The foundations of a new micromechanical model of rate and state friction are established. Based on the assumption that the relative sliding of two material surfaces is accommodated by the viscoplastic deformation of junctions in their entire volume, the model parameters are characterized in terms of loading conditions, geometrical contact characteristics and rheological properties of the bulk material. A relationship is established between the state parameter of the friction law and the mean microscopic normal stress exerted on the real contact area. Original results are obtained for the transition from stable to unstable slip regimes and applications to geological faults are considered.