Why Do Some French Speed Limit Signs Say 'Rappel'?

Driving in France can be an adventure. This is particularly true if you don't happen to understand the French language. It's important to have a basic understanding of what common road signs are telling you, so you can properly observe them and not get yourself into trouble with traffic enforcement authorities.

The specific sign shown above is an excellent example of a type of road sign that is not typically found on U.S. roads. While the '50' with the circle around it is a speed limit sign that can be found throughout Europe, the 'Rappel' part underneath it is uniquely French. 'Rappel' means reminder, which means that the sign is telling you that the previously posted 50 km per hour speed limit is still in effect at the sign's present location. While 'Rappel' is normally used as a speed limit reminder, it can also be found on triangular road signs that warn about animals roaming on the roads or rocks that may fall onto the highway. 

While a lot of the confusion that English-speaking people may encounter while driving in France is likely due to the language barrier, U.S. drivers may not be very familiar with the variety of different road signs that are common in France, which can rank up there with the most confusing traffic signs.

One of the key principles pertaining to driving in France, and this applies particularly in the city of Paris, is priorité à droite, which means "yield to those merging from the right" in French. Priorité à droite keeps traffic flowing smoothly on French roads. It's also the reason why you won't find a single stop sign in Paris.

French traffic lights are also slightly different from American traffic lights. While the red and the green lights work in a similar fashion, when the amber light comes on, you must stop unless it is simply not possible. There is no 'judgment call,' like the one that typically applies to a U.S. amber light situation. You must stop.

Another thing to remember is that France has more roundabouts than any other country in Europe. The rule for most roundabouts in France is that traffic already in the roundabout has the right of way. If you are entering the roundabout, you must yield. The best strategy for U.S. drivers, who have no experience driving in France, is to first familiarize yourself with the road signs and traffic laws in that country, so that you will know how to drive safely while you are visiting there.