Driving in France - Hi viz vests

[KPE]

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!

[illmonkey]

You can get hi-vis for £1/pop, stop being tight!

[valiant]

The question is, 'Do you feel lucky, Punk. Well do you??'

Al you need is an arsey copper and you'll be fined as although you have taken reasonable steps to make yourself visible, you aren't complying strictly with what's required.

Oh, and make sure they're in the cabin and not in the boot.

[5517]

KPE said:

Do you think I could get away with these blankets and not bother with the traditional hi viz vest?

Much appreciated on any thoughts!

NO!!

Spend the £1 !!!!!!!!

[Jasandjules]

I had mine put around the seats to show plod I had them (with UK plates on I was wondering if any excuse would do). And no, I don't think they appreciate excuses, you must have the vests/jackets. They are cheap, buy them.

[KPE]

illmonkey said:

You can get hi-vis for £1/pop, stop being tight!

Where from please? Poundland?

[Roo]

Jasandjules said:

I had mine put around the seats to show plod I had them (with UK plates on I was wondering if any excuse would do).

I do that as well.

[illmonkey]

KPE said:

illmonkey said:

You can get hi-vis for £1/pop, stop being tight!

Where from please? Poundland?

No, they're £2/pop there.

ebay, amazon etc.

[Strawman]

I was in France for a week last year and forgot about the requirement, I had one for a car with five in it. I think the chances of being stopped are pretty small.

[KPE]

Strawman said:

I was in France for a week last year and forgot about the requirement, I had one for a car with five in it. I think the chances of being stopped are pretty small.

Well for the couple of quid per vest is probably better than the potential EUR 135 fine. And of course, they can be re-used for any subsequent visits.

[SS2.]

Considering they're so cheap (yet the fine for getting caught without is £75-£100, maybe more), it really isn't worth the risk.

[CallorFold]

£1.95 delivered

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hi-Vis-Yellow-High-Viz-V...

[mikal83]

NO

[soad]

Strawman said:

I was in France for a week last year and forgot about the requirement, I had one for a car with five in it. I think the chances of being stopped are pretty small.

Unless you're speeding?

[Oilchange]

I toured France and popped one over the back of each front seat. Looks a bit naff but keeps the wolves at bay.

[KPE]

CallorFold said:

£1.95 delivered

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hi-Vis-Yellow-High-Viz-V...

Thank you

[GuyW]

For the sake of a couple of quid it's really not worth the risk going without.

I've never been stopped, but always a first time.

[markoc]

For the minimal expense, why take the risk? One for each passenger, in the car and accessible (glove box, in the stowage on the seat back). Also, if I was stood on the side of a French autoroute (or any for that matter) it's a pretty good safety measure.

If French plod are going to stop you then there's a better than fair chance they'll try and make it worth their while. Spare bulb kit is needed too IIRC.

[Strawman]

markoc said:

For the minimal expense, why take the risk? One for each passenger, in the car and accessible (glove box, in the stowage on the seat back). Also, if I was stood on the side of a French autoroute (or any for that matter) it's a pretty good safety measure.

If French plod are going to stop you then there's a better than fair chance they'll try and make it worth their while. Spare bulb kit is needed too IIRC.

Plus two breathalyser bag things.

[kwk]

Been stopped in France a few times, mainly at tolls for random breath tests or, when in a lorry, for customs checks. Never been asked about vests, first aid kits, sat navs or anything else. Always found the French police very polite. There are always exceptions in any country though.