Five things they do not tell you about driving in france

FROM PARKING ETIQUETTE TO FLASHING HEADLIGHTS - WE LOOK AT THE UNOFFICIAL FRENCH RULES OF THE ROAD 1. LE CODE Teenagers sweat blood learning the _code de la route_ to pass the theory test,

which allows them to take their practical driving test. It is fiendishly tricky and around 40% of applicants need two goes or more to pass it. Having successfully done so, they apparently

forget it completely. _Mon Dieu!_ READ MORE: CAN I REGISTER A NEW CAR IN FRANCE WITH A FOREIGN LICENCE? 2. LE CLIGNOTANT Although_ le code_ firmly states that the fine for failing to use

indicators is €35, and there are constant complaints about other drivers not indicating before turning, a fair number of French drivers have not discovered how to use their car’s indicators.

You just keep your hand on the horn. _C’est comme ça!_ READ MORE: FRANCE ALLOWS DRIVING FINES TO BE PAID IN INSTALMENTS 3. LA VITESSE French drivers warn each other about police checks by

flashing their lights at oncoming cars. However, bear in mind that the same signal could also be a warning about a broken-down car, roadworks or a large tractor just round the corner. So if

someone flashes, slow down, even if you are not speeding. _Quelle gentillesse!_ READ MORE: HOW TO KEEP TRACK OF CHANGING SPEED LIMITS ON FRENCH SECONDARY ROADS 4. LE PARKING In small

provincial market towns, if the car in front of you suddenly stops or you find someone is double-parked and has blocked you in, just toot the horn once rather than continuously. They will

just be picking up the dry cleaning, buying a baguette, posting a letter, or finishing a _petit rouge_. _Il faut patienter!_ READ MORE: CAN YOU LEAVE YOUR CAR PARKED ON THE STREET IN FRANCE?

5. L’ALCOOL France used to have a reputation for being relaxed about drink-driving, but those days are over. Now, the government encourages a so-called ‘Sam’ to stay sober in order to drive

everyone home. Why Sam and not something more French, such as Auguste? It is an acronym for _Sans Accident Mortel_. _Evidemment!_ RELATED ARTICLES DELAY IN PHASING OUT GREEN INSURANCE

TICKETS ON CARS IN FRANCE DO YOU GET A NOTIFICATION WHEN CAR’S CONTRÔLE TECHNIQUE TEST IS DUE? DO FOREIGN CARS NEED TO OBTAIN A CRIT’AIR STICKER TO DRIVE IN FRANCE?