Car washes/jet washes during Covid-19 lockdown

Reader question: Are car washes/jet wash facilities permitted for use during the Covid-19 lockdown? We see locals using them and would like to use them ourselves but are not convinced this is ‘essential’ and we understand only essential trips out are permitted.

Published Wednesday 15 December 2021 - 14:27 Modified Wednesday 15 December 2021 - 14:27

You are right to question this and the answer is no.

You cannot use a car wash and people have been fined for doing so.

The car washes that are open are only supposed to be for use by ambulances and other service vehicles, not for the general public who should be staying at home as much as possible.

If your car is in your garden / drive, however, you are allowed to wash it.

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

confinement cars coronavirus your questions

French farmer protests: what action is planned and where on November 18?

Major unions are demonstrating against the Mercosur trade deal in a bid to pressure the government to provide more support

Temperatures to drop bringing snow to some areas of France this week

Wet, overcast and blustery weather is forecast for most of the country

EU faces legal challenge from French lawyer over weedkiller sale decision

Corinne Lepage fighting decision to allow glyphosate to be sold in Europe for another 10 years

France's first national park is an outdoor haven

Discover the breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity of Parc National de la Vanoise, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region

Improve your language skills with these five French tongue twisters

As well as being a fun party trick, these can help you master pronunciation of difficult sounds

Child health booklets in France will be updated to include risks of screen time

Report by experts recommends banning screens for children under the age of three

How many bank holidays does France get vs Europe and US?

See how France compares as MPs debate taking away one of the country’s jours fériés

Beaujolais Nouveau: France’s youngest, freshest and fruitiest wine

Producer Laurent Metge-Toppin shares ten facts to help you appreciate the once-maligned tipple

Will roadworthiness tests penalise drivers in France for removing emission-limiting liquid?

AdBlue converts nitrous oxide particles, but has been criticised by drivers who believe it damaged their vehicles

One of main aids to purchase an electric car will end in France in 2025

Only the ecological bonus and social leasing will remain, but their amounts are as-yet unconfirmed

Wokisme, vegan: The ‘new’ words added to French dictionary

The latest edition of the dictionary has taken decades to create and publish

France’s 2025 budget will ‘probably’ be forced through without vote, says PM

Right-wing MPs rejected taxation section of the budget earlier this week

Learning French: when to use d'ailleurs versus par ailleurs?

Take a look at our tips to help pronounce these commonly confused terms

Calm Saturday before rain arrives: French weekend weather outlook November 16 - 17

Storms may also hit the south-east, with the north mostly grey

Smartphone SOS alert saves driver's life in France after crash

Crash Detection system is triggered by violent movement and sends message to emergency services

2024 Map: see where in France road speeds are reverting to 90km/h limit

Several departments have made changes with more currently considering doing so

Strepsils, Olbas Oil, TCP: Find French equivalents to common remedies

Moving to France means navigating pharmacies and hunting down alternatives to treat everyday ailments

Briton applies for French residency card and finds he was adopted - and has siblings

‘We look very much alike, with the same personality,’ said 79-year-old after meeting his half-brother

Right of firms to cold call homes in France under debate

It comes as a poll finds that 97% of people are opposed to the current ‘presumed consent’ system

French prosecutors call to make Le Pen ineligible in 2027 election

The sentence depends on if the court agrees, and how it would hand down the ruling if so

Latest update on farmer protests across France

Farming unions are planning further action from next week, including the blocking of food freight

Small increase in notaire fees for property buyers expected in France

The fee is expected to generate revenue of €30 million a year to fight against coastal erosion

French ski station voted as best in the world

Savoie resort popular with international skiers wins for a record ninth time

Letters: French banking practices are commercial nonsense

Connexion reader says that spending limits force him to turn to foreign banks

Car washes/jet washes during Covid-19 lockdown

Reader question: Are car washes/jet wash facilities permitted for use during the Covid-19 lockdown? We see locals using them and would like to use them ourselves but are not convinced this is ‘essential’ and we understand only essential trips out are permitted.

Why has my French 'pension de reversion' stopped?

Will new 'no drive' zone in central Paris affect taxi journeys?

Do you receive additional paid leave following a family death in France?