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Original poster

Driving to France

33 replies

5tiletto · 26/08/2024 10:19

Hi All

We are driving to France next week. I have googled the regulations that we need to know before we go but it would be helpful to hear from those who have done it recently.

Thanks!

OP posts:
wenlilifac · 26/08/2024 17:58

BIWI · 26/08/2024 16:44

You will need:

  • a spare set of bulbs (Halfords sell these)
  • a Crit Air sticker (most regions/cities seem to want this now, so definitely worth getting - costs around €5, and you apply online
  • a high viz jacket for every person in the car
  • your insurance documents
  • your driving licence(s)
  • your V5
  • 'beam benders' if you're going to need to drive with your headlights on
The RAC/AA websites will also tell you if there's anything else that you need, but I think that's the full list

We've just come back from a couple of days, so it's fresh on my mind!

In general, driving in France is pretty easy. Their main roads usually avoid you having to go through town/city centres.

If you do find yourself in a town/city and not knowing which way to go, look out for signs that say 'toutes directions' and they will guide you out of the town/city.

Beware that there are different speed limits when weather conditions aren't good - especially if it's raining, and French traffic police are strict. If you get pulled over and fined, they will escort you to the nearest cash point for the money! (So probably also always worth having Euros to hand!)

A lot of their main roads/motorways are 'péage' - tolls - so be ready for those. As PP have said, you can buy tickets in advance, although we've never bothered to do that. Many of them are automated these days, and take cards - just check the lights above each lane, to see if it's card or cash.

Do you also need breathalisers or is that not a thing now?

Tarantella6 · 26/08/2024 18:05

We've never bothered with a toll tag because we are always two adults so I am in the passenger seat primed with my credit card at tolls.

If you can change your speedo into km it makes it much easier.

Joining motorways is tricky from the wrong side of the car so if your passenger can help you out looking to see what is coming that makes a big difference.

JaneIves · 26/08/2024 18:06

Breathalysers aren't a requirement any more @wenlilifac

poorbuthappy · 26/08/2024 18:22

It's far easier than you think.
Get high vis for all car occupants. That's it.
And pull over on the motorway. They don't suffer lane hoggers. Which is why I love driving over there. 😂

notimagain · 26/08/2024 18:38

@poorbuthappy

”Get high vis for all car occupants”

That’s the safest course of action and covers you for all of Europe but as far as France goes then the legal obligation (I.e. according to the Code de la Route) is that you only need one for the driver - it must be at hand from the drivers position and must be worn before exiting, so not hidden in the boot)

BIWI · 26/08/2024 19:34

@poorbuthappy

Get high vis for all car occupants. That's it.

No it's not!

The list I made above details all the other things that you need

poorbuthappy · 26/08/2024 19:39

To be fair we always have spare bulbs and carry digital copies of insurance and photo of v5 over here too
🤷‍♀️

JDob · 26/08/2024 20:10

Bip n go useful. Uk address for it. Beware of hidden speed cameras. The French motorway stops were v busy and not as good as previously found.

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