 50 km/h: Low visibility due to fog or snow limits speed to 50 km/h on all road types.

If you are a newly licensed rider (less than 3 years)

You must follow reduced limits: Motorways 110 km/h, Expressways 100 km/h, Other roads 80 km/h.

When approaching speed enforcement zones

You must adjust to posted limit: Radar enforcement areas are frequent exceeding limits can lead to fines and license points.

If overtaking in France

You must not exceed speed limit while overtaking: Speeding during overtaking is prohibited limits apply even during passing maneuvers.

If riding in residential zones

You must follow 30 km/h limit: Many residential areas in France have a limit of 30 km/h to protect pedestrians and cyclists.

If riding near schools

You must follow posted lower limit: School zones often reduce speed to 20 to 30 km/h during school hours.

If riding in pedestrian priority zones

You must follow 20 km/h limit: Shared zones where pedestrians have priority require riding at 20 km/h or less.

If entering roadwork zones

You must reduce speed as posted: Temporary limits may apply in construction areas, often 50 km/h or lower.

If riding with a trailer attached

You must follow reduced speed limits: Motorcycle with trailer Motorways 90 km/h, Expressways 80 km/h, Other roads 60 to 70 km/h.

If riding in high wind zones

You must reduce speed for safety: Strong winds, especially on bridges and open roads, require speed reduction to maintain control.

If entering sharp bends

You must adapt speed to curve signage: Sharp curves often have advisory speeds between 30 to 70 km/h depending on danger level.

If riding during icy or snowy conditions

You must adjust speed to grip: In winter conditions, even on motorways, safe speeds may be 50 to 80 km/h depending on traction.

If passing through tunnels

You must obey posted tunnel speeds: Most tunnels in France have limits between 70 to 90 km/h with mandatory headlights on.

If descending steep slopes

You must control speed with engine braking: Use appropriate gear and speed (often posted as 50 to 80 km/h) to prevent brake overheating.

Limites de vitesse et contrôle