Driving in France - Hi viz vests
Discussion
The right page: http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/comp...
France - breathalysers for all and reflective jackets for motorcyclists
Several changes have been made to motoring laws in France in support of the International Decade on Road Safety though two new laws have subsequently been either abolished or postponed indefinitely
[/b]January 2013[/b] - Drivers in France have been required to carry a self-test breathalyser since July 2012 with enforcement by fines originally planned for 1 November but subsequently postponed to 1 March 2013. Now the French government has announced that the implementation of the sanction (fine) for drivers not carrying a breathalyser – a fine of €11 – has been postponed indefinitely.
So you are still required to carry a self-test breathalyser when driving in France but there is no current legislation demanding a fine for non-compliance.
Motorcycle riders were to be required to wear reflective clothing in France from 1 January 2013 but the French law making reflective equipment compulsory for motorcycle riders and passengers has been abolished.
France - breathalysers for all and reflective jackets for motorcyclists
Several changes have been made to motoring laws in France in support of the International Decade on Road Safety though two new laws have subsequently been either abolished or postponed indefinitely
[/b]January 2013[/b] - Drivers in France have been required to carry a self-test breathalyser since July 2012 with enforcement by fines originally planned for 1 November but subsequently postponed to 1 March 2013. Now the French government has announced that the implementation of the sanction (fine) for drivers not carrying a breathalyser – a fine of €11 – has been postponed indefinitely.
So you are still required to carry a self-test breathalyser when driving in France but there is no current legislation demanding a fine for non-compliance.
Motorcycle riders were to be required to wear reflective clothing in France from 1 January 2013 but the French law making reflective equipment compulsory for motorcycle riders and passengers has been abolished.
This is interesting as I'm off driving in France for the first time later this year. I hadn't given that there may be different rules to the UK a second throught, appart from the GB stickers.
The Drive-France site linked in the opening post, lists the V5 as proof of ownership, in the Documents section. However the V5 states "THIS DOCUMENT IS NOT PROOF OF OWNERSHIP", so do you need to take the V5? Purchase invoice?
The Drive-France site linked in the opening post, lists the V5 as proof of ownership, in the Documents section. However the V5 states "THIS DOCUMENT IS NOT PROOF OF OWNERSHIP", so do you need to take the V5? Purchase invoice?
civicduty said:
Is all this stuff just for tourists using there own vehicle? As when I hired a car in France last year it came with none of these items. Was I meant to buy them myself whilst in France and then sell them on?
Every French hire car I've had has had a vest in the glovebox.The legal requirement is one for the driver, so hire cars come with one vest.
RicksAlfas said:
Every French hire car I've had has had a vest in the glovebox.
The legal requirement is one for the driver, so hire cars come with one vest.
Need a vest for all the passengers:The legal requirement is one for the driver, so hire cars come with one vest.
Hi Viz Vests
If you breakdown or heaven forbid are involved in an accident you will need to get out of the vehicle and stand at the roadside or on the hard-shoulder if on a motorway. The French authorities are very strict that people stood outside the vehicle on motorways especially are wearing "Hi Visibility" clothing such as a vest that fits over you clothing or a high viz jacket.
That's everyone you the driver and also all of your passengers. So if a family of four are travelling in the car then you should each have a hi viz. Also these need to be carried inside the cabin of the car not the boot so you can put it on before you get out, though in practical terms I presume most will be putting it on as they are getting out. However the police are strict and if they see you stood with the boot up rummaging round trying to find the vests under all your suitcases and beach balls they will very likely issue you with a fine.
KPE said:
illmonkey said:
You can get hi-vis for £1/pop, stop being tight!
Where from please? Poundland?Edited by Pothole on Thursday 12th March 12:02
Mr_Yogi said:
This is interesting as I'm off driving in France for the first time later this year. I hadn't given that there may be different rules to the UK a second throught, appart from the GB stickers.
The Drive-France site linked in the opening post, lists the V5 as proof of ownership, in the Documents section. However the V5 states "THIS DOCUMENT IS NOT PROOF OF OWNERSHIP", so do you need to take the V5? Purchase invoice?
Yes you should take the V5 - never been asked to produce it in 25 years of driving in France, but it is what they will ask for. All they want to know is that you are legally entitled to drive the vehicle. Purchase invoice not necessary.The Drive-France site linked in the opening post, lists the V5 as proof of ownership, in the Documents section. However the V5 states "THIS DOCUMENT IS NOT PROOF OF OWNERSHIP", so do you need to take the V5? Purchase invoice?
Ive seen and helped a few UK people in Europe that have broken down, Ive never seen any Brits abroad with a yellow jacket/vest on at the side of the road. Normally keep 6 or so dotted around the car, I've given a few away to stranded people as well.
OP what car you going in? will you have space for a small bag of many things, i.e. jump leads tow rope a few hand tools, torch screen wash etc
OP what car you going in? will you have space for a small bag of many things, i.e. jump leads tow rope a few hand tools, torch screen wash etc
KPE said:
Need a vest for all the passengers:
That is a recommendation, but not the law. The law in France is that there must be a vest for the driver, within reach inside the car. That is why every hire car (even a seven seater) has just one vest in it.However, many Brits going over in their own car follow the good practice of having one for everyone inside their car, and at the price they are it's fair enough.
RicksAlfas said:
civicduty said:
Is all this stuff just for tourists using there own vehicle? As when I hired a car in France last year it came with none of these items. Was I meant to buy them myself whilst in France and then sell them on?
Every French hire car I've had has had a vest in the glovebox.The legal requirement is one for the driver, so hire cars come with one vest.
KPE said:
RicksAlfas said:
Every French hire car I've had has had a vest in the glovebox.
The legal requirement is one for the driver, so hire cars come with one vest.
Need a vest for all the passengers:The legal requirement is one for the driver, so hire cars come with one vest.
Now if it a good idea to have one for every passenger too and for everyone to get out - that's a different question.
KPE said:
Hi, I am planning to drive to France soon and came across a few do's and don't on this checklist:
http://www.drive-france.com/checklist/
It says that hi viz vests are necessary otherwise we could receive an on the spot fine. However, I currently have these RAC thermal blankets which aid visibility:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
Do you think I could get away with these blankets and not bother with the traditional hi viz vest?
Much appreciated on any thoughts!
Do you honestly think a blanket is a substitute for a jacket? What happens when you need your hands for something? You let go of the blanket and it blows away!http://www.drive-france.com/checklist/
It says that hi viz vests are necessary otherwise we could receive an on the spot fine. However, I currently have these RAC thermal blankets which aid visibility:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
Do you think I could get away with these blankets and not bother with the traditional hi viz vest?
Much appreciated on any thoughts!
When I last drove to France, some old bloke driving off the ferry next to me was wearing a hi-viz. He's mis understood the rules and thought you had to be wearing the vest at all times.
Made me chuckle.
I got all the kit on ebay (ie vests, triangle, lense covers) but already had bulb kit.
Ian
Made me chuckle.
I got all the kit on ebay (ie vests, triangle, lense covers) but already had bulb kit.
Ian
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