Motorists accustomed to long stretches on departmental roads will need to adjust their pace, as several regions announce significant speed limit changes. These updates could disrupt long-standing driving habits developed over recent years.
Multiple departments have issued speed warnings. New “90 km/h” signs have appeared in certain areas, while other stretches have seen speeds reduced to unexpected levels. Initially, the start of the school year seemed set to challenge drivers with widespread adjustments, particularly in September 2025.
However, the rollout is more gradual than it appears. Changes are being implemented department by department, rather than following a single national schedule, meaning drivers will experience a phased transition across the regions.
Des hausses ciblées à 90 km/h dans certains départements
Since the nationwide 80 km/h speed limit introduced in July 2018, several departments have been gradually reversing the rule at their own pace. To date, 52 departmental councils have restored part or all of their secondary road networks to 90 km/h. This trend has continued in recent months, although September 2025 does not mark a unified nationwide shift.
Among the latest to adopt this change, Eure officially approved the return to 90 km/h earlier this year, with implementation scheduled for 2026. Elsewhere, drivers will start feeling the impact as early as this autumn, thanks to announcements made at the beginning of the year. The Tarn department, for instance, is finalizing adjustments to over 1,700 km of roads, set to be completed by September 2025.
“Driving for work, those extra ten kilometers per hour make a real difference. Even if I stay cautious, on certain straight stretches, it changes everything. I saw the new signs on the D999 last week,” says Philippe, a delivery driver in Tarn.
Un retour aux 90 km/h, mais pas partout
This transition is not uniform. Some departments apply 90 km/h limits only on very specific routes, often straight roads with low accident rates. Here’s an updated overview of the kilometers restored to 90 km/h across several departments:
| Département | Km repassés à 90 | Année de mise en œuvre |
|---|---|---|
| Ardèche | 3 775 km | 2021 |
| Allier | 5 284 km | 2022 |
| Puy-de-Dôme | 6 940 km | 2023 |
| Aveyron | 6 040 km | 2024 |
| Corrèze | 4 700 km | 2022 |
Des baisses de vitesse aussi à l’ordre du jour
Conversely, some zones are seeing speed limits lowered to 70 km/h or less. In Isère, for example, several stretches near protected natural areas or high cyclist traffic zones were reduced this summer.
The main reasons include increased coexistence between motorists and vulnerable road users, as well as road safety and noise reduction objectives. Regions like Brittany and Burgundy are also implementing precise speed zoning based on traffic flows and local accident rates.
“In my area, speeds dropped to 70 km/h on wooded roads since May. I was hesitant at first, but after seeing the number of wild boars crossing at night… it makes sense,” says Philippe, referring to his nighttime delivery routes in the Monts du Lyonnais.
Des centres-villes qui se généralisent à 30 km/h
This trend extends beyond rural areas. Many cities are redesigning their urban road networks with drastic speed reductions to encourage soft mobility options. Cities like Lyon, Nantes, Strasbourg, as well as smaller towns such as Rodez and Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, have implemented a maximum speed of 30 km/h on most urban streets.
Key benefits include:
- Noise reduction
- Fewer serious accidents
- Calmer traffic flow
These measures form part of a broader shift toward decarbonized mobility, though they sometimes frustrate residents who feel these directives are imposed top-down without sufficient consultation.
Un calendrier éclaté, aux décisions locales
Contrary to what some drivers might have expected, September 2025 does not signal a nationwide shift in speed limits on departmental roads. Most adjustments result from local decisions, often staggered over several months, based on safety studies, installation costs, and social acceptability.
For motorists, this means heightened vigilance. Rules can vary from one territory to another, and sometimes even between different stretches of the same road. Outdated GPS systems, unclear signage, or ingrained driving habits can make it challenging to determine the authorized speed.
FAQ’s
What changes are taking place on departmental roads in September 2025?
Several departments are adjusting speed limits on secondary roads. Some stretches are returning to 90 km/h, while others are being reduced to 70 km/h or lower, depending on safety and traffic conditions.
Are these changes applied nationwide?
No. The updates are local decisions, implemented gradually department by department, not as a uniform national policy.
Which departments have increased their speed limits to 90 km/h?
To date, 52 departmental councils have restored parts of their secondary road networks to 90 km/h. Departments like Eure and Tarn are among the most recent to adopt these changes.
Which areas are seeing speed reductions?
Some zones, especially near protected natural areas or areas with high cyclist traffic, have limits reduced to 70 km/h or less. Regions like Isère, Brittany, and Burgundy are actively managing these adjustments.
How do urban areas factor into these changes?
Many cities, including Lyon, Nantes, Strasbourg, and smaller towns like Rodez, are implementing 30 km/h limits on most streets to improve road safety, traffic flow, and reduce noise.
Why are speed limits being adjusted?
The changes aim to balance road safety, traffic flow, noise reduction, and the promotion of soft mobility options such as cycling and walking.
How should drivers adapt to these changes?
Drivers should stay alert, observe updated signage, and adjust their speed according to local rules, as regulations can vary even within the same road.
Conclusion
September 2025 marks a period of gradual, localized changes on departmental roads across France. While some areas are returning to 90 km/h, others are reducing limits to 70 km/h or even 30 km/h in urban zones. These adjustments reflect a balance between road safety, traffic flow, noise reduction, and the promotion of sustainable mobility.
