France is the number 1 holiday destination in the world for tourists and each year more than 85 million visit. Of that number, 14 million are British nationals and many take their cars. This article helps to clarify the major points and to dispel the myth that the only factor that drivers need to be aware of is to "keep right" and to drive on the other side of the road when coming off the ferry in France.
If you are looking
to drive in France then you you must be at least 18
years old and have a valid UK driving
licence, insurance and vehicle documents. Failure to comply may lead to a
fine and/or your vehicle being impounded. You are not permitted to
drive at 17 even if you hold a valid licence. If you do not own the
vehicle you are driving, you are advised to obtain written permission
from the registered owner.
Driving in France is considered safe and in 2008 there were
4,275
road deaths in France.
This equates to 6.7 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares
favourbaly against the UK average of 4.3 per 100,000.
Tiredness was a big contributer to this figure and due toi the size of
the country many drivers will undertake long journeys cross country. If
you are driving long distances then care should be taken to plan your
journey and to take regular breaks. Please dont become a statistic for
the sake of a break.
Fuel in France is similar to the UK and
unleaded petrol, diesel and LPG
are all available. Petrol stations will allow you to top up a jerry can
but note that carrying fuel in one of these containers sis forbidden by
the ferry and Eurotunnel operators. A new type of
fuel, the SP95-E10 which contains a 10% Ethanol mix is now availbale
throughout Franc but this fuel is not suitable for use in all cars and
you should check
compatibility with your manufacturer before using. Many European
Breakdown Cover policies will not provide cover if you mistakenly refuel
you vehicle with the wrong fuel.
Driving regulations in
France are different from those in the UK.
Speeding can result in heavy, on the spot fines and potentially
immediate confiscation of your vehicle and licence.
Although the French like a
glass of "Vin" at lunchtime they take there drinking and driving laws
very seriously. If the level of alcohol in the bloodstream is 0.05 per
cent or more, severe penalties are imposed include fines, imprisonment
and/or confiscation of the driving licence. The same applies to diving
under the influence of drugs and saliva drug tests will be used to
detect drivers under the influence of drugs. Penalties are severe and
are similar to those of drink driving.
It is compulsory
in France for front and rear seat
occupants to wear seat belts, if fitted. It
is the driver’s responsibility to ensure all passengers under 18 are
appropriately restrained. Children under the age of 10 are not
permitted to travel on the front seats of vehicles. They must
travel in an approved child seat or restraint adapted to their size. A
baby up to 13kg must be carried in a rear facing baby seat. A child
between 9 and 18kg must be seated in a child seat and a child from 15kg
up to 10 years can use a booster seat with a seat belt or a harness.
The French
Police take speeding seriously and their are grave consequences for non
compliance. Holders of EU driving licenses exceeding the speed limit by
more than
40 km/h will have their licenses confiscated on the spot by the police.
In built-up areas the limit is 50 km/hr (31 mph) ,
outside built-up areas 90 Km/hr (56 mph). 110 km/hr (68 mph) on dual
carriageways separated by a central reservation and 130Km/hr (80 mph) on
motorways. Lower speed limits do apply in wet weather and to visiting
motorists who have held a driving licence for less than two years.
If you are looking to beat
the Police at their own game, dont try. In-car radar detectors
are
illegal in France whether in use or not. On-the-spot fines are
severe and involves
a fine of up to 1500
Euros and the vehicle and/or device may be confiscated. Other apparatus
such as televisions,
video, DVD equipment which could potentially distract a driver should be
positioned so the driver
is unable to see them. This excludes GPS systems. It is prohibited to
touch or program the device unless parked in a safe place.
Motorcycles
driving in France are required to raise their profile to other road
users and the use of dipped headlights during the day is
compulsory. The wearing of crash helmets is also compulsory for
both driver and passenger of any two-wheel motorised vehicle. Dipped
headlights is recommended for all vehciles and must be used in poor
daytime visibility. It is highly
recommended by the French Government that 4x4 wheeled vehicles use
dipped
headlights day and night.
It is compulsory
in France to carry the following safety equipment within any vehicle
with more than 2 wheels. A Warning triangle, Reflective Jacket and snow
chains. A Spare
bulb kit is recommended.
In terms of general driving habaits the following
are worth noting. In built-up areas give way to traffic coming from the
right “Priorité a droite”. At signed roundabouts bearing the words
"Vous n'avez pas la priorité" or "Cédez le passage" traffic on the
roundabout has priority. Where no such sign exists traffic entering the
roundabout has priority. Overtaking stationary trams is prohibited when
passengers are either getting or off the tram. In built up areas the use
of the horn is prohibited except in cases of immediate danger.
The team at European Breakdown Cover hope that
this information has been useful and wish you "Bon Voyage"
on your next trip to France