What changes in France on January 1
The price of stamps, parking, and banking are all set to rise on January 1, along with the minimum wage, while changes the number of mandatory vaccinations increases to 11, and changes in rental regulations come into force.
Stamps
The cost of stamps is set to rise an average of 10%, with green stamps jumping from €0.73 to €0.80, while priority red stamps rise from €0.85 to €0.95
Banking
People using French banks paid an average of €193.80 in charges in 2017. Next year, the bill for bank charges should increase by 0.25% to €194.30. Of this amount, bank cards cost an average of €64.40.
Parking
As reported, local authorities will set the levy for non-payment of parking tickets. In Lyon, the new 'fines' are set at €60 in the city centre, while in central Paris, drivers caught not paying for their parking space will be charged €50.
Mortgages
The maximum period borrowers may be required to deposit their wages with lenders is, from 2018, limited to a maximum of 10 years.
Rental properties
All landlords must, from January 1, provide tenants with a report on the condition of gas and electrical installations in their properties, as a law currently in place for apartments in buildings dating from before 1975 is rolled out to all properties. The diagnosis certification must be renewed every six years.
Minimum wage
The minimum wage rises from €9.76 to €9.88 an hour before tax from January 1.
Driving
Crit’air stickers, used to control traffic levels during periods of pollution, are scheduled to begin in Annecy, Bordeaux, Marseille and Toulouse.
Anyone taking their driving test in France after January 1, 2018, must pass a first aid test as part of their exam.
Vaccinations
The number of mandatory vaccinations increased from 3 to 11 for young children.
