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Driving in France vs. Taiwan: Key Safety Differences

When navigating the roads of France and Taiwan, it's essential to understand the distinct regulations and practices that govern automobile operation. From speed limits and lane usage to alcohol limits and emergency protocols, these countries showcase notable contrasts. Discover the key distinctions that can significantly impact your travel experience and ensure your safety on the road.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
france:
Not commonly used; used for temporary markings during roadworks.
taiwan:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
france:
Used for temporary markings during roadworks; passing permitted when safe.
taiwan:
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.
taiwan:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Bus Lanes: Usage
france:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and sometimes cyclists.
taiwan:
Reserved for buses; taxis and motorcycles sometimes allowed during specific times.
Bus Lanes: Markings
france:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
taiwan:
Labeled 'BUS' or '公交專用道'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
france:
Exclusive for bicycles.
taiwan:
Exclusive for bicycles and scooters.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
france:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
taiwan:
Bicycle and scooter symbols, often colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
france:
No
taiwan:
Yes
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
france:
N/A
taiwan:
Minimum two or more occupants during peak times

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
france:
50 km/h
taiwan:
40-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
france:
80 km/h
taiwan:
50-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
france:
80 km/h
taiwan:
50-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
france:
80 km/h
taiwan:
50-70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
france:
130 km/h
taiwan:
90-110 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
france:
100 km/h
taiwan:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
france:
90 km/h
taiwan:
80-90 km/h
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
france:
Not common; fines are usually mailed after citation
taiwan:
Yes, fines can be issued on the spot

Signals

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

Turns

Right Turn On Red
france:
Not allowed
taiwan:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
france:
Allowed if not specifically prohibited by signs
taiwan:
Generally allowed unless a sign prohibits them

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
france:
Accepted for short visits
taiwan:
International Driving Permit required
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
france:
International Driving Permit recommended
taiwan:
International Driving Permit required
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
france:
Yes, an MOT style test is required periodically
taiwan:
Yes, periodic inspections mandatory
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
france:
Displayed on windshield
taiwan:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
france:
Mandatory in vehicle
taiwan:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
france:
Mandatory in vehicle
taiwan:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
france:
Reserved mainly for use in emergencies
taiwan:
Frequent use in busy areas
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
france:
Pull over and stop if necessary
taiwan:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
france:
0.05%
taiwan:
0.03%
Limits: Professional Drivers
france:
0.02%
taiwan:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
france:
0.00%
taiwan:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
france:
Common; checkpoints used regularly
taiwan:
Common, especially during holidays
Enforcement: Fines
france:
Can be substantial
taiwan:
Heavy fines imposed
Test Refusal
france:
Can result in license suspension
taiwan:
Can result in license suspension and fine

Roundabouts

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

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
france:
112
taiwan:
119
Contact: Traffic Police
france:
17 or through local police
taiwan:
Varies by district; inquire locally
Contact: Roadside Assistance
france:
Check with your insurance provider or assistance service
taiwan:
Available via insurance or specialized companies
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
france:
Mandatory
taiwan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
france:
Mandatory
taiwan:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
france:
Varies; typically €68 to €3750, license points
taiwan:
Varies; NT$1,600 to NT$6,000, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
france:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time, and license confiscation
taiwan:
Steep fines, possible license suspension
Common Fines: Seat Belts
france:
€135
taiwan:
NT$1,500, points in some cases
Common Fines: Phone Use
france:
€135
taiwan:
NT$1,500 to NT$3,000, points on license
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
france:
€135
taiwan:
NT$2,700, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
france:
Possible; fines can be paid directly to police for minor offenses
taiwan:
Possible; fines can sometimes be paid immediately
Payment: Deadline
france:
Varies; typically 45 days to pay
taiwan:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay