French speed limits – A French Farce
By Liz King
The new speed limits in France have generated some uncertainties for drivers and the French police. We’ve investigated and found that in typically government and indeed French style, the new code is complex, long and in legal jargon but we’ve summarised it below.
Section I) For vehicles towing a caravan (or trailer) where the vehicle has a gross train mass of less than 3.5 tonne and for a solo motorhome which has a gross vehicle weight under 3.5 tonne; unless otherwise signposted and on dry roads the speed limit in kilometres per hour (kph) is: –
- On autoroutes (motorway) 130kph (80mph); (reduce to 110kph (68mph) in adverse weather or rain)
- On dual carriageways and autoroutes without tolls 110kph (68mph); (reduce to 100kph (62mph) in adverse weather or rain)
- Single carriageway 90kph (55mph); (reduce to 80kph (50mph) in adverse weather or rain)
- In towns 50kph (31mph). The town name starts the limit; a red diagonal bar through the town name is the derestriction sign.
Section II) A solo motorhome which has a gross vehicle weight over 3.5 tonne; unless otherwise signposted and on dry roads the speed limit in kilometres per hour is: –
- On autoroutes (motorway) 110kph (68mph);
- On dual carriageways 100kph (62mph);
- Single carriageway 80kph (50mph);
- In towns 50kph (31mph). The town name starts the limit; a horizontal bar through the town name is the derestriction sign.
Section III) If a motorhome has a trailer, then the speed limit will be based on the gross train mass, the same as a vehicle towing a caravan.
For example:
Ford Focus Style 5 door 1.8 Duratec
Gross Vehicle Weight: 1895kg
Towing Limit: 1160kg
Gross Train Mass: 2995kg (i.e. under 3.5 tonne see Section I)
Volvo X590 D5 manual
Gross Vehicle Weight: 2740kg
Towing Limit: 2250kg
Gross Train Mass: 4990kg (i.e. over 3.5 tonne see Section IV)
Section IV) Any vehicle which has a gross train mass over 3.5 tonne, towing a trailer or caravan; unless otherwise signposted and on dry roads the speed limit in kilometres per hour is: -
- On autoroutes (motorway) 90kph (55mph);
- On dual carriageways 90kph (55mph);
- Single carriageway 80kph (50mph);
- In towns 50kph (31mph). The town name starts the limit; a horizontal bar through the town name is the derestriction sign.
There is an element of confusion amongst the French authorities on whether 80 and 90 “speed” stickers should be displayed on the rear of the vehicle, including motorhomes, towing at the lower limits. It appears that the stickers are not mandatory, but the speed limits are compulsory.
If you think all of this is bizarre, it is! The weight of the trailer is immaterial according to this legislation. We are told that many camping and caravanning authorities in France are lobbying for the law to be changed, again.
What is the Gross Train Mass?
In general terms, this is the gross vehicle weight of your car plus its towing limit. The information can be found in the owner’s handbook, on a plate on the vehicle or ask your vehicle’s manufacturer.
What is the Gross Train Weight?
This is the laden weight of the caravan (or trailer) plus the laden weight of the towing vehicle.
What is the Gross Vehicle Weight?
It is the weight of the vehicle, loaded with luggage and passengers to its maximum permitted capacity.
Where do I find this information?
In your vehicle’s handbook or ask your retailer or manufacturer.
Where do I find the weight of my caravan, motorhome or trailer?
In the handbook or ask your retailer or manufacturer.
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So, if I get this straight. If I have a heavy car for example, the volvo mentioned above, and a nice light 2 berth caravan. that only weights say, 900kg, the size of the caravan and it’s weight is basically ignored and the speed limit is based on the maximum PERMISSIBLE towing weight of the car limiting the top speed to 90kph yet I could also tow a caravan that weighs say 1500kg on a car weighing 1500kg (providing the car can tow it) even though the outfit would be normally unsafe at speeds up to 130kph?? hmmm a lot of wine was consumed at that meeting.
Very well presented, easy to understand considering the complexity of the subject. Thank you very much.