Driving in Réunion means right-hand traffic with rules that may differ from home. Several rules catch tourists off guard every year. Full guide with penalty calculator below.
Réunion 2026 — Right-Hand Traffic on a French Island
Data verified:
3 min readRéunion drives on the right side of the road. The minimum driving age is 17. The general emergency number is 112. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% BAC.
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As a French overseas department, Réunion keeps traffic on the right and uses the same 112 emergency number found across mainland France. Visitors arriving from left-hand-traffic countries face the more noticeable adjustment, especially on the steep mountain roads around the island’s volcanic interior.
GOV.UK says French driving rules apply in Réunion, and the French road code sets 50 km/h in built-up areas and 80 km/h on two-way roads outside them. Local orders can lower these, and we have not verified a motorway or expressway figure for the island. The French limit of 0.5 g of alcohol per litre of blood (0.05%) applies, with 0.2 g/l (0.02%) for probationary, learner and public-transport drivers.
Emergency Numbers in Réunion
General Emergency: 112 | Police: 112
Save these numbers before you start driving. In Réunion, emergency calls are free from any phone.
Speed Limits in Réunion
GOV.UK says French driving rules apply in Réunion, and the French road code sets 50 km/h in built-up areas and 80 km/h on two-way roads outside them. Local orders can lower these, and we have not verified a motorway or expressway figure for the island.
Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits.
Important: Posted signs always override default limits. Watch for temporary restrictions in construction zones, near schools, and in residential areas.
Speeding Fines and Penalties
Speeding fines in Réunion vary based on how much you exceed the posted limit. Fines increase sharply for higher violations and may include licence points or driving bans for serious offences.
Traffic Rules and Regulations
Drive on the right side of the road. Overtake on the left. At roundabouts, traffic circulates anticlockwise: give way to vehicles already on the roundabout, which approach from your left, unless signs say otherwise.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children must use appropriate restraint systems based on their age and height.
Using a hand-held phone while driving is prohibited. Hands-free systems are permitted.
Use headlights in poor visibility, tunnels, and at night.
Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits
The French limit of 0.5 g of alcohol per litre of blood (0.05%) applies, with 0.2 g/l (0.02%) for probationary, learner and public-transport drivers. Penalties for drink-driving include heavy fines, licence confiscation, and potential imprisonment.
The safest approach is to not drink at all if you will be driving. Alcohol affects reaction time and judgement regardless of the legal limit.
Tyre Requirements and Regulations
Winter tyres are not a consideration in Réunion’s tropical climate; tyres in good condition are what matter.
The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm, according to the French Code de la route.
Driving License Requirements
Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted.
Parking and Fuel
Parking rules vary by city. Look for designated parking areas and always check signs for time limits and payment requirements.
Most fuel stations accept major credit and debit cards. In rural areas, keep your tank above half — stations may be far apart.
Practical Driving Tips for Réunion
- Download offline maps of Réunion before your trip — mobile signal can be unreliable on rural roads.
- Take a break every 2 hours on long drives. Fatigue is a leading cause of road accidents.
- Use our interactive tools on this page — compare rules with your home country and calculate potential fines before you set off.
Speed Limits in Réunion
| Road Type | Cars | Trucks (>3.5t) |
|---|---|---|
| Urban | Verify locally | — |
| Rural | Verify locally | — |
| Motorway | Verify locally | — |
Emergency Numbers in Réunion
These numbers are free to call and available 24/7. When calling, state your location and the nature of the emergency.
Avoid a fine in Réunion
Who pays a driving fine abroad, the hire-car admin-fee trap, and how to appeal.
Read the fine guideDriving in Réunion on a foreign licence
Nationality-specific licence, IDP & rules — pick where your licence is from:
Renting a Car in Réunion?
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Recent changes to this page
- Minimum driving age added: 17 for a car licence, from Code de la route (France), art. R221-5 1deg, as amended by Decret n.2023-1214 du 20 decembre 2023 (en vigueur 1er janvier 2024) (https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2828).
- Tyre rules corrected: template defaults (1.6 mm tread, winter tyres not required, studded tyres prohibited) replaced with sourced rules or removed where no official source exists.
- Roundabout rule corrected: the page said to enter clockwise, but traffic keeps right here, so roundabouts run anticlockwise.
- Speed limits corrected from template defaults to the French national figures (50 km/h built-up, 80 km/h on two-way roads); the 100 km/h motorway field was removed as unverified. Alcohol 0.05% (0.5 g/l) confirmed.
- Title, description and introduction rewritten from this page's own data (no shared template wording).
Frequently Asked Questions
GOV.UK says French driving rules apply in Réunion, and the French road code sets 50 km/h in built-up areas and 80 km/h on two-way roads outside them. Local orders can lower these, and we have not verified a motorway or expressway figure for the island. Always follow posted signs, which override any general figure.
In Réunion, traffic drives on the right side of the road. Vehicles have the steering wheel on the left side. If you are visiting from a country that drives on the left, take extra care at intersections, roundabouts, and when overtaking.
Foreign visitors to Réunion should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their valid national driving license. An IDP translates your license into multiple languages and is recognized internationally. Check with the embassy of Réunion for the most current requirements.
Winter tyres are not a consideration in Réunion's tropical climate; tyres in good condition are what matter.
The general emergency number in Réunion is 112. These numbers are free to call and available 24/7. When calling, be prepared to state your location and the nature of the emergency.
Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited in Réunion. Hands-free systems (Bluetooth, speakerphone, or mounted devices) are permitted. Penalties for mobile phone use while driving typically include fines. For safety, always use hands-free solutions or pull over to use your phone.
When driving in Réunion, you should always carry: your valid driving license (and IDP if applicable), vehicle registration document, valid insurance certificate (Green Card for European countries), and your passport or national ID. Rental car drivers should also carry the rental agreement. Police may request these documents during routine checks.
Driving in Réunion is generally safe for tourists who are prepared. Before driving, familiarize yourself with local traffic rules, road signs, and driving customs. Consider downloading offline maps, carrying emergency supplies, and purchasing comprehensive insurance. Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas if possible.
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