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!
I wrote a similar blog here with a few extra points to what Lucinda has written including rules about children in the car and further things you need to carry http://eco-gites.blogspot.fr/search?q=driving+in+france. Hope it is OK to link here.
ReplyDeleteAnd have a great holiday :)
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