18th Birthday: What are your rights and responsibilities?
That's it, you've just celebrated your 18th birthday and you're officially an adult! This key milestone marks the beginning of greater independence, but also new responsibilities. What are your rights and responsibilities at 18 in France? Here is a complete guide to help you understand everything and get this new phase of your life off to a good start.
✅ Your rights at 18
From your 18th birthday , you can make your own decisions without your parents' consent. Here are the main freedoms that are open to you.
🗳 1. Right to vote
You can now participate in elections and choose your representatives in the municipal, legislative, presidential and European elections. To vote, you must be registered on the electoral lists of your municipality (automatic if you did your census at 16).
🏦 2. Manage your money freely
- You can open a bank account without parental permission.
- You can apply for a bank card and take out a loan (with certain conditions).
- You can work without any restriction on hours (unlike minors).
🏠 3. Rent a place to live
You can sign a rental agreement and live alone or with a shared apartment. However, landlords often ask for a guarantor.
🚗 4. Drive without restrictions
If you have obtained your license with accompanied driving, you can now drive alone . You can also take the motorcycle license or the classic car license if you have not already done so.
💍 5. Getting married or entering into a civil partnership
You can get married or enter into a civil partnership without parental permission.
📑 6. Sign contracts
You can subscribe to subscriptions (telephone, internet, streaming, gym, etc.) and take out insurance in your name.
🍷 7. Buying certain products prohibited for minors
You can buy alcohol , tobacco and enter nightclubs. But be careful, alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health!
❌ Your duties and responsibilities at 18
With these new rights also come legal responsibilities and obligations.
⚖️ 1. Civil and criminal liability
From your 18th birthday , you are fully responsible for your actions before the law . In the event of an infraction or crime, you are judged as an adult and can be sentenced to harsher penalties.
🏛 2. Census obligation
If you have not already done so, you must register at the town hall to be summoned to the Defense and Citizenship Day (JDC). This document is essential for passing the driving test or certain public competitions.
💰 3. Pay taxes (in some cases)
- If you earn more than a certain income threshold , you must file your taxes .
- You can choose to remain attached to your parents' tax household until the age of 25 (subject to conditions).
🚘 4. Insure your vehicle
If you have a car or a motorcycle, insurance is mandatory . You must take out a contract in your name or be added as a secondary driver on your parents' contract.
💳 5. Manage your expenses and avoid over-indebtedness
Signing a contract involves financial commitments : if you do not pay your bills or a loan, you risk prosecution or a banking ban.
📌 Conclusion: more independence, more responsibilities
Being 18 means entering adult life with more freedoms , but also more duties . It is important to learn how to manage your money well, to respect the laws and to anticipate your commitments to avoid unpleasant surprises.
🎁 Good to know : To organize your coming of age, remember to download our personalized posters and cards on FLTMfrance.com to mark this milestone in style! 🎂✨
And you, what are you looking forward to the most about your 18th birthday ? 😊