French Regulations

[wsn03]

I thought I'd check out what the latest rules are, and according to my searches you have to carry some items with you to avoid hefty fines. No idea if they turn a blind eye for Le Mans, if anyone knows please say.

List of stuff as far as I can tell and most likely places to get it (disclaimer - do your own research).

- Hi Viz jacket -
- Spare bulbs
- Safety Tiangle
- Light Beam Benders
- Breathalyser - they are apparently no longer fining you for not having them because of various issues [however they are still law so make your own choice]
- First Aid Kit
ALL THE ABOVE APART FROM BREATHALYSER CAN BE BOUGHT WITH Halfords Motoring Abroad Kit- £20 (don't confuse it with the AA one which is a lot more expensive).

Plus (to add stuff listed in replies to this post)
Must haves:

- V5 (or copy)
- insurance doc (or copy)
- Driving license
- Cash

Edited by wsn03 on Monday 22 May 14:52

Edited by wsn03 on Monday 22 May 14:53

Edited by wsn03 on Monday 22 May 14:55

Edited by wsn03 on Tuesday 23 May 12:48

Edited by wsn03 on Wednesday 24th May 16:32

Edited by wsn03 on Friday 26th May 13:45

Edited by wsn03 on Friday 26th May 13:46

Edited by wsn03 on Friday 26th May 21:21

[wsn03]

Was told last night about documents, ill add to the list

[wsn03]

struttob said:

Think you also need to carry a first aid kit, and remember when travelling that the HiViz MUST be available for use within the cabin of the vehicle, so dont leave them in the boot ! I got a reprimand for this one year when I got checked at 3.00am down at Mulsanne.

Bob

First Aid Kit is a good one, I've added that to the list. Not found that on any of the sites yet, but it would make sense. Must say the sites in the UK don't seem to list / know what is really needed. I think I'll take everything now listed in my opening post (c/o peoples contributions)

[wsn03]

feef said:

Halfords AA Euro Travel Kit Plus.


Everything you need for £20

Great shout, I've just bought one, and I've edited the opening post to mention it.

[wsn03]

Nicholas Blair said:

I'm not too sure what to make of the 'light beam benders' lol

Me neither, but with Le French anythings possible

[wsn03]

lowdrag said:

I suppose some newbie will still post this every year "just in case". Forget the written law and let us concentrate on what actually happens. I mean, it is still the law in England that you can be arrested unless you go to church every Sunday but I don't think it has happened for a year or so. Well, not to my knowledge anyway.

1. Breathalysers. Due to a nice backhander some years back a minister introduced this law, except that it was delayed because there was no stock (just like the high viz jackets) and then, when it was found out they were defective giving a different reading according to the ambient temperature, they were dropped. There are rumours they are going to bring it back, but for now forget them.

2. Spare bulbs. Since some cars take five hours to change one it is the law that you should carry them, but again it is practiced in the breach. See my closing comments.

3. Safety triangle. Yes, it is compulsory and two in Spain, and most people carry them for safety purposes.

4 .Light beam benders. Now can someone tell me how the hell to fit them if the headlamps have outside covers like my E-type? I have been driving all over Europe for 30 years and never carried them Modern xenon lights can be changed at the flick of a switch - or at least Mercedes can. Last year on Brittany ferries I counted about fifty cars on my deck and four had the black triangles.

5. Carry your V5 with you. I have known the BiB get antsy with copies, but again it is rare. Insurance too but a copy will do, but has anyone thought of the European accident form? Not that I have seen and it is very handy. Ask your insurers.

So, here in France your most likely scenario is to be caught for speeding, and that can be extremely expensive including the confiscation of your car (if V5 is in your name) and car sold for state funds. A Ferrari and a Porsche suffered this a few years back on the Cannonball Run. This DOES NOT apply to being flashed by fixed cameras since the UK have refused to accept cross-border sharing of details on the basis that the V5 is not proof of ownership. I helped someone a few years back who was doing 215 mph in a new Ferrari California. He was fined what was then the maximum of €1,500 and his car impounded. Six months later when it came to court he had the proof that the car was a company car, but the storage fees (and my costs as translator) were another blow to his ego and wallet. You might like to have a look at this:-

https://www.french-property.com/guides/france/driv...

Be aware that the speeding fines are the minimum and in addition high speeds can result in several years ban on driving in France. I have heard of people being turned back at Calais but I have no proof.

Last weekend was the bike GP, and nearly 1,500 fines were handed out for speeding 50 licences were withdrawn on the spot, 40 people were done for drink/drug offences and their licences withdrawn, and so on. So forget the silly profit-making ideas of Halfrauds/AA and concentrate on having a good time. I suffer quite often the roadside controls here, have all my paperwork, but never in 18 years of living at Le Mans have I been asked for the triangle, the bulbs, the breathalyser, or any other idiocy you can think of. End of rant.

Edited by lowdrag on Saturday 27th May 14:29

Useful info thanks. Just to be clear:

a) I'm not "some newbie", I first went to Le Mans in 2008, however, I've never been "legal", I think many people aren't, hence this subject is worth covering.
b) There appears to be nothing 100% conclusive on what to bring, so its useful to ask the question to get feedback / find out what is and isn't required - that is what forums are for isn't it? If it isn't the mods need to post up rules telling new people not to ask questions

Edited by wsn03 on Tuesday 30th May 10:38

Edited by wsn03 on Tuesday 30th May 10:40

[wsn03]

OvalOwl said:

With regards to beam benders it would be better to call them beam blockers. If you don't have instructions for placing them on your car go and experiment with the beam pattern on a handy garage door. Last two times I went I intended to do some night driving and the kick up on my poverty pork required a little searching on the interwebs to find the pattern for the fancy stick on things the OPC want too much money for. Worked a treat, nice flat beam and no dazzle for les Froggies.

I once went over to le Continong for a weekend and didn't take my V5, had a little trouble at customs getting back into Blighty (city map for Amsterdam on back seat) but the insurance cert seemed to do the trick. Since then I've taken my V5, passport and paper driving licence, ins cert and a accident form with me on any significant trip, even in the UK. I'm one of those chaps who only have a paper licence so the passport is a handy photo ID if required in the UK.

The key thing I've learned is paperwork, hi viz, triangle and some sort of attempt to divert light. I will be driving at night so better put the blockers on.