Road traffic and road safety

Road traffic is part of everyday life, but it's not just about cars.

Motorists, heavyweight trucks, buses, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians share public roads.

To ensure that this coexistence takes place in the safest and most efficient conditions, road regulations are essential. Anyone planning to drive a self-propelled vehicle on the public highway must hold a driving licence and have all the documents required for the self-propelled vehicle being driven.

The regulations are governed by the Highway Code ("Code de la route"), which forms the basis of road traffic regulations. The Ministry of Mobility and Public Works is constantly updating it and adapting it to the new requirements arising from the behaviour of road users, technical progress in means of transport and changes to the road network.