Hints And Tips For Driving in France

Driving In France - The Basics

* The first thing to remember when driving in France is regarded as the obvious but most often overlooked, remain on the right hand side all the time. Many people on arrival are very aware and alert, but when they spend more time on the highway and grow accustom to conditions are inclined to relax somewhat. This is when most accidents may occur, take precautions in particular from leaving from road side services and restaurants/cafes on the left side on the road. On roundabouts give way to traffic already on there from the left.

* The minimum age for driving in France for UK residents is 18 for a temporarily imported car, exactly the same applies for motorcycles (over 80cc) and 16 for a moped/motorcycle (under 80cc).

* The documentation you ought to carry constantly when driving in France are your driving license, your automobile registration document (V5 within the uk) along with your certificate of motor insurance. If you have a license that doesn't have a photograph upon it, remember to have a copy of your passport available as proof of identity. Finally if you are not the owner of your vehicle you should have a written letter from the legal owner giving you permission to drive it.

* The absolute minimum cover of 3rd party cover for vehicle insurance is compulsory when driving in France.

Driving In France - Safety

* Seat belts ought to be worn in all vehicles all the time when driving in France by passengers in both the front as well as rear, as is also the situation now in many countries in Europe.

* Dipped headlights must be used in bad visibility through the daytime, the government advise that vehicles with more than 4 wheels use dipped headlights both daytime and night time, and it is compulsory for all motorcycles.

* Crash helmets on motorcycles and mopeds should be worn constantly.

* When driving in France First-aid Kits are advised, but they're not compulsory.

* Headlamp converters are compulsory when driving in France.

* County stickers from EU countries shall no longer be required for vehicles that carry EU number plates you are driving in France.

* Warning triangles and Visibility Vests are compulsory. There should be a vest for each occupant in the vehicle. (Note they should be placed on just before getting out your vehicle in an emergency).

* Snow Chains are recommend to carried in France throughout the winter, the police may prevent you continuing our journey if you do not have them, and the conditions dictate they must be used.

* Winter Tyres are recommended although not compulsory for driving in winter conditions.

* It's suggested you carry a set of replacement headlamp bulbs when driving in France.

Driving in France - Child Safety

* Children younger than ten are certainly not permitted to travel in the front seats of vehicles. However exceptions are made if there aren't any rear seats (for instance a convertible car), or rear seat belts or when the seats already are occupied by children under the age of ten.

* Children may not be placed in a rear facing seat unless the front air bags are deactivated. They should be placed into a forward facing appropriate seat when driving in France.

* Babies up to a weight of 13kg should be transported in a facing to the rear baby seat.

* A young child weighing between 9kg and 8kg must be seated in a specialised child seat.

* Children from 15kg and up to 10 years old could use a booster seat with a seat belt or harness attached.

* All the time it's the responsibility of the driver to ensure all passengers under the age of 18 are restrained.

Driving In France - Speed Limits

* When driving in France the speed limits in are dictated from the place, type of the vehicle as well as the weather, so keep in mind all these factors.

* Standard legal limits vary by different signs for private vehicles which have no trailers attached. These include :

1. Developed Areas - 50 km/ph

2. Outside Developed Area - 90 km/ph

3. Urban Motorways and Dual Carriageways (separated by a central reservation) - 110 km/ph

4. Non Urban Motorways - 130 km/ph

* Lower speed limits in damp/wet climate conditions apply to visiting motorists who've held a license for under 24 months. These are :

1. Outside Developed Area - 80 km/ph

2. Urban Motorways and Dual Carriageways (separated by a central reservation) - 80 km/h

3. Non Urban Motorways - 110 km/ph

* Then and there fines are issued by the French police and may be 'severe', and anyone caught exceeding the speed limit by greater than 40 km/ph may have their licenses confiscated instantly when driving in France. Ensure should any one of theses actions occur, you get and official receipt from the officer issuing the penalty.

* Radar Traps set by French police are often very common, especially around the tourist routes.

* Radar speed detectors (Snoopers etc) in cars are illegal and have a fine of up to 1500 Euros and perhaps your vehicle and device being confiscated.

Driving in France - Fuel

* Unleaded (95 & 98 Octane) , Diesel (Gazole) and LPG can be obtained, lead petrol or any alternatives are no longer available.

* Credit cards are accepted in the majority of petrol stations, but you should definitely check with your card provider ahead of departure. Many automated pumps also don't accept UK credit cards, so always carry enough money with you, on your journey (some rural stations only operate these pumps 12-3pm).

* Keep in mind a whole new type of fuel is already in use in France that contains 10% Ethanol, it's not always acceptable for all vehicles (Sans Plomb 95 Octane).

Driving in France - Drink Driving Laws

* The level of alcohol in the blood needed in France for a person to get convicted of drink driving is 0.05% and 0.02% for Bus/Coach drivers and carry's penalties of fines, license confiscation and imprisonment....basically don't do it should you decide to go driving in France!

Driving in France - Hints & Tips

* Avoid parking in unauthorised areas, vehicles can be towed away!

* When overtaking allow plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front to enhance your line of sight.

* Petrol cans in cars are permitted but aren't allowed by ferry operators, so bear in mind before you decide to board your vessel to travel driving in France.

* In urban areas drivers must give way to traffic from the right hand side, known as 'priorite a droite'

* Overtaking a stationary tram is not permitted whilst driving in France.

* You can obtain a 'blue disc' for parking zones from Police Offices and Tourist Information Shops.

* Using car horns in developed areas is not permitted unless it comes with an immediate danger when driving in France.

* Visual in car entertainment should not be in the drivers eye line, DVD's and TV etc. GPS systems are allowed.

To discover more about the basics of driving in France and also learn more on advanced driving in France, visit the Driving in France website today.