If you intend to take your own vehicle into France it is advisable that you have your vehicle checked thoroughly prior to your departure, don’t leave it until the night before you leave. Please take a moment to read this section, we have tried to give you some handy tips as to what expect while driving in France and also some laws, which are relevant to France, which you should be aware of.

For driving in France you are required to carry the following documents:

• Driving Licence.
• Current insurance certificate and green card.
• V5 registration document.
• GB sticker clearly displayed.
• MOT certificate.
• A full driving licence is required for you to drive in France; the minimum driving age is 18.
• Traffic rules in France are very similar to the UK, the major difference being that they drive on the right hand side of the road, so take extra care when approaching a roundabout or over taking.
• It is compulsory in France for vehicles to carry a red warning triangle for use in breakdowns, as in Britain, a spare tyre must be carried, ensure it has the correct legal tread and is inflated.
• It is compulsory for all front seat passengers to wear seat belts and that where fitted; rear seat passengers should also wear them.
• In France it is a legal requirement for you to carry spare bulbs for lights and indicators, front and back.
• In poor visibility and at night, full or dipped beam lights should be switched on.
• If you are towing a trailer or boat, make sure you have all the documents showing proof of ownership and that is covered on your insurance/green card.
• The drink drive laws in France are much stricter than the UK, the best advice is to avoid drink altogether if driving.
• Traffic lights in France are suspended from above and are often dimmer than the UK, which makes them difficult to spot.
• At pedestrian crossings, drivers are not obliged to stop if someone is about to cross, unless it is a pelican crossing.

Additional driving information :

Driving in France is very easy and less stressful than you think; there are fewer vehicles on the road and the roads are very clearly marked. Motorways in France are called Autoroutes, some of the Autoroutes in France are Toll Roads (Peage) a ticket is obtained at the start of the motorway and you pay at the end of the motorway at the booth. Roads in France are known as Route Nationales, they are similar to the dual carriageways we have in the UK, travelling on these roads is very fast and offer an alternative to the toll roads.

Speed Limits

• Toll motorways, 80mph/130kph (fine conditions) 68mph/110kph in wet conditions.
• Dual carriage roads, 68mph/110kph (fine conditions) 62mph/100kph in the wet.
• Other roads, 56mph/90kph (fine conditions) 50mph/80kph in the wet.

Radar traps are becoming more common in France; if caught speeding you will either be issued an on the spot fine or in exceptional cases, your vehicle could be confiscated.

Petrol : In France there are four different types of fuel,

• Super = Super unleaded
• Sans Plumb 95 = Super unleaded 95
• Sans Plumb 98 = Super unleaded 98
• Gazole = Diesel

Check which fuel is preferable for your vehicle, this information should be in your vehicle handbook.