French motorways (autoroutes) can be identified by the letter “A” and most of them are toll roads. The entrance to these roads is marked as “Péage”. All autoroutes signs are blue with white lettering, if it is a toll road it will be indicated too.
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If you are going to France only once and for a relatively short trip then it's probably not worth it. On the other hand, if you are going to make a very long trip through France or visit several times a year then it's probably worthwhile.
The Crit'Air system applies to all vehicles and affects both French motorists and foreign-registered vehicles. All vehicles need to display a vignette to drive and park in the zones restricted by a ZCR or ZPA. Not all vehicles are eligible for a vignette.
To recap, the speed limit in France's motorway is: 130 kph (80 mph) in dry weather conditions. 110 kph (68 mph) in wet weather conditions. 50 kph (31 mph) in foggy weather, when visibility is less than 50 m.
When using a toll road in France, there are several ways you can pay for tolls. Any driver can pay for tolls by credit, debit card or cash (for manned toll roads). Across the country, most tolls are now automated and unmanned – however, on the larger, busier autoroutes, some continue to provide manned booths.
Although there are many toll roads across France (and continental Europe), avoiding them would mean taking a lot longer going around them on smaller roads. This would mean that you would be spending more time and money to get to your destination. Some roads may be more picturesque, and so it may be worth it.
There is no “right turn on red” in France. A yellow flashing arrow means that you can drive in the arrow's direction, with caution, even though the other lights may be red. Headlights are mandatory when it is raining. On multi-lane roads and highways, slower traffic always stays to the right.
Driving licenceIf you come to France for a short visit (such as holidays), you can drive using your foreign licence. It must be valid and either written in French or accompanied by an official translation into French or an international licence.