The French highway code evolves each year by ministerial decree, and 2026 marks a significant update, continuing the European reform started in 2025. For Paris candidates, seven changes have concrete impact as they affect the reality of driving in a dense urban area. Here is the full overview of the novelties to master before your exam.
1. Low-Emission Zones (LEZ): an expanded module
Questions on LEZ and Crit'Air stickers, present since 2022, hold a reinforced place in the 2026 exam. Some twenty of the 40 theory questions potentially cover this topic: vehicle classification, operating hours, sanctions, alternative routes. For a Parisian driving in the largest LEZ in France, mastering this module is non-negotiable.
2. Soft mobility: bicycle and scooter rules
Since 2025, electric scooters (EDPM) are subject to compulsory insurance, helmet required under 18, and minimum age 16. The 2026 code deepens this topic with new questions on cycle positioning on the road, bike box, safe-distance overtaking (1 m in town) and specific cycling signage.
3. Electronic driving aids integrated into the practical exam
Since early 2025, the examiner also assesses the candidate on correct use of modern driving aids: autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane-keeping assist (LKA). Candidates must now know how to activate, deactivate and understand the limits of these systems. Particular impact in Paris where exam cars are often modern equipped models.
4. Electric vehicles: a dedicated theory module
New in 2026: a theory module on electric-vehicle specifics is included in the exam. Covered topics: silent rolling (pedestrian risk), charging (plugs and power, average times), regenerative braking, range by conditions. Paris, where over 30% of new car sales in 2025 were electric, is at the heart of this evolution.
5. Reinforced sanctions for alcohol, phone and drugs
Since 29 December 2025, speeding by over 50 km/h above the limit is no longer a simple offence but a criminal offence triable before the correctional court. Additionally, phone-use sanctions have been extended: detection via surveillance cameras on certain Paris axes since 2025. The 2026 code questions integrate this evolution.
6. 28 driving hours minimum (proposal under study)
A proposal under discussion in Parliament aims to raise the legal minimum of driving hours from 20 to 28 before presenting the practical exam. If adopted during 2026, it will directly impact licence cost - in Paris, the basic package would mechanically rise from ~€1,800 to ~€2,300. At this stage, the proposal is not voted, but candidates can anticipate.
7. Reinforced protection of vulnerable road users
The 2026 code reinforces obligations towards pedestrians, cyclists and people with reduced mobility. New dedicated signs, questions on smart pedestrian crossings (Paris has been deploying them since 2024), enhanced awareness of vehicle blind spots. An error on a vulnerable user becomes almost systematically eliminating at the practical exam.
How to prepare effectively for these new rules?
Choose an up-to-date code manual
Specialised publishers and approved online platforms release updated editions each year. Check for " 2026 Edition " before buying - a 2024 or 2025 edition would be seriously incomplete on LEZ, electric and soft-mobility topics.
Use Paris-focused practice platforms
Some online theory-preparation platforms offer geolocated modules with questions linked to the Paris reality. An additional asset for Île-de-France candidates.
Practice in real conditions
Nothing replaces practice. Serious Paris driving schools offer themed " 2026 novelties " lessons: a complete LEZ lesson, a soft-mobility lesson, an electric-vehicle lesson. Ask for this granularity when quoting.
2024-2025 pass rates: review in Paris
Over 2024, the national theory-test pass rate was 50.7% at first attempt, and 58.2% at practical. Île-de-France shows a practical rate of 55%, below the national average, notably due to Paris complexity. Conversely, accompanied driving (AAC) reaches 75% in Paris, which remains the royal road for candidates wishing to maximise their chances.
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Frequently asked
Your questions on this topic
What's new in the 2026 highway code for Parisians?
The 2026 code introduces 7 changes affecting Parisians: wider bike lanes, ZFE Crit'Air 3 banned, 30 km/h generalised (95 percent of streets), new e-scooter rules (insurance, helmet for youth), electric vehicle questions, roundabout evolution and bus/taxi rules. Tip: revise these 7 modules on a 2026-updated app before the code exam.
Does the 30 km/h rule apply everywhere in Paris in 2026?
Yes, since August 2021 confirmed in 2026, 95 percent of Paris streets are limited to 30 km/h. Exceptions: ring road (50 or 70 km/h depending on section), major arteries like avenue Foch (50 km/h), upper quays (50 km/h). Speeding fine: 135 euros and 1 point. Tip: stay alert to urban fixed cameras, their count tripled in Paris in 2024-2025.
What new e-scooter rules in the 2026 Parisian code?
In 2026 e-scooters in Paris require: minimum age 14, helmet mandatory under 16, civil liability insurance, max 25 km/h, pavement banned (except walking). 135 euros fine per offence. Tip: check your home insurance, it often includes scooter civil liability, avoid overpriced specific contracts from rental companies.
How many new code questions in 2026 to pass the exam?
The 2026 ETG exam has 40 questions drawn from a bank of over 1,000 updated questions. About 100 new questions cover 2026 topics: electric, ZFE, e-scooters, new signage. Pass threshold: 35 out of 40. Tip: use an app updated January 2026, old 2023-2024 series neglect new topics critical for Parisians.
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