Hurrah - 37 French Departments increase speed limits
Thirty-seven departments in France have re-introduced a 90km/h speed limit on some of their roads.
Since 1st July 2018, a maximum speed limit of 80km/h has been in place on all French highways that have no central barrier, and where road signs indicate no other speed limit applies. The limit on autoroutes remains the same (130km/h) - at least, for the time being.
The decision to introduce the lower speed limit was hugely controversial, particularly in rural areas, opposed by most departmental councils and one of the sparks that ignited the yellow vest (gilet jaune) protest movement.
Surveys carried out have shown that around 80% of the population have expressed a wish to return to the 90kp/h limit.
Member Since: 28 Aug 2014
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 4537
Ahh, I did 1200km in France week before last, I wondered why the road signs showed 80, but my satnag showed 90!Richard
D3 SE 2007. Triumph 2.5Pi 1973. Ferguson TEA20 1948.
Discovery 2 4.0 ES 2001- Gone
Discovery 1 300Tdi ES '95 - Gone
Range Rover Classic '79 - Gone
29th Nov 2021 4:20 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
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So on some roads with no signage it will be 80kph, on identical roads (no signage) in a different department it will be 90kph. How the hell are we meant to know what the limit is? I’d have absolutely no idea what Department I was in and whether it’s upped the limit.
Only in France.
29th Nov 2021 4:45 pm
D&G
Member Since: 29 Jun 2017
Location: Charente 16480
Posts: 3483
It is simple Del. If it is not sign posted at 90 kph then it is a 80 kph limit. The 80 kph is the new national speed limit. Like 60 mph is in the UK. Unless you are on a dual carriage or motorway.
In France 80 kph applies to all roads unless there is a central barrier as per the previous post. Signage is common throughout all departments as it is in all counties of the UK.
If you are unsure drive at 80 kph or be ready to pay the fine. Although 80 is not much fun with a Spanish lorry driver behind you trying to get home.An honorable defeat is better than a dishonorable victory.” ― Millard Fillmore
2006 Disco 3
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29th Nov 2021 6:13 pm
D&G
Member Since: 29 Jun 2017
Location: Charente 16480
Posts: 3483
rrhool wrote:
Ahh, I did 1200km in France week before last, I wondered why the road signs showed 80, but my satnag showed 90!
Google maps has been updated for sometime now. I haven't had an difference is limits for over 6 months now.An honorable defeat is better than a dishonorable victory.” ― Millard Fillmore
2006 Disco 3
Gas Gas 300ec / Gas Gas tx249 / Bandit 1250
XR 650r / Pajero 2.8 Lifted and Safari Snorkel-gone.
How the hell are we meant to know what the limit is?
My understanding is that Google maps & Waze on smartphones will show the speed-limit accurately - but it may be that their legality will be challenged soon ?
NJSS
29th Nov 2021 6:16 pm
rrhool
Member Since: 28 Aug 2014
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 4537
D&G wrote:
Google maps has been updated for sometime now. I haven't had an difference is limits for over 6 months now.
Old Garmin Richard
D3 SE 2007. Triumph 2.5Pi 1973. Ferguson TEA20 1948.
Discovery 2 4.0 ES 2001- Gone
Discovery 1 300Tdi ES '95 - Gone
Range Rover Classic '79 - Gone
29th Nov 2021 7:38 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 73120
@D&G: Cheers. We’ve canned what was going to be an 8 week trip in Switzerland for a 6 week jolly round France by car. If no sign then 80kph it is.
29th Nov 2021 8:33 pm
D&G
Member Since: 29 Jun 2017
Location: Charente 16480
Posts: 3483
@DSL
Trust google maps, which seems to be up to date. As other posters have said.
We run 5 vans in the company all doing 60,000 km per year. We have only had 4 tickets in the last 6 years. 2 of them were mine and my wife's. Chances of getting caught out are slim.
If you are sensible you will be fine. The reduction from 90 to 80 is only 6.2 mph in old money. Not much in a normal days driving.An honorable defeat is better than a dishonorable victory.” ― Millard Fillmore
2006 Disco 3
Gas Gas 300ec / Gas Gas tx249 / Bandit 1250
XR 650r / Pajero 2.8 Lifted and Safari Snorkel-gone.
30th Nov 2021 7:07 pm
D&G
Member Since: 29 Jun 2017
Location: Charente 16480
Posts: 3483
NJSS wrote:
Quote:
How the hell are we meant to know what the limit is?
My understanding is that Google maps & Waze on smartphones will show the speed-limit accurately - but it may be that their legality will be challenged soon ?
NJSS
My understanding is being made aware of the speed limit is fine. Having fixed camera positions is illegal.
Waze works on live group updates and at the moment it is legal because it is "member advising member". To try and prevent that, would suggest that telling anyone a speed camera location would be deemed illegal. It has been argued that simply sign posting speed cameras, set the precedent that it is fine to communicate locations between members of the public.
Yellow vest anyone?An honorable defeat is better than a dishonorable victory.” ― Millard Fillmore
2006 Disco 3
Gas Gas 300ec / Gas Gas tx249 / Bandit 1250
XR 650r / Pajero 2.8 Lifted and Safari Snorkel-gone.
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