Table Of Contents
- If I am a tourist visiting for a month or a student for few months
- If I am going to become a permanent resident
- conclusion
- Do I need an international drivers licence to drive in France?
- Which states driver’s licenses are accepted in France?
- Can I drive with US driver license in Europe?
- Is my English driving licence valid in France?
Bonjour les amis,
Today I share a practical tip like the post about phone numbers for all travelers visiting our beautiful country:
Can I drive in France with a foreign license specially with an US driver’s license?
Finally, the questions I ask myself when I travel, you must certainly ask them too when you arrive in France, right?
Have a nice day!
— Christine —
If I am a tourist visiting for a month or a student for few months
a france / USA Agreement
You can use your valid US driver’s license to drive in the country.
France has a reciprocal agreement with the United States, allowing US citizens to drive on their national license for short-term visits.
before your trip
You must ensure that your US driver’s license is valid and up-to-date, as French authorities will check its validity.
You can consider obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP). It’s not mandatory.
The IDP serves as a certified translation of your license and can be helpful in case of traffic stops or incidents.
You can obtain an IDP from your local American Automobile Association (AAA) or American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) office.
During your stay
documents to have on you
- your valid US driver’s license (and IDP, if obtained),
- proof of insurance,
- vehicle registration,
- a passport for identification purposes.
If you’re renting a car, ensure that your rental agreement permits you to drive in France and keep the rental documents handy.
the local driving rules and regulations
They may differ from those in the US.
In France, you must:
- drive on the right side of the road
- give priority to vehicles coming from the right at intersections without traffic signals
- fasten and have all passengers fasten their seatbelts
- make travel by car children under the age of 10 must in appropriate child restraint systems
- respect the varying speed limits in different areas, such as 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas and 130 km/h (81 mph) on highways.
- respect the unfamiliar different road signs and markings
- Be cautious of speed cameras and respect the speed limits, as fines can be hefty for speeding violations.
The special parking regulations
Observe street signs indicating parking restrictions and use designated parking areas.
Parking fines can be costly!
If I am going to become a permanent resident
Your first year in france
You can initially use your valid driver’s license from your home country (US, UK, or Canada) to drive in France.
To use your foreign license for the first year of your residency, make sure it is valid and up-to-date.
Consider obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP), which serves as a certified translation of your license.
It can be helpful in case of traffic stops or incidents.
Obtain the IDP from the appropriate authority in your home country before leaving.
After One year: mandatory exchange
Once you become a permanent resident, you must exchange your foreign driver’s license for a French one within one year of establishing residency.
If you hold a driver’s license from the US, UK, or Canada, France has reciprocal agreements that simplify the process.
To exchange your license, you will need to submit the following documents to the local French prefecture or online at the Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés (ANTS) website:
- A completed application form for a French driver’s license
- Your valid foreign driver’s license (original and photocopy)
- Proof of identity (e.g., passport)
- Proof of residency in France (e.g., utility bill or rental agreement)
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
After some time and if nothing is missing, you will receive your new French driver’s license.
to stay out of jail
Of course, it’s a joke!
But french fines about driving and parking rules can be costly.
So I give my special advices to drive right away correctly:
- drive on the right side of the road
- give priority to vehicles coming from the right at intersections without traffic signals
- fasten and have all passengers fasten their seatbelts
- make travel by car children under the age of 10 must in appropriate child restraint systems
- respect the varying speed limits in different areas, such as 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas and 130 km/h (81 mph) on highways.
- respect the unfamiliar different road signs and markings
- Be cautious of speed cameras and respect the speed limits
- respect the special parking regulations
- recognize a French policeman on the side of the road or a “gendarme”
conclusion
You can use your US or foreign driver’s license for the first year of residency or for a short trip.
After one year, you must exchange it for a French one to continue driving legally.
Familiarize yourself with local driving rules and regulations to ensure a smooth transition and safe driving experience.
People also ask about US or foreign driver’s licence :
Do I need an international drivers licence to drive in France?
That’s not mandatory, you can use your own driver’s license during a short period. But It can be helpful in case of traffic stops or incidents.
Which states driver’s licenses are accepted in France?
All of 50 US States.
Can I drive with US driver license in Europe?
For a short trip, you can drive in all countries in Europe with your US driver’s license.
Is my English driving licence valid in France?
Yes, an English driver’s license is generally valid in France for short-term visits by tourists
