Driving through France.

[Paris2]

Hi all,

Next week I shall be spending a couple of days driving through France, in a car.

Now I have read on the internet on various websites about items that you need to have on you at all times. Can anyone here clarify what I need to take? All that I am sure of is a warning triangle and Hi-Vis vests for all occupants.

Also does anyone have any tips and advice for driving through France. I have only ever driven in the UK and spain, anything worth knowing?

Thanks in advance
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Current Ride: Daytona 600

[Ariel Badger]

French law requires you to have at least 5 grams of crack in your car at all times "Just in case" (Juste au cas où).
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Bikers make great organ donors, get 115 on your licence today.

[MattHirst]

Another 2 items to remember is a spare bulb kit and a first aid kit.

Both legal requirements in france iirc.
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It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt, then it's bloody hilarious!!!

[Walloper]

Drive on the left.
No... The Right.
Wait a minute.........

...Aye.. That's right.

They have different speed limits for rain and not rain.

Petrol/Diesel is cheaper than here and they post it before you get to the petrol stops on the M/ways.

French people are Cnuts too.

You need a GB sticker for the back of your car and blinders for the headlamps so they don't shine into on-coming traffic.

Check the RAC or AA websites.

They Hate the English (but love the Scottish).

Via Google.
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W-ireless A-rtificial L-ifeform L-imited to O-bservation P-eacekeeping and E-fficient R-epair

[yen_powell]

When driving up to roundabouts and there is no one else about (can only happen in mostly empty France) drive the same way round as you would here, just to show Johnny Foreigner you won't kow-tow to his petty rules of the road.

ps, if you've got a number plate with the euro star on with GB in the middle you don't need a white GB sticker.
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Blackmail is a nasty word........but not as nasty as phlegm!
XT1200Z and a DR350 in bits

[Paris2]

Well thanks for the helpful (and not so helpful) advice.

Does anyone know anything about headlight deflectors, gotta fit em to my girlfriends Fiat 500
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Current Ride: Daytona 600

[Glen]

Change for toll roads is handy as there are lots of em (depending where you're going of course)

Tip: Avoid Belgian drivers, they can't drive for shit. The french roads around where our cottage is (Vannes) seems to be chock full of em and they're always causing trouble

[Glen]

[Walloper]

[waffles]

First aid kit
Spare bulb kit
High vis for all
Warning triangle
No traffic cam checkers/radar, if you have a GPS and intend to use it make sure that feature is turned off. French coppers like to drop fines on unsuspecting folk with GPS units that show you where the speed cams are.
Its usually a good idea to carry your original insurance certificate and driving licence (paper and plastic bits).
Le map?
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Theory test - 19/8/09, CBT - 11/10/09, MOD 1 - 16/8/10, MOD 2 - 27/10/10
Past rides Yamaha XT125X, Triumph TT600, Honda XR250
Current rides Suzuki GSXR 600, Honda MSX125

[Dilyan]

[The Artist]

Is it France that gives priority to vehicles merging into lanes?

If so and you don't know, it could be dangerous.

[Walloper]

[Deaks]

[Marmalade]

It's not law to carry a bulb kit but it is law that all major light must work at all times, hence the bulb kit.

You do need all vehicle documents,licence, v5/log book, mot and insurance.
Warning triangle (2 in spain)
Hi Vis, ideally one for each person in the car, within reach. In the boot = no hi vis

First aid kit and extinguisher not law but stopping to help at an accident etc is law, if you drive past a prang you can get nicked for it.

I wouldn't bother with headlight beam adjuster, certainly not from halfords.

A GB badge or sticker/number plate is required by law but half the vehicles I see out there never seem to have one.

I always just use a card for the tolls.

Breakdown cover is nice but doesn't apply on motorways. You'll have to pay the 105-120 euros to get dragged off. Some breakdown covers will refund you when you get home.

Petrol and diesel is dearer in France, not cheaper. Fill up before you go and try to top up when off the motorways.
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Nobby the Bastard: How yo tell the difference between the actual japanese and her just screaming because she's had live fish stuck up her arse? [url=https://www.nicks-shop.co.uk/bcf-goodies-15-c.aspGet BCF stickers and things here[/url] Reflective helmet stickers - Legal requirement in france - Clicky

[Dilyan]

Should I stick my ferry booking up my ass and do the right thing .. EasyJet
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Current: 2007 VFR800; Ex: 2001 YZF600R Thundercat
Škoda Octavia (yes, a taxi driver)

[Walloper]

[daemonoid]

[Paris2]

Thanks for the replies, to summarise

I need:

Vehicle docs - V5, license, MOT, insurance
Headlight deflectors
Warning triangle
Hi-vis
GB sticker

Recommended:

Spare bulbs
First aid kit
Le map
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Current Ride: Daytona 600

[Rogerborg]

Is France one of those heathen countries where Joe le Copper seizes licenses to show you who's boss?

If so, you may want to drop £20 to get an extra copy in anticipation (never hurts to have a spare anyway). There's doubtless some convoluted form to fill in, or you can just request a replacement and tick the "lost" box.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Fizzer Thou]