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Getting around by car - safety tips

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The obvious things to say about driving in France is that you drive on the right side and all distance and speed measurements are in km.

General

UK insurance gives automatic third party cover in France. Insurance companies can arrange more cover – check before travelling.
Leaded petrol has been replaced by ‘lead substitute’ petrol – but it may differ from UK substitutes.
Petrol is essence and diesel gasoil or gazole.
LPG vehicles are legal in France - but cannot be transported via the Channel tunnel.
There is growing number of LPG refuelling stations in France - most motorway service stations sell LPG (Gepel,GPL).
Many service stations close at 18.00 and on Sundays. It may be difficult to find a 24 hour station particularly in rural areas.

Paperwork

Minimum age for driving is 18.
Keep driving licence and all car paperwork with you as it must be produced on the spot if requested by the police.
Driving licence must be a ‘pink’ one or pink and green – not an old green one.
A letter giving authority to drive the car must be kept with the paperwork if the car is not yours – including company cars.
Get an international accident declaration form from your insurance broker. It is simple to follow and will help when sorting out any mishaps. Be sure before signing anything in French.

Rules

traffic signs

'Dead end' and 'Give way'

A set of spare bulbs is compulsory – pick one up from the nearest hypermarket if you forget before travelling.
A warning triangle is a good idea – compulsory if you’re towing.
Make sure headlights are adjusted to avoid dazzling other drivers or being pulled over by the police.
Always stop completely at STOP signs – or the police can fine you.
Never drink and drive. Tests are random and common. Fines are very heavy and instant.

Never speed. Speeding fines are heavy and must be paid on the spot. The police can impound the car in extreme cases.
Beware of Priorité à droite – drivers from the right having priority. Still used in town centres and famously at the Arc de Triomphe.
Always pay and display – clamping is on the increase.
Seatbelts must be worn by all. No children under 10 in the front unless in a specially adapted rear-facing seat.
All UK cars in France must also display a GB sticker which is usually available from cross Channel operators.
Motorcyclists must wear crash helmets.
Instant fines exist for illegal of bus lanes.

Speed Limits

130km/h on toll motorways (110 km/h when wet).
110km/h on dual carriageways and non toll motorways (110km/h when wet).
90 km/h on other main roads (80 km/h when wet).
50 km/h in towns and villages – sometimes slower so watch for signs.
Portable speed cameras can flash from back and front.
Speeding fines are normally charged on the spot.

road signs in france

Check your route before travelling

Pollution

car park

High levels of pollution in recent years have prompted authorities in major towns to introduce restrictions on car use - as yet these do not affect cars registered in the UK.
On 'pollution' days public transport is free.

Towing

Cars towing heavy trailers or caravans have slower speed limits. If the trailer/caravan is less than 30% heavier than the car then the limit is 65 km.

Parking

Always pay and display - clamping and towing is becoming more common and is very expensive.
If you need change head for a bakery and buy a baguette for a few Francs.
Check the details on the machines as parking is often free during lunchtimes and after 18.00
It is often safer to park in a hotel car park and explore on foot.
Never leave anything of value on view in the car.

Autoroute Tolls

Tolls can be expensive if travelling a lot by autoroute - but are often worth it to get to destinations quickly.
Use the routefinder at the bottom of the Channel Crossings section to check the prices between places.

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