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Big Difference #5 - the Autoroute: Don't cruise in the left lane!
If you want to get somewhere in a hurry, you'll be taking the autoroute. The big, ultramodern, smooth as silk, beautifully maintained high speed toll road.
Big Difference #5 comes as a shock to many Americans: you know how in the States there's always a guy doing 55 in the left lane? Hey, that's the speed limit, if you don't like it go around? That guy?
Big Difference #5: WE DON'T DO THAT HERE!
It's very simple: the right and center lanes are for traffic and trucks, the left lane is for passing. Only. If you're not keeping up in the left lane, expect drivers to come right up on your bumper and flash their lights. Don't take it personally, that's just how it's done over here. Get over. You will observe drivers passing traffic at over 150 KPH*, then pulling back into the right or center lane to make way for somebody who's going even faster. And on the A8 for instance there probably will be.
* Note: this is just an example of what some drivers do and of course is not recommended or condoned by us. In fact, getting caught speeding in France is very expensive.
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