Driving in France....what you need in the car

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thedupleman
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Driving in France....what you need in the car

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Post by thedupleman »

Driving in France?
Know the latest rules for drivers before you go to Europe



During 2012 there were several legal changes that affect you if you’re driving in France.
Even if you regularly drive to Europe, the AA is here to help you check the latest rules and requirements.
Breathalysers
On 1 March 2012 the French government confirmed that from 1 July 2012 drivers of all motor vehicles and motorcycles (excluding mopeds) must carry a breathalyser.

The regulation will be enforced from 1 November 2012 and anyone stopped after that date who fails to produce a breathalyser when requested will receive an on the spot fine of €11.

The official announcement states that one unused, certified breathalyser must be produced showing the French certification mark NF. Carrying two single-use breathalysers will ensure that if one is used or damaged, you will still have a spare to produce.

The breathalyser produced has to be in date - single-use breathalysers normally have a validity of twelve months.


Breathalysers - latest
The implementation of the sanction for drivers not carrying a breathalyser – a fine of €11  – has been postponed from 1 November 2012 to 1 March 2013.

(October 2012)

Satnav and speed camera alerts
Since 3 January 2012 French laws have prohibited drivers from carrying any device capable of detecting speed cameras. This includes products or devices able to warn or inform of the location of speed cameras e.g. satnav or gps systems capable of showing speed camera sites as Points of Interest.

The law is primarily aimed at speed camera detectors and sat-navs. It is unlikely that the French police will turn their attention to atlases but there is no guarantee this would be the case.

As well as the ban on  warning devices, the French government is installing around 400 new, unsigned, fixed speed cameras as well as taking down signs indicating the location of existing camera sites.

If you have a satnav capable of displaying French camera locations in France then you must at least disable camera alerts. Contact the manufacturer for advice too as a software or database update is likely to be available that will remove camera data for France from the device.

If you have a satnav system built into your car then contact the vehicle manufacturer in the first instance.



Reflective clothing for motorcyclists
From 1 January 2013 all drivers and passengers of a motorcycle over 125cc or a motor tricycle over 15 KW/h must wear reflective clothing when riding their vehicles and in the event of an emergency stop/breakdown.

Clothing must have a minimum reflective surface of 150cm2 (approx 23in2) in total, either in one piece or in several pieces, and must be worn between the neck and waist.


Look out guys it’s him that thinks he’s in charge!
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thedupleman
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Re: Driving in France....what you need in the car

#2

Post by thedupleman »

A valid, full UK driving licence - both the photo card and paper counterpart
A GB sticker clearly displayed on the back of your car - unless your car has 'Euro-plates' (number-plates that show a circle of 12 stars on a blue background)
Your motor insurance certificate
Headlamp converters (stickers you put on your headlights when you're driving on the right, so your lights don't dazzle motorists coming the other way)
As of 1st July 2012 it became illegal to drive in France without a NF-approved (Norme Française) breathalyser in your car. Drivers who fail to comply with the law risk having to pay on the spot fines of 11 euros (£9), although the police are operating a grace period until November.
A warning triangle and reflective jacket for use if you break down or have to pull over to change a wheel or deal with any other problems. The reflective jacket must be kept inside the vehicle (not in the boot) so you can reach it without exiting the vehicle. If you don't have these, you could be fined around €90.

You must also:
Be 18 or over
Wear your seatbelt at all times (this applies to everyone in the car)
Wear a crash helmet if you're riding a motorcycle

It's a good idea to have:
Spare bulbs for your car's external lights
A fire extinguisher
A first aid kit
A Green Card - it's a useful back-up to your motor insurance documents and shows you've got the minimum legal level of cover. If you'd like to find out more, contact your insurance company
A Camping Card International to give you additional proof of identity, third party liability insurance, plus discounts at a wide range of campsites and tourist attractions. Find out more here
Other things you should know:
When driving through France, you'll have to pay motorway tolls - often these are automated barriers, so take plenty of change

It's illegal to carry any radar detection equipment, whether or not it's switched on
Petrol, diesel and LPG are readily available at most filling stations. You can also find lead replacement petrol (LRP) - it's called 'supercarburant'
Children under 10 can't travel in the front seat
The speed limit is 50kph in towns, 80-100kph on open roads and 110-130kph on motorways
If you're caught speeding, you could be given a hefty on-the-spot fine and your car and licence could be confiscated there and then
The drink-driving limit is 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood - lower than the UK limit of 80mg per 100ml
You should only use your horn in an emergency
If you want the car in front to give way, flash your headlights
In built-up areas, if there's no yellow diamond sign, you must give way to any cars coming out of a side turning on the right
The last car in a queue of slow-moving traffic must use their hazard lights as a warning

Useful guides and maps
Michelin green tourist guide - France
Michelin - National Map France
Michelin Motoring Atlas: France
Michelin Motoring Atlas: Europe
Look out guys it’s him that thinks he’s in charge!
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