How strict are French speed cameras? A new report claims speed limit tolerances in France are much tighter than in the UK.
Over here, 10 percent plus 2 mph is generally the permitted maximum before you see a flash in your rear-view mirror. But the AA says French cameras aren’t so lenient…
How tight are speed camera tolerances in France?
French cameras can be triggered when cars pass at just five percent over the limit. That means beyond 31 mph in a 30 mph zone, or 42 mph in a 40 mph zone.
At motorway speeds, you could ‘get away’ with 79 mph in the UK (although clearly this isn’t recommended). The equivalent in France is just 73 mph.
The AA surveyed nearly 20,000 of its members and found one-in-five weren’t aware of the tighter tolerances. It estimates that almost 800,000 British drivers could be fined for speeding in France by the end of the year.
Borders won’t protect you now, either. The MLA (Mutual Legal Assistance agreement) has been in effect since May 2017, requiring all EU members to share details on those who break driving laws in other countries with the appropriate authorities.
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French speed cameras: what you need to know
- There’s a five percent speed tolerance
- They’re not painted in bright colours
- There are signs to warn that they’re up ahead
- If caught speeding, the fine WILL reach you
- There are over 2,000 fixed cameras on French roads
“Year in and year out, UK holidaymakers driving abroad are advised to mug up on the road laws they are visiting,” said AA president, Edmund King.
“And now we know from official statistics that the French police are on a mission to chase up fines from British drivers before Brexit. Whether you’re driving in the UK or France, if you stay within the limit you’ll keep out of trouble.”
