Motorway Breakdown in France: Essential Steps for Expats

First 60 Seconds

Pull onto the hard shoulder (bande d'arrêt d'urgence) as far right as possible. Switch on your hazard lights immediately. Put on your gilet jaune, it is a legal requirement in France before you leave the vehicle. Place your warning triangle at least 30 metres behind your vehicle.

The Orange Emergency Phones

Every 2 kilometres on French autoroutes, you will find an orange emergency phone (borne d'appel d'urgence). These connect directly to the autoroute operator, not the police. The operator will send an authorised breakdown service. You cannot choose your own breakdown company on autoroutes, the allocated operator has a monopoly on that stretch of road.

Costs to Expect

Daytime callout (8am–6pm): approximately €130. Night/weekend/holiday: approximately €195. Towing to the nearest garage is included in this fee. These prices are government-regulated and displayed at every borne

.

If You Have a UK Breakdown Policy

Call your UK provider (AA, RAC, Green Flag) as well. Many policies cover European breakdowns, but the autoroute operator still handles the immediate tow. Your UK provider typically reimburses costs and arranges onward travel.

Key French Phrases

Ma voiture est en panne - My car has broken down

Je suis sur l'autoroute - I am on the motorway

La borne numéro… - The emergency phone number…

Je ne parle pas français - I do not speak French