driving in france
Discussion
jcarruthers said:
How do you switch the lights to point in the other direction — my 987 has the dynamic lights — the ones that move as you turn a corner. I was hoping the PCM would tell the car I am on the continent and point them in the other direction automatically 
Sadly not. My last car was a 997/2 Carrera S which also had dynamic lights. Unfortunately you have to remove the entire headlight unit, take off the back cover, then find and move a little lever to alter the dip beam. Porsche advise not to stick anything o the headlights themselves to avoid risk of overheating. Only on the latest generation 981 / 991 cars with PDLS can you alter the dip beam through the PCM menu.dreamcar said:
jcarruthers said:
How do you switch the lights to point in the other direction — my 987 has the dynamic lights — the ones that move as you turn a corner. I was hoping the PCM would tell the car I am on the continent and point them in the other direction automatically
Sadly not. My last car was a 997/2 Carrera S which also had dynamic lights. Unfortunately you have to remove the entire headlight unit, take off the back cover, then find and move a little lever to alter the dip beam. Porsche advise not to stick anything o the headlights themselves to avoid risk of overheating. Only on the latest generation 981 / 991 cars with PDLS can you alter the dip beam through the PCM menu.J12KJR said:
This was the wording on the Tom tom site last time I went over to France (couple of years ago) basically danger zones are highlighted and those may or may not have cameras within them.
Changes to the law in France
Since decree n°2012-3 was introduced on 3 January 2012 it has been illegal to be warned about the position of fixed or mobile speed cameras while you are driving in France. If your TomTom navigation device has the Speed Camera service and you continue to use the service, you risk a fine of up to €1500.
New update: TomTom Speed Camera service becomes Danger Zones in France
TomTom had a meeting with the Road Safety Ministry to clarify the situation regarding new and upcoming legislation. As a result, TomTom is introducing a 100% compliant Danger Zones service available in a free download for compatible products.
I've just checked and Garmin do the same thing with Danger Zones - so a lot of the newer sat navs will be legal in France.Changes to the law in France
Since decree n°2012-3 was introduced on 3 January 2012 it has been illegal to be warned about the position of fixed or mobile speed cameras while you are driving in France. If your TomTom navigation device has the Speed Camera service and you continue to use the service, you risk a fine of up to €1500.
New update: TomTom Speed Camera service becomes Danger Zones in France
TomTom had a meeting with the Road Safety Ministry to clarify the situation regarding new and upcoming legislation. As a result, TomTom is introducing a 100% compliant Danger Zones service available in a free download for compatible products.
I was stopped in France in a Boxster for speeding. They never checked if we had high viz jackets etc, just wanted the cash. They had the camera pointing down an uphill section, I was greeted at the top by 2 police motorbikes to escort me off at the next exit. Then had to queue with all the other foreigners that had also been caught. No need for breathalyzer, if you want to flick the switch on your lights, it is a simple process that takes 10mins for both, it just sounds scary in the manual. But I wouldn't and didn't bother. If you extend your mobile data service to Europe, you can use the waze app which is widely (but illegally) used in France. As others have said, don't be stupid read the road and conditions and you should be ok - also the French are still good at flashing oncoming traffic if police are around.
nickfrog said:
Do they only stop foreigners ?
Yes, basically the others (French) are on camera and will receive tickets through the post. The foreigners are escorted off the autoroute and asked to hand over the cash, or in my case they kept my documents and gave me directions to the nearest bank. Documents returned in exchange for cash.anonymous said:
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Well they wouldn't take your driving licence because you'd commit an offence if you drove your car without having your licence so that leaves... um... the V5 maybe, but that's replaceable if you decided not to go back. The only thing left to ensure you return and not be able to go back to the UK without paying would be the passport. Why you'd think they wouldn't take your passport?- the are perfectly entitled to. Have you ever driven abroad or do you have restrictions on your movement because of a mental health problem? Oh and I like your signature at the end of your post. Very appropriate for you.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Here you go:You get pulled for speeding.
You have no Euros. They don't take cards or cheques or sterling.
They keep your passport while you go to the ATM for the Euro's, to make sure you return with the money.
If they kept your driving licence you would be committing another offence of driving without carrying a licence.
Anything about that you don't understand?
I like your new name: "Plonker", but it doesn't do justice to your level of stupidity.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
ha ha! So you really have never driven abroad.Anyway, it's a more believable story than fitting 17inch wheels "because they are better than 18's"
We know it's because you want to look like Noddy in your little red car.
Hopefully you'll emulate him completely and not reproduce.
Beep beep!
wulfy66 said:
Mad March Taffy said:
Yes - French roads are pretty good and Belgian roads have not seen any maintenance since WWII...
Beware for huge potholes!
Im convinced they are actually bomb craters from WW2, we had a couple of destroyed tyres and punctures getting thro Belgium last time Beware for huge potholes!
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