France is a favourite destination for many motorcyclists, but it is also a country where rules often get mixed up. This overview shows what you must carry, what is and is not allowed in traffic and what to pay attention to on the road.
Last checked on 26 May 2026.
What is mandatory on a motorcycle in France
France has a few clear requirements for motorcyclists. They are not complicated, but you do need to have them sorted before you leave.
- CE marked gloves are mandatory for both rider and passenger.
- You must carry a high visibility vest on the motorcycle.
- In the event of a breakdown or accident, the rider must put on that high visibility vest as soon as they get off the motorcycle.
- It is no longer mandatory to carry a breathalyser.
Lane filtering in France
Lane filtering used to be a grey area, but it is now allowed nationwide under certain conditions. That makes France more practical for motorcyclists, although the rules are quite strict.
- Filtering is only allowed on roads with separated carriageways.
- It is only allowed on roads with at least two lanes in each direction.
- You must ride between the two leftmost lanes.
- The speed limit on that road must be between 70 and 130 km/h.
- While filtering, the maximum speed is 50 km/h. If traffic is almost stationary, you must slow down to 30 km/h.
Lights and visibility
Motorcyclists in France are subject to stricter rules than simply turning on a light when it gets dark. This is also one of the points where outdated information is still often repeated online.
- Low beam must be used during the day on motorcycles.
- The old requirement for at least 150 cm2 of reflective material on motorcycle clothing no longer applies.
- You do not have to wear a yellow vest as standard at night or in bad weather, but you do need to carry a high visibility vest for a breakdown or emergency stop.
Navigation and speed camera alerts
If you ride with navigation, you need to pay close attention to which alerts are active in France. Not everything that feels normal in the Netherlands is actually allowed there.
- Navigation or devices that show the exact location of speed cameras or checks are not allowed.
- General danger zones are allowed, as long as no exact control locations are displayed.
New drivers
If you have not held your licence for long, lower speed limits apply in France than for more experienced riders. That also applies if you are travelling through France as a Dutch motorcyclist.
- New drivers are subject to lower speed limits than experienced drivers.
- Check in advance which limit applies to your situation, especially on autoroutes and other main roads.
Before you leave for France
France is a fantastic country for riding, but it is worth getting a few rules straight before you go. Check your gloves, keep a high visibility vest somewhere easy to reach and make sure your navigation is set up correctly. If you want to leave well prepared, also take a look at our range of motorcycle helmets and motorcycle gear for longer rides in France