Caught speeding in France - will I be fined and get 3 points?

Will UK drivers get speeding tickets and points in France? (Credit: Pxhere.com)

Will I be fined if caught speeding in France?

In theory, anyone from the UK caught speeding in France can be fined in the same way as locals, but the reality of this is not as simple as it seems.

If you are caught by the police in person, then UK drivers can be fined on the spot - as this is common in France. However, if drivers are caught by one of France’s many speed cameras, then the outcomes could be less expensive.

The fine is unlikely to arrive on your doorstep unless the driver’s home country has an agreement with France that allows driver details to be exchanged. 

Will I get penalty points on my driving licence if caught speeding in France?

Not directly on your UK driving licence, but British drivers could soon face a French-style points system when they are caught speeding or committing other driving offences in France.

The system, which has technically been part of French law for years, is now being developed for wider use against drivers with foreign licences.

But exactly how the system will work remains unclear, with French authorities working on new IT systems and procedures that are expected to be developed between 2026 and 2028.

France's law provides for a 'virtual' French licence points balance for drivers who hold a licence issued by another country and drive in France.

Points can be deducted from this virtual balance after certain driving offences, including speeding.

The French authorities are currently developing the systems needed to apply the rules more widely to drivers without French licences.

Here's what Brit drivers need to know when driving in France.

Can I lose points on my UK driving licence for speeding in France?

No. France cannot add UK points to your UK driving licence.

Instead, the French system is designed to create a separate virtual points balance for drivers with foreign licences.

This means a British driver could potentially lose points from a French virtual licence record without any points being added to their physical UK licence.

Could I be banned from driving in France?

Yes.

Under the French system, drivers generally start with 12 points and lose points when they commit offences.

If a foreign driver's virtual points balance reaches zero, they can be subject to a driving ban in France for up to one year.

The ban would apply to driving in France rather than cancelling the driver's UK licence.

Does the French points system already apply to British drivers?

The law is already in force, but its practical application to drivers with foreign licences has been limited.

French authorities have been working on the technical systems needed to create virtual points records, record points losses and recoveries, and notify drivers.

The French road safety authorities have said that numerous IT changes are needed and that work is expected to continue from 2026 to 2028.

When will British drivers start getting French licence points?

There is currently no clear date for when the system will be fully operational for British motorists.

French authorities have said technical developments are under way and are expected to run through to 2028.

A decree is also being prepared to clarify how the virtual points system should operate.

This means British drivers should not assume that the system is already operating in the same way as the French points system for every offence detected by cameras.

Can police fine drivers on the spot?

Police who catch drivers speeding in person can issue on-the-spot fines - and will often do this if they spot speeding Brits as they know they will escape a fine otherwise. 

You can pay the reduced amount if caught this way. If the offence is serious or drivers refuse to pay the fine, then the vehicle could be impounded.

The police will provide payment options at the time of the offence.

Does the UK exchange driver details with French police?

Since the UK left the UK in 2021, the UK does not have an agreement with France that permits the exchange of driver details for offences such as speeding and other such driving offences - meaning Brits are unlikely to receive a fine. 

Can France’s private speed camera cars issue on-the-spot fines?

Along with marked police cars, France has hundreds of unmarked private speed camera cars cruising the country’s highways.

There are around 450-500 of these vehicles in France, but as they cannot issue on-the-spot fines, it is unlikely that British drivers will receive a fine if they are caught by one of the vehicles. 

What if I am driving a French hire car - will I be fined for speeding if caught?

This is where things change. While you are unlikely to get fined if caught speeding while driving a UK-registered car, being caught in a French-registered hire car will likely see you paying the fine and possibly a hefty admin charge handed out by the hire car company. 

This is because the fine will go to the French hire company, which will have your credit card details and be able to charge you. And they will usually add a significant admin charge on top of it.

How much are speeding fines in France?

As with such offences in the UK, fines will depend on the severity of the violation. However, according to Connexion magazine they may range from €68 for being less than 20km/h above the limit, up to €1,500 if more than 50km/h over the top. 

 

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