A warning about speeding in France
Discussion
I was going to let Garlick post on this, but things are really getting tough here in France now, so here goes.
Fatal accidents are up 20% this year so far, the government have a meeting this week to discuss what measures to take which includes the possibility of dropping the alcohol limit to effectively one glass of wine, but already we are seeing a substantial increase in radar traps which are reaping an enormous increase in fines. Over the Easter weekend, 1,370 were caught speeding here in the Sarthe alone, with 30 licences taken away on the spot. One week later 750 offences and another 20 licences taken away. Any excess of more than 30mph over the prevailing limit leaves you with the possibility (more a probability nowadays) of having your car impounded and seized, then sold for state funds.
We have a new chief of police in the Sarthe and he has declared war on drink driving and speeding in general, so if you read this and still decide to play the fool then be prepared for the worst. Last week on ther autoroute they were playing one of their new games; in France there is a sign warning you of a fixed radar, but 500 yds further on there they were, carefully hidden, with the radar gun, just when you thought you were out of danger. On the motorways they are even erecting camouflaged hides in the field alongside for their radars to catch you.
I wish you all a great time this year at Le Mans and our PH meeting, but be vigilant.
Now I love speed like the rest of you, but I've already been stopped four times this year just for a routine paper check - licence, V5 and insurance - and blown into the bag twice. It really just isn't worth the risk anymore I'm afraid.
Fatal accidents are up 20% this year so far, the government have a meeting this week to discuss what measures to take which includes the possibility of dropping the alcohol limit to effectively one glass of wine, but already we are seeing a substantial increase in radar traps which are reaping an enormous increase in fines. Over the Easter weekend, 1,370 were caught speeding here in the Sarthe alone, with 30 licences taken away on the spot. One week later 750 offences and another 20 licences taken away. Any excess of more than 30mph over the prevailing limit leaves you with the possibility (more a probability nowadays) of having your car impounded and seized, then sold for state funds.
We have a new chief of police in the Sarthe and he has declared war on drink driving and speeding in general, so if you read this and still decide to play the fool then be prepared for the worst. Last week on ther autoroute they were playing one of their new games; in France there is a sign warning you of a fixed radar, but 500 yds further on there they were, carefully hidden, with the radar gun, just when you thought you were out of danger. On the motorways they are even erecting camouflaged hides in the field alongside for their radars to catch you.
I wish you all a great time this year at Le Mans and our PH meeting, but be vigilant.
Now I love speed like the rest of you, but I've already been stopped four times this year just for a routine paper check - licence, V5 and insurance - and blown into the bag twice. It really just isn't worth the risk anymore I'm afraid.
Hello LD. Thanks for the heads-up once again. How hot are they on Départementales and Nationales these days?
Do you have any link to show where they are being over enthusiatic with the laser in Brittany. We are doing a mini tour before getting to LM on bikes (Cherbourg - Saint-Brieuc - Brest - La Baule - Le Mans)
Cheers.
Do you have any link to show where they are being over enthusiatic with the laser in Brittany. We are doing a mini tour before getting to LM on bikes (Cherbourg - Saint-Brieuc - Brest - La Baule - Le Mans)
Cheers.
Am going to Le Mans for the first time this year, thanks for the heads up on speeding.
Can anyone list the documents/equipment required in the car by law in France?
- Safety triangle
- Hi-vis vests
- Both parts of driving license?
- Which insurance documents?
What are they like with modified cars?
Can anyone list the documents/equipment required in the car by law in France?
- Safety triangle
- Hi-vis vests
- Both parts of driving license?
- Which insurance documents?
What are they like with modified cars?
hyperblue said:
Am going to Le Mans for the first time this year, thanks for the heads up on speeding.
Can anyone list the documents/equipment required in the car by law in France?
- Safety triangle
- Hi-vis vests
- Both parts of driving license?
- Which insurance documents?
What are they like with modified cars?
Ins certificateCan anyone list the documents/equipment required in the car by law in France?
- Safety triangle
- Hi-vis vests
- Both parts of driving license?
- Which insurance documents?
What are they like with modified cars?
Also need the V5
and spare light bulbs
Forgot, 1st aid kit
Modified is OK but you are more noticable so don't act the fool
To reply to some of the points above:-
You will need both parts of your licence - they've asked me for both on each occasion.
It isn't just motorways but every road, town and village. This weekend was the return from the Easter holidays, and they were in two villages I went through. During Le Mans week and the beginning of the week after they will be everywhere, be it motorway, route nationale or départmentale, and even on some of the little roads I reckon.
Only one high viz jacket is required per car.
I forgot to mention that an excess of more than 30mph over the prevailing limit will leave to to continue on foot, your licence having been confiscated and the car usually impounded. I have just help out someone who not only took six months to get his car back (luckily it was a company car, not in his name) and he had 1,000 euros of storage fees on top of solicitors and a hefty fine.
If you are coming from Caen, Cherbourg or Le Havre may I recommend a route? At Falaise turn right for Putanges Pont Ecrepin and stop there at the hotel in the town square for breakfast. It's called Le Lion Verd. Then on south through Ranes and Carrouges to Pré en Pail. On exiting this town turn left to Villaine la Jouel, over the Corniche de Pail (stunning views) passing through Courcité to Sillé le Guillaume and Conlie and then on to Le Mans. This road will take you through St. Saturnin so if you are coming on the Friday so stop off and see us! There are places on this road, which is a great driving route, where I have never seen a police presence - ever.
Here in France we can't register a modified car (my Lynx doesn't qualify for example since it is based on an E-type V5) but you have every right as a visitor. I've only ever seen them curious (believe it or not most gendarmes are petrolheads) and noise isn't an issue (D-type = 108db for example)
There can be no indication as to where you'll find the radar traps - they can be anywhere, but quite often at the exit of villages or towns to catch you as you accelerate before exiting the 50kph limit. Same applies on entry to towns/villages.
The reason accidents are up is the reduction in the points system - a slight speeding offence (2 points) stays on your licence one year for example. You also have the right to undertake a driving course and get back 4 points if you are close to the dozen.
You will need both parts of your licence - they've asked me for both on each occasion.
It isn't just motorways but every road, town and village. This weekend was the return from the Easter holidays, and they were in two villages I went through. During Le Mans week and the beginning of the week after they will be everywhere, be it motorway, route nationale or départmentale, and even on some of the little roads I reckon.
Only one high viz jacket is required per car.
I forgot to mention that an excess of more than 30mph over the prevailing limit will leave to to continue on foot, your licence having been confiscated and the car usually impounded. I have just help out someone who not only took six months to get his car back (luckily it was a company car, not in his name) and he had 1,000 euros of storage fees on top of solicitors and a hefty fine.
If you are coming from Caen, Cherbourg or Le Havre may I recommend a route? At Falaise turn right for Putanges Pont Ecrepin and stop there at the hotel in the town square for breakfast. It's called Le Lion Verd. Then on south through Ranes and Carrouges to Pré en Pail. On exiting this town turn left to Villaine la Jouel, over the Corniche de Pail (stunning views) passing through Courcité to Sillé le Guillaume and Conlie and then on to Le Mans. This road will take you through St. Saturnin so if you are coming on the Friday so stop off and see us! There are places on this road, which is a great driving route, where I have never seen a police presence - ever.
Here in France we can't register a modified car (my Lynx doesn't qualify for example since it is based on an E-type V5) but you have every right as a visitor. I've only ever seen them curious (believe it or not most gendarmes are petrolheads) and noise isn't an issue (D-type = 108db for example)
There can be no indication as to where you'll find the radar traps - they can be anywhere, but quite often at the exit of villages or towns to catch you as you accelerate before exiting the 50kph limit. Same applies on entry to towns/villages.
The reason accidents are up is the reduction in the points system - a slight speeding offence (2 points) stays on your licence one year for example. You also have the right to undertake a driving course and get back 4 points if you are close to the dozen.
Edited by lowdrag on Monday 9th May 12:01
Regarding the Hi-Vis jackets I thought it was one each for the occupants of the car and that they had to be in the car not the boot.
Always obey the French speed limits especially during the Le Mans weekend as it is just not worth the loss of the Euros, when the exchange rate was better it was okay but now it is just too expensive!
Also Lowdrag what's the cost of fuel over in France at the moment?
i.e. better to fill up here or in Calais?
Always obey the French speed limits especially during the Le Mans weekend as it is just not worth the loss of the Euros, when the exchange rate was better it was okay but now it is just too expensive!
Also Lowdrag what's the cost of fuel over in France at the moment?
i.e. better to fill up here or in Calais?
Interesting, my parents are with me at the mo and are resident further West near St Lo, they report much the same thing. More obvious police ativity although their diesel Meriva hasn't attracted that much attention!
I'm heading from Caen via them and then across to Fougeres and on to Le Mans nice and gently!
I'm heading from Caen via them and then across to Fougeres and on to Le Mans nice and gently!
Just one high viz per car, not per person and it must be in the car, not the boot.
Petrol is around 1.55€ per litre, so around £1.40 for 95 octane. On the motorways much dearer of course. Diesel is far cheaper in France than the UK at around £1.20.
It's worth mentioning that if coming via Le Havre petrol stations are few and far between on the A28, so have enough when you arrive in France.
Petrol is around 1.55€ per litre, so around £1.40 for 95 octane. On the motorways much dearer of course. Diesel is far cheaper in France than the UK at around £1.20.
It's worth mentioning that if coming via Le Havre petrol stations are few and far between on the A28, so have enough when you arrive in France.
Edited by lowdrag on Monday 9th May 12:29
- deletes all the music on my iPod which affects my 'lead foot' gene...*
What I think is definitely worth highlighting though is that, while it's never big or clever, drink driving is something to watch out for.
I always make a point when we go out in the car not to drink, but that does sometimes require a lot of discipline when you're contemplating things like driving down to Arnage at night, or heading off for a nice lunch on the Friday.
lowdrag said:
Just one high viz per car, not per person and it must be in the car, not the boot.
Petrol is around 1.55€ per litre, so around £1.40 for 95 octane. On the motorways much dearer of course. Diesel is far cheaper in France than the UK at around £1.20.
About £1.30 for 95 here at the minute so defintely be filling up before hitting the Eurotunnel.Petrol is around 1.55€ per litre, so around £1.40 for 95 octane. On the motorways much dearer of course. Diesel is far cheaper in France than the UK at around £1.20.
vetteheadracer said:
Also Lowdrag what's the cost of fuel over in France at the moment?
i.e. better to fill up here or in Calais?
I find this site is pretty reliable and useful re fuel prices:i.e. better to fill up here or in Calais?
http://www.prix-carburants.gouv.fr/
I was breathalised on exiting Gace in 2008. Nerve wrecking even though I had only had a coke. They stopped the first 3 cars heading our of town. I was number 3 in the queue. The guy behind me wasn't pulled - just as well after his lunch time beer.
French police are very civil when you are on the right side.....
I have a pananoid fear of the morning after as we normally leave early on the Sunday (there is a race on?) to get back for work early on the Monday - which has cut out drink after 6pm on the Saturday.
ATTN LOWDRAG: As always your input is very much appreciated. PH is very lucky to have a resident Le Mans resident.
vetteheadracer said:
lowdrag said:
Just one high viz per car, not per person and it must be in the car, not the boot.
Petrol is around 1.55€ per litre, so around £1.40 for 95 octane. On the motorways much dearer of course. Diesel is far cheaper in France than the UK at around £1.20.
About £1.30 for 95 here at the minute so defintely be filling up before hitting the Eurotunnel.Petrol is around 1.55€ per litre, so around £1.40 for 95 octane. On the motorways much dearer of course. Diesel is far cheaper in France than the UK at around £1.20.
To what i'm paying locally france doesn't seem any more expensive.
Going to be heading off the main motorways again this year. Heading from St Malo to Le mans.
It was much more fun and didn't see one speed trap. Will look out this year though. Sounds like serious crack down.
Rule for me on motorways was risk the 40€ fine but stick on or just below 160kph.
It was much more fun and didn't see one speed trap. Will look out this year though. Sounds like serious crack down.
Rule for me on motorways was risk the 40€ fine but stick on or just below 160kph.
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