AS the summer holiday season approaches many people will be heading over to France with their cars.
But a few simple checks before departure will ensure your trip runs smoothly and doesn’t get stuck in a pothole or two.
Before you head across to France make sure you know exactly what cover you have from your current insurance company.
Also if you are a member of a breakdown scheme see if it can be extended to cover you whilst away, it could prove invaluable.
If you are driving a right hand drive car in France make sure you have converted the headlights with the stick-on filters you can buy from any good car spares shop.
Make sure you do this before driving in France either on the ferry or train for example and make sure you take them off when you are immediately back in the UK.
The driver and all passengers must wear seat belts and children under 10 must ride in the back seat. Use full or dipped headlights, as in the UK, in poor visibility and at night but your sidelights only when the car is stationary.
It is also a good idea to have a complete spare bulb kit, a red warning triangle in case you have to stop and a fire extinguisher.
Speed limits are clearly signposted at the roadside and they are:
· Built-up areas 50kph (31mph)
· Ordinary roads 90kph (56mph)
· Toll-free autoroutes and dual carriageways 110kph (68mph)
· Toll autoroutes 130kph (81mph)
There are many roundabouts close to towns and you must slow down and give way to the vehicles already on the roundabout.
Despite the French love for fine wine the drink drive regulations are stricter than the UK with the limit set at 50mg per 100ml of blood.
When you buy fuel look for petrol stations at supermarkets, as they are much cheaper than regular ones.
Related article:
Winter driving in France
Comments
2 responses to “Driving tips in France”
Remember everyone that some minor roads in France have priority over the main road. These are normally marked before you arrive at these junctions. Look out for a black X on a triangular sign. But be aware that persons can take priority even there are no road markings between the minor road and the major road. This is never the case for autoroutes and route nationals. It’s complicated so watch out! If not sure read up on the subject elsewhere!
Also new law from this Autumn. You must carry a bright yellow road safety vest in the boot in case you breakdown.
These laws change and sometimes the websites and organisations are incorrect – be careful!
Having spent several years on holidays driving my own car in France I only realised this year that one needs to carry the original – not photocopy – of the car’s logbook. Duh! Did I feel stupid when the nice Feu Vert man told me about it when I had to buy new tyres. Luckily I’ve never been stopped, but it could be a fine on the spot.