Driving to Europe....?

So tonight we venture across the channel and head off on holiday. We are driving all round France over the coming 10 days and if you thought it was just a case of booking your accommodation…Think again!

The rules for driving in Europe are very different from England. A huge thank you to RAC’s expert for helping me out with this! Since last year the French police have stepped up their vigilance on UK drivers. The UK opted out of a French Legislation which leaves UK drives open to on the spot fines for speeding.  As the RAC told the BBC that "finding you are liable for an on-the-spot fine of up to 375 euros (£323) when holidaying in France, with no option to have this transferred back to the UK, can be a very unwelcome surprise".

Did you know they have two different speed limits? The essentials you must have in your car? The paperwork you must have too? And is your satnav on an illegal setting? All can cause fines and unnecessary hassle and yet with a little preparation can be smoothed away.

French Speed Limits

Huh?!

There are two sets of speed limits in France, one for dry weather, the other for wet weather.

If you’ve been driving for under two years, wet weather limits apply at all times. 

Dry Weather Limits:     

1.       Built-Up Areas: 31 mph (50 kph)    

2.       Outside Built-Up Areas: 55mph (90kph)    

3.       Dual Carriageways and Non-Toll Motorways: 68mph (110 kph)    

4.       Toll Motorways: 80 mph (130 kph)   

5.       The Paris Ring Road has its own limit of 49 mph (80 kph) 

Wet Weather Limits:   

6.       Built-Up Areas: 31 mph (50 kph)    

7.       Outside Built-Up Areas: 49mph (80kph)   

8.       Dual Carriageways and Non-Toll Motorways: 62mph (100 kph)    

9.       Toll Motorways: 68 mph (110 kph)

France are also among the strictest with regards to safety equipment within the car:

Country Safety Requirements

	GB Sticker	Headlamp Beam Convertors	Warning Triangle	First Aid Kit	Fire Extinguisher	Breathalyser	Hi Vis Vest	Spare Bulbs
Austria	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	R	R	Yes	R
Belgium	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	R	Yes	Yes
France	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	R	Yes	Yes	R
Germany	Yes	Yes	R	Yes	R	R	Yes	R
Ireland	Yes	No	Yes	R	R	R	No	R
Italy	Yes	Yes	Yes	R	R	R	Yes	R
The Netherlands	Yes	Yes	Yes	R	R	R	R	R
Poland	Yes	Yes	Yes	R	R	R	R	R
Portugal	Yes	Yes	Yes	R	R	R	Yes	Yes
Spain	Yes	Yes	Yes × 2	Yes	R	R	Yes	Yes
Switzerland	Yes	Yes	Yes	R	R	R	R	R

Driving in Europe Checklist Key : Yes – this item is compulsory R – we recommend that you carry this item No – you don’t need to carry this item

Amazing hey? I’ve had to shoot out today to ensure I have the relevant objects! Again they can and will fine you on the spot if you don’t have the relevant items!

DO remember as well with Europe to make sure you’re driving on the right! Following my brother in law one year I did have to shut my eyes as they pulled out on to the wrong side of the road!

Been here! No one crashed!!

General Advice

1

.       Priority on the Right. When approaching an unmarked road junction, give way to any traffic approaching from the right. This rule can be overridden by road signs.

2.       Traffic Lights. Normally there are no lights facing you at the far side of the junction. So be sure to keep your distance from the lights to see them properly, as there is no line to show you where to stop.

3.       Pedestrian Crossings.  Pedestrian crossings do not stop all traffic. When turning left or right at a crossroads, be aware that as the lights turn green for you, they also turn green for the pedestrians crossing the road into which you are turning – the pedestrians have priority in this case.

4.       EU Breakdown Cover. An essential to have. Especially if you aren’t fluent in the country’s language. Ensure you have one which also provides you with an English 24/7 call centre. Make sure you ensure if covers any legal motor expenses you could incur by the side of the road!

French Road Regulations

1.       

Must have your driving licence, V5 vehicle registration document, and a current certificate of car insurance with you.

2.       You are over the drink-driving limit if you have more than 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood (it's 80 mg in Britain). 

3.       Drivers caught using their mobile phone at the wheel will be given an on the spot fine of around €130 (£109).

It is illegal for your sat-nav to show where the fixed speed cameras are

With thanks to the lovely people at the RAC  who provided me with the essential points of this trip. It could have been a very expensive holiday otherwise!