Speed cameras in France

What is the best way to know about speed cameras in France for UK drivers? Where are they located, and how can you avoid speeding fines in France.

It’s crucial that you are aware of the rules surrounding speed cameras, how they affect you and just how costly they can be. That way, you won’t be caught unawares.

Here we share all our top tips so you can know all about speed cameras in France. We’ll show you some popular (free) apps for your phone, these will reduce to a minimum your chances of getting a speeding ticket.

If you need help converting MPH to KPH see our speed converter here. 

First, though, let’s get down to business and detail the speeding offences, fines, and penalties you may be subject to.
Speed Cameras France

Speeding fines in France

Fines and penalties in France fall into four different classes. Fines for speeding are either a 4th or 5th class fine. The fine will be considered 4th class if you are between 20km/h and 50km/h over the set limit, but you will be given a fifth-class ticket if you are exceeding the limit by over 50km/h.

Most driving offences are 4th class penalties.

The speed limits in France are as follows. Young drivers (those who have held their licences for less than two years) must sometimes abide by slightly different limits.
• In cities- either 30km/h or 50km/h.
• Two-lane roads divided by a central structure – 110km/h (100km/h for newly qualified drivers.)
• One-way roads outside of inhabited zones and cities – 80km/h.
• Two-lane roads which are not divided by a central structure – 90km/h (80km/h for young, newly qualified drivers.
• Motorways – 130 km/h or 110km/h if you’re a new driver.

If it rains all drivers must keep to the limits set for young drivers. 

Here’s a quick rundown of the fines you can incur for speeding.
New Speed Limits in France
• Exceeding the limit by up to 20 km/h outside cities - €68 (£59).
• Exceeding the limit by more than 50km/h - up to €1,500 (£1,312). A judge will determine the exact amount.
• Speeding by between 20km/h and 50km/h - €135 (£118) standard fine.

(Euro exchange rate correct at time of writing this article) 

Now it's time to find out more about speed cameras in France.

Speed camera sign France

Wondering what the sign for a speed camera is in France? You need look no further. Check out our post on French road signs to see what else you need to keep an eye out for.
Speed Camera Sign Europe

Do speed cameras in France flash?

Most static speed cameras will flash, but police use mobile speed cameras which will not. Average speed cameras — which check average speed between two points across several kilometres — will not flash, nor will those in private speed camera cars.

Speed camera detectors are Illegal in France and have been since 2012. If you’re caught with one in your vehicle, you could be fined up to €1,500 (£1,312). The authorities may also confiscate the vehicle and device.

It is also important to note that speed cameras in France have a tolerance margin of just 5% not 10% as you might assume.

Further down in this article, we’ll discuss phone apps you can use safely in France.
Do speed cameras in France flash

What if I get flashed by a speed camera in France

While the UK was a member of the EU, it had to abide by EU’s directives. This allowed French authorities to ask the DVLA for details of UK drivers and thereby enforce the fine. After Brexit, those rules no longer 
applied. As a result, UK drivers are now less likely to be fined. 

This doesn’t mean that you will get off scot-free if you’re spotted by a Gendarme. You can receive fines at  the roadside.

If you are flashed by a speed camera, the standard fine is €135 (£118) if you are between 20km/h and50km/h over the limit.

However, if you pay the fine within 15 days, it will be reduced to €90 (£78). If you pay the fine after 45 days, the amount will be increased to €375 (£328). When the limit is not more than 50km/h, the fine is the same.

However, if the limit exceeds 50km/h and you are less than 20km/h over that, the fine is €68 (£59).

If you exceed the speed limit by more than 50km/h, the fine is a maximum of €1,500 (£1,312). If you are caught speeding, it is better to pay the fine promptly. 

Please don't get in touch with us if you do get a speeding ticket there isn't anything we can do to help. Fines often take a long time to arrive but that doesn't mean you don't have to pay it.

Does WAZE show speed cameras in France?

WAZE is a global navigation and traffic app owned by Google. WAZE provides alerts on traffic jams, accidents and, speed cameras in France. It may also give warning as to when police might be lurking on your route. 

Remember though, that as of November 1st, 2021, certain police checks are now not flagged by navigation apps until two hours after they happen. Speed camera warnings were not affected, but a maximum range was introduced. The range is 2km in cities and urban areas and 10km in rural settings. 

France really punishes you if you have radar/speed camera detection equipment in your vehicle, but Waze gets around this by giving you an alert saying, “you are entering a speed enforcement zone” rather than anything along the lines of “watch out there is a speed camera up ahead” or there are “traffic police ahead”. 

When past the camera or police it says, “you are leaving an enforcement zone”. 

I have been using Waze for years now and think it’s one of the best free apps ever. You get live up to date traffic notifications if there are roadworks, traffic jams etc and it will calculate an alternative route for you if time can be saved.
Does WAZE Show Speed Cameras in France

Does Google Maps show speed cameras in France?

Yes, Google Maps does indeed have a camera detection feature. However, Google advise users to disable this feature when driving in France, so that you don’t fall foul of the law around speed camera detectors.

Indeed, Google has stated that the app disables this feature when you connect to Wi-Fi in France.

Does Apple Mac show speed cameras in France?

Apple Maps have extended their Hazards, Accident and Speed Check feature to France. The speed check part of the feature is forbidden in France — to abide by local laws — but you can use the hazard and accident reporting feature easily.

Other possible fines

If driving through cities in France it isn't just speeding fines that should concern you. Many cities and urban areas have "Low Emission Zones" now, so read about how to get a Crit Air Sticker for your vehicle or you will not be able to drive through the city centres.

Summary

There you have it. All you need to know about speed cameras in France for UK drivers, so you shouldn't be caught out on your travels. You’ll know what the speed limits are and will be aware of the potential penalties, so you can avoid facing any fines.

The bottom line is, if you abide by French law when driving in France, you’ll have nothing to worry about.

Unsure what other requirements you’ll have to meet as you prepare for your trip? Check out our driving in France checklist to find out.
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