Driving in France

[Smeeagain]

I need to go to France next week - Eurotunnel from Folkestone then drive an hour south of Calais

Any special regs I need to be aware of these days?

Smee

[andym3]

Need the headlight stickers to change beam direction.
You used to need a GB sticker, not sure if that's the case still.
Warning triangle maybe. 

[Dimsum]

Spare bulb kit
Hi vis jackets for all occupants
GB sticker
Headlight beam deflectors
Boths parts of driving licence
MOT
Copy of insurance
Think im missing something but cant think what. My boss lives on France and these were his suggestions to me as I am driving over to France for a holiday in August.


You used to need a couple of those self check breathaliser things but you dont any more.

[pvr]

Couple of points re above:
- HiViz should be in the car in reach, not in the boot
- There are no two parts anymore of the driving license, so only card is required (from June 2015)

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/driv ... ce-changes


** edit ** That date seemed to have moved to June 2015 instead of late last year.

[X5Sport]

[quote="pvr"]
- There are no two parts anymore of the driving license, so only card is required.
[/quote]

Still valid until 8th June 2015....you need to carry it until then.  After that date it is no longer valid and should be destroyed.

[X5-D-Sport]

Also, you legally need a spare of every external bulb on the vehicle..

The most important regulaton thing to remember.....
Is...
Drive on the right lol... )

[Raj]

I've never worried about the beam deflectors but apart from that I'd agree with the rest of the lists above.

[chrisn7]

You also need to carry at least one (2 recommended) NF approved breathalyser unit...If by chance you are towing, speed limits have also changed, down form 13 Km/h to 90 Km/h for outfits over 3.5T

[Smeeagain]

[quote="Dimsum"]
Spare bulb kit
Hi vis jackets for all occupants
GB sticker
Headlight beam deflectors
Boths parts of driving licence
MOT
Copy of insurance
Think im missing something but cant think what. My boss lives on France and these were his suggestions to me as I am driving over to France for a holiday in August.


Jesus I'm only going for one day !

[chrisn7]

Sorry that should read 130Km/h of course! Just remembered too that if you still have a paper licence, I would recommend changing to plastic as gendarmes find paper UK licences somewhat hard to understand  :blink:.
Oh, and more on towing - with a caravan, take your CRIS registration document, as vans over there are registered like cars, so they expect a document. And yes, take your cars reg doc as well. Its a good idea to take a couple of photocopies of your main documents.

There are not so many speed cameras in France, so they go in for mobile units much more. If you are unexpectedly flashed by a car coming the other way, there's probably a trap ahead..

[Smeeagain]

Thanks

Is there a definitive site I can visit to determine what i need as some of you are contradicting each other

?

[Smeeagain]

this document is dated 2015 so should be reasonably accurate but it suggests things like spare light bulbs are recommended not compulsory

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/to ... monaco.pdf

[Smeeagain]

I previously had a 3 series that had a triangle in the boot. Does an E53 2004 3.0D Auto have the same - don't recall seeing one

Smee

[Barry-C]

Also, along with all the foregoing, the French police are paranoid about speed camera detectors, even if, it is said, in the boot, and they are pretty hot on speeding. The speed cameras are usually sign posted before you get to the camera. Don't drink, the French limit is half of our limit.

[Smeeagain]

not planning to do either but thanks anyway. Scotland is also half (or less) than the English drink drive limit too now. France is also looking to further half their limit to 0.02% as I understand it

Smee