Despite the fact that major roads in Corsica are relatively new and well maintained, most of the island's roads are narrow and have an abundance of sharp bends.
Pot-holes are no rare occurrence and you should be aware that beeping your horn before driving into a blind curve is mandatory. It is quite possible that the road you're on suddenly becomes blocked by a herd of pigs or cows. When organising a longer journey, plan on a maximum average speed of about 40kph. Petrol stations can only be found in large towns. Drivers of large caravans and trailers should be well practised in manoeuvring their vehicles in the mountains. Passing places are few and far between.
On main roads, traffic on the major road normally has priority, with traffic being halted on minor approach roads with one of the following signs:
Cedez le passage - give way
Vous n'avez pas la priorite - you do not have the right of way
Passage protege - no right of way.
Care should be taken in towns, and in rural areas where there may not be any road markings (watch out for tractors and other farm vehicles), in which case you'll be expected to give way to traffic coming from the right. If an oncoming driver flashes their headlights it is to indicate that he or she has priority - not the other way round. Priority is always given to emergency services and also to vehicles from public utility (for example: gas, electric and water companies) A yellow diamond sign indicates that you have priority; the diamond sign with a diagonal black line indicates you do not have priority.
The minimum age for driving in Corsica and in France is 18. Visitors from Britain must remember to drive on the right: extra care should be taken when crossing the carriageway or when emerging from a junction - when it is easy to end up on the left side without thinking.
Full or dipped headlights must be used in poor visibility and at night; sidelights are not sufficient unless the car is stationery. Beams must be adjusted for right-hand drive vehicles, but yellow tints are not compulsory.
The use of seat belts (front and back) in cars, and crash helmets on motorcycles is compulsory. Children under 10 are not permitted to ride in the front seat. Babies are permitted in the front only if it is fitted with a rear-facing safety seat.
The French drink-driving limit is 50mg alcohol per 100ml of blood. This means that one glass of beer can take you up to the limit. Police are very strict in Corsica about these rules and on the spot fines are put into practise if the law is broken.
Lastly, you should always carry your vehicle's registration document and valid insurance - third party is the absolute minimum and a green card from your insurance company is recommended but not obligatory. It is also a good idea to carry your passport and a card showing the address of your holiday accommodation, mobile phone in case of emergency, especially high up in the mountains, and a valid credit card/or some cash just in case you do get stopped and fined by the police. If you have no cash on you the police will escort you to a cash point so you can obtain money and pay the fine.
Driving in Corsica is a fun experience and some of the scenery is absolutely fantastic but you do have to have your wits about you especially the higher up you drive - mountain drivers can sometimes be a little crazy, belligerent and drive far too fast. Be warned!
by Janet Sandford
Source: http://www.helium.com/items/1908220-a-visitors-guide-to-driving-in-corsica
