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Driving in France vs. Philippines: Key Differences Explained

Explore the intriguing contrasts in road regulations and practices between France and the Philippines. From lane markings and speed restrictions to alcohol limits and emergency protocols, this comparison unveils essential insights to enhance your travel safety. Understanding these key distinctions will empower you to navigate the roads more confidently, regardless of your destination.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
france:
Not commonly used; used for temporary markings during roadworks.
philippines:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
france:
Used for temporary markings during roadworks; passing permitted when safe.
philippines:
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.
philippines:
Generally not allowed, except on one-way streets.
Bus Lanes: Usage
france:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and sometimes cyclists.
philippines:
Reserved for buses and sometimes PUVs.
Bus Lanes: Markings
france:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
philippines:
Labeled with signs; often separated by a bus lane barrier.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
france:
Exclusive for bicycles.
philippines:
Shared with motorcycles or exclusive for bicycles.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
france:
No
philippines:
Yes
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
france:
N/A
philippines:
Minimum two occupants
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
france:
Yes
philippines:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
france:
Electronic signs display current limits.
philippines:
Not commonly used

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
france:
50 km/h
philippines:
40 kph
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
france:
30 km/h
philippines:
20 kph
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
france:
80 km/h
philippines:
80 kph
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
france:
80 km/h
philippines:
70 kph
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
france:
80 km/h
philippines:
50 kph
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
france:
130 km/h
philippines:
100 kph
Highways: Buses And Vans
france:
100 km/h
philippines:
80 kph
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
france:
90 km/h
philippines:
80 kph
Speed Units
france:
km/h
philippines:
kph
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
france:
Yes
philippines:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
france:
Electronic signs display current limits
philippines:
Not commonly used
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
france:
Not common; fines are usually mailed after citation
philippines:
Less common; fines are usually issued later

Signals

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

Turns

Right Turn On Red
france:
Not allowed
philippines:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
france:
Allowed if not specifically prohibited by signs
philippines:
Common, check for signs indicating restrictions

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
france:
Accepted for short visits
philippines:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
france:
International Driving Permit recommended
philippines:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Insurance
france:
Liability insurance mandatory
philippines:
Compulsory third-party liability insurance mandatory
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
france:
Yes, an MOT style test is required periodically
philippines:
Required for registration; certificate must be displayed
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
france:
Mandatory in vehicle
philippines:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
france:
Mandatory in vehicle
philippines:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
france:
Reserved mainly for use in emergencies
philippines:
Frequent use in urban areas to alert other road users
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
france:
Pull over and stop if necessary
philippines:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: Professional Drivers
france:
0.02%
philippines:
0.05%
Limits: Underage Drivers
france:
0.00%
philippines:
0.05%
Enforcement: Random Checks
france:
Common; checkpoints used regularly
philippines:
Common during checkpoints, especially on holidays
Enforcement: Fines
france:
Can be substantial
philippines:
Severe for violations, may include imprisonment

Roundabouts

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

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
france:
112
philippines:
911
Contact: Traffic Police
france:
17 or through local police
philippines:
117
Contact: Roadside Assistance
france:
Check with your insurance provider or assistance service
philippines:
Check with your insurance provider or AAA
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
france:
Mandatory
philippines:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
france:
Varies; typically €68 to €3750, license points
philippines:
Varies; typically ranges from PHP 1000 to PHP 2000
Common Fines: Alcohol
france:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time, and license confiscation
philippines:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
france:
€135
philippines:
PHP 300
Common Fines: Phone Use
france:
€135
philippines:
PHP 1000 to PHP 5000
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
france:
€135
philippines:
PHP 1000
Payment: On The Spot
france:
Possible; fines can be paid directly to police for minor offenses
philippines:
Less common; typically done through authorized payment centers
Payment: Deadline
france:
Varies; typically 45 days to pay
philippines:
Varies; usually within 15 days upon issuance