Abstract
The aim of this report is to draw the conclusions of the French experiment with a speed limit on rural roads introduced in general at the beginning of May 1970 at a uniform level of 110 km-h (70MPH) on the "Routes Nationales" with the highest traffic volumes in France. The report is based upon records until end of December 1970. After seven months experiment with a speed limit, speeds have gone up again almost to the level before and the maintaining of accident reductions is probably due to road side marking. It seems that in France a lasting effect of speed limits could only be obtained at the price of a remarkable effort as far as driver's information is concerned or an important increase of police enforcement.