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Driving Differences: France vs. Georgia Explained

When exploring the roads of France and Georgia, understanding the nuances of their driving regulations is crucial for a safe journey. Key distinctions include speed limits, lane usage, and alcohol tolerance, with Georgia allowing higher speeds and stricter alcohol limits. Familiarizing yourself with these variations fosters a more secure driving experience abroad.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
france:
Not commonly used; used for temporary markings during roadworks.
georgia:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
france:
Used for temporary markings during roadworks; passing permitted when safe.
georgia:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Right
france:
Allowed only in specific conditions, such as heavy traffic; not generally recommended.
georgia:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Bus Lanes: Usage
france:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and sometimes cyclists.
georgia:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
france:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
georgia:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
france:
No
georgia:
Yes
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
france:
N/A
georgia:
Minimum two or three occupants

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
france:
50 km/h
georgia:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
france:
30 km/h
georgia:
20-40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
france:
80 km/h
georgia:
80-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
france:
80 km/h
georgia:
80-100 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
france:
130 km/h
georgia:
110-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
france:
100 km/h
georgia:
100-110 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
france:
90 km/h
georgia:
90-100 km/h
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
france:
Not common; fines are usually mailed after citation
georgia:
Yes

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
france:
Not used in France
georgia:
Not used
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
france:
Signal when entering and exiting
georgia:
Signal when exiting
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
france:
Unnecessary use discouraged especially at night; local ordinances may apply
georgia:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Traffic Signs: Language
france:
French; symbols are standard
georgia:
Georgian; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
france:
Triangular with red border
georgia:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
france:
Not allowed
georgia:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
france:
Allowed if not specifically prohibited by signs
georgia:
Varies by location; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
france:
Accepted for short visits
georgia:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
france:
International Driving Permit recommended
georgia:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
france:
Yes, an MOT style test is required periodically
georgia:
Required; proof may be required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
france:
Displayed on windshield
georgia:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
france:
Mandatory in vehicle
georgia:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
france:
Mandatory in vehicle
georgia:
Recommended

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
france:
Reserved mainly for use in emergencies
georgia:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
france:
Pull over and stop if necessary
georgia:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
france:
0.05%
georgia:
0.03%
Limits: Professional Drivers
france:
0.02%
georgia:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
france:
Common; checkpoints used regularly
georgia:
Common; checkpoints used frequently
Enforcement: Fines
france:
Can be substantial
georgia:
Varies; can be substantial

Roundabouts

Signaling: Entering
france:
Signal when entering if turning right
georgia:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry

Emergency Services

Contact: Traffic Police
france:
17 or through local police
georgia:
112
Contact: Roadside Assistance
france:
Check with your insurance provider or assistance service
georgia:
Check with your insurance provider or local services
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
france:
Mandatory
georgia:
Recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
france:
Varies; typically €68 to €3750, license points
georgia:
Varies; 80 to 500 GEL
Common Fines: Alcohol
france:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time, and license confiscation
georgia:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
france:
€135
georgia:
50 GEL
Common Fines: Phone Use
france:
€135
georgia:
10 GEL
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
france:
€135
georgia:
200 GEL
Payment: On The Spot
france:
Possible; fines can be paid directly to police for minor offenses
georgia:
Possible; but usually paid later
Payment: Deadline
france:
Varies; typically 45 days to pay
georgia:
Varies; typically within 30 days