SUMMER HOLIDAYS: DRIVING TO OR THROUGH FRANCE
IT’S JULY, the kids have broken up from school and the long Summer break is here. Many families will have decided, at some point, to holiday in France or drive through it to Spain or other parts of Europe (or even further afield) for their Summer break. To stay on the right side of the law in France, there are a few things you’ll need to prepare before you leave.
It has beautiful countryside, great food and wine – and families love it. Whether you’re camping and canoeing in the Ardeche, driving through fields of lavender and old stone villages in Provence, visiting the Loire chateaux, sightseeing in the great cities or aiming for the Cote D’Azur’s sun-baked beaches, you need to follow the local driving laws.
From headlight beam deflectors for right-hand drive cars, a ban on hands-free devices, different speed limits, and a lower alcohol limit for driving, to the things you need to carry in your car, don’t just set off and hope for the best.
To stay the right side of the law
* Two NF certified disposable breathalysers (French version), for example, AlcoSense sells a twin pack for £4.99 online or in Halfords.
* Reflective jackets for all passengers * Warning triangles * Headlamp beam deflectors * A GB sticker to attach to your car if your number plate doesn’t already include this
* For compulsory items in other countries please see the country table Remember: * Tell your car insurers that you’ll be driving abroad, some policies will not cover you as standard and require your dates of travel.
* Don’t use your mobile phone when driving unless you have a built-in fully integrated hands free kit in the car. Bluetooth earpieces or wired earpieces are strictly forbidden and receive a €135 fine.
* Drive on the right and watch your speed. Speed camera detectors are illegal in France. By law, if your sat nav comes with them or with camera locations, you are required to disable the alerts. Failure to do this can result in a €1,500 fine.
* Driving in Paris requires you to buy a clean air sticker for your car that shows how much you pollute. Buy these online for around €4/£3.50. If you fail to do so and you’re stopped, there is a fine of between €68 and €135 awaiting you.
* Carry your full and valid UK driver’s licence that will allow you to drive in all EU countries, including France, proof of insurance, proof of ownership (V5C is accepted), ID (Passport/ national ID)