Putting aside the EU Referendum for a moment, many of us will be looking forward to a summer break in France this year. If you’re one of them, and you’re intending to drive across, it’s really important to make yourself aware of some of the must-have items you need before you travel, as well as some of the laws that govern the roads while you’re there. Here’s a quick guide to the key essentials:
Before you go
Car insurance
Make sure you have contacted your car insurance company to let them know you’re planning to drive to the continent. Some policies will allow this, but others will only insure you for third party damage, and you will need to pay extra for fully comprehensive insurance.
Pack the essentials
There are certain things you must have on your person when driving in France. They are:
- Your driving license
- Passport
- Proof of ownership of the car
- Headlamp converters
- Warning triangle
- Spare bulbs for the headlamps
- High visibility vest for every passenger (you must carry these in the car with you and not in the boot)
- GB Sticker – err on the side of caution with this one. Even if you have an EU number plate, the French authorities can argue this is not big enough. If you are towing a caravan, trailer or boat, then you must have a GB sticker
- Breathalyser – although strictly speaking it’s law to carry a functioning breathalyser, they will not actually fine you if you don’t have one.
Vehicle tax
Your car must be taxed in the UK. Without UK road tax your car is not legal and therefore your insurance will not be valid.
While you’re there…
Tolls
Many of the major roads in France have tolls. They are hard to avoid if you’re travelling long distances, so be prepared for them:
- Autoroutes with tolls have blue signs that are sign-posted “péage”. The normal toll-free carriageways have green road signs
- You should get a ticket when you start on the toll road and pay at the end
- Cash or card is fine but you might want to consider having an electronic Telepéage badge. This means that when you approach the tolls the barrier will automatically lift for you and you just pay on the card at the end of your trip(s). This is especially useful for right-hand drive cars as the tolls in France are geared towards left-hand drive, which can be a bit awkward if you’re on your own. Check out this website for more information on how to set this up - www.saneftolling.co.uk
Drink driving laws
The French have much lower alcohol limits than in England and Wales. It’s safer not to drink at all when driving, just to err on the side of caution.
Drive on the right
This may sound obvious, but you would be amazed at how many people forget. It can be quite disorientating boarding a ferry or train from the left hand side of the road, then suddenly changing to the right hand side.
Speed limits
Pay attention to speed limits on the roads as they are strictly adhered to. They range from 90 km/h in rural areas, to 130km/h on highways. French roads have a variable speed limit that depends on weather conditions. When raining, the limits are lowered by around 10 km/h.
Michael Ward, Managing Director of PayingTooMuch.com said “We urge all of our customers to do their research before driving abroad. It’s especially important to call your car insurance company to check you are covered, and also to check the road laws of the country you’re visiting, as these are almost always different to the UK.”
