While drivers will no doubt enjoy the wide, smooth roads and largely clear motorways, there are some aspects of driving in France that can catch out the unwary – and the pace of life as a motorist in Paris could be a bit of a shock.

UK drivers must remember to drive on the right and get familiar with the language. A re-commencement of ‘Priorité à Droite’ means ‘You no longer have priority over traffic from the right’ and ‘Priorité à Droite’ means ‘Give priority to traffic on the right.’

The traditional rule that you must give way to any traffic joining the road from the right hand side still applies in urban areas if there is no road sign at a crossing.

This can catch out unwary drivers, and if you collide with traffic joining from the right where there was no road sign, you will be at fault. This ‘priority to the right’ could also be marked with a red triangle sign with a black cross on a white background so if you see these signs you know that the next junction coming up on your right has priority.

To confuse things further, France is slowly moving away from the Priorité à Droite rule and on the open road and town bypasses you will often now see a yellow diamond sign signifying that you have the priority. Conversely on entering a town or village you will see a yellow diamond with a black line through it – signalling the re-commencement of Priorité à Droite so take extra care again. If in doubt, be wary at all road junctions in France. Other important phrases include ‘Cedez Le Passage’ (Give Way) and ‘Vous n’avez pas la prioritié’ (You do not have the priority).

It is also very important to be aware of the speed limit and speed camera situation. There is a two-tier set of speed limits, one set for normal driving conditions and a second lower set which applies in wet weather conditions – not just when it’s raining, but also when the road surface is wet. They are: motorways – 130km/h or 110km/h if wet; dual carriageways – 110km/h or 100km/h if wet; other roads – 90km/h or 80km/h if wet; built-up areas and towns – 50km/h or as signposted.

Speed cameras are becoming a familiar sight across France and if you’re caught, it means an on-the-spot fine. If you do not have enough money, the gendarme will drive you to the nearest cash dispenser so you can pay up there and then.

For those taking a UK-based vehicle to France, headlamp beam adaptors/converters are compulsory. Even if you only drive in daylight you must correct your headlamps. Otherwise the vehicle could be deemed unfit for the road and your insurance will be invalid.

A warning triangle must be carried by law in the car, and if you break down or are involved in an accident, the triangle must be placed between 50 and 150metres behind your vehicle to warn other traffic.

High-visibility reflective jackets that comply with EU Standard EN 471 must be carried in your vehicle, and must be easily accessible – so not in your boot. This requirement was made law in France in 2008, and you could face a €90 fine if you don’t comply.

Since 2012, drivers are required to carry an unused single-use breathalyser in the car at all times. The breathalyser must have the NF logo (to show compliance with French regulations), and as the breathalyser must be unused it is a good idea to carry a pack of two.

Finally, radar detectors are strictly forbidden in France. Even possessing such a device in your vehicle, whether in use or not, is illegal and penalties can include a fine of up to €3,000.