How Do Driving Points Work On Your French Licence

Newly qualified drivers start with just 6 points on their licence and receive an additional 2 each year over a period of three years until they reach the total of 12.

Depending on the nature of the driving offence, usually from 1 to 6 points will be deducted. However, if several infractions are committed at the same time, then up to 8 points can be lost at one time.

Driving whilst under the influence of alcohol The legal alcohol limit in France is 0.8 g/l of alcohol in your blood.Virtually all drink-driving offences carry a 6-point penalty.

Driving under the influence of drugs Whether driving under the influence of drugs or refusing to submit to a test, there is a minimum of an 8-point penalty.

Speeding There are a variety of possible infractions related to speeding. For example, in 50 km or less zones, there is a tolerance of 5km per hour. In excess of that tolerance, there may be a 1 to 2-point deduction, or up to 6 points, depending on how much you have broken the speed limit by and what that speed limit was. Interestingly, 6 points can be deducted for carrying any device that warns of speed cameras – so beware of your satellite navigation systems/GPS bought outside of France!

Seat belt violations Failure to wear a seatbelt carries an immediate 3-point deduction.

Traffic violations and parking violations are generally a 3-point deduction, but not always. For example, non-compliance with signage is a 4-point deduction, but failing to give way or stop for pedestrians is a 6-point deduction.

If you would like to find out more, you can see the official scale of points per offence here or use the offence simulator here.

It is always advisable to be fully conversant with the rules of the road wherever you are driving, and it isn’t enough to assume that all country’s rules are the same. Subtle differences can be important.