|
 The main difference of driving in France compared to the UK is that you drive on the right in France (and the rest of Europe).
It is compulsory to place converters on your headlights to ensure that your dipped beams won't dazzle oncoming traffic. Please enusre you get these
as you will be fined without them.
Headlight converters are available at most car accessory stores. You must also display a GB sticker at the rear of your vehicle and caravan or trailer,
if applicable. Finally, you must carry a warning triangle - it is compulsory to use one after an accident or breakdown in
France. A spare set of vehicle bulbs is also recommended.
Aires & Les Panneaux Marrons
You can't help but notice the "aires" every 10 to 15 kilometres along the motorways of France. "Aires" (areas)
are specially designed for motorists to stop at and generally have a wide range of facilities. You'll find
everything from WCs right through to picnic areas and, for those of you wanting to do more than simply stretch
your legs, some "aires" even feature exercise circuits! The other thing you'll notice straight away are 'Les
panneaux marrons'. These are the brown panels on the side of the motorway that give you information about the
area you're driving in. Fuel stations have all the facilities you'd expect in the UK and you'll also find WCs
and cardphones after most toll barriers.
Motorway Networks
Each motorway network you drive on is run by a separate company under government concession. Each network is
entitled to collect tolls for the upkeep and development of their motorway. Currently there are eight
different networks: SAPN - Autoroute Paris - Normandie SANEF - Autoroutes du Nord et de l'Est de Ia
France SAPRR - Autoroutes Paris - Rhine - Rhône COFIROUTE - Compagnie Financi–re et Industrielle des
Autoroutes ASF - Autoroutes du Sud de Ia France ESCOTA - Autoroute Esterel - Côte d'Azur AREA - Autoroutes
Rhône-Alpes STMB - Tunnel Routier sous le Mont Blanc
Les Péages (Toll Booths)
You'II come across two types of péages on the motorways:
PAY PER NETWORK - In this case you take a ticket from the machine when you enter a particular network and then
pay when leaving it. You can pay in either Euros or by credit card.
PAY PER SECTION - Tolls are calculated for each section of the network you're driving on and you pay regular
amounts along the way (it's useful to have small change ready). The tariffs vary depending on the type on
vehicle, but cars are all charged at the same rate.
Emergency Phones
You'll find the orange SOS phones every 2 kms along motorways and in many of the larger aires.
Patrols and Safety on the Roads
There are regular security patrols day and night on all the networks. Speeding can result in large fines,
payable on the spot. Remember to always keep your distance and take regular breaks - share the
driving if you can. Never overtake on the right. If you're driving at night and want to take a
rest, try one of the "aires". You'll find that most "aires" are lit up at night. Overnight
parking is not officially allowed in "aires", but everyone does it.
Speed Limits
Motorways: 80mph (130 kph).
On urban stretches 68mph (110kph) and 49mph (80kph) on the Paris ring Road.
Dual carriageways: 68mph (110kph).
Outside built-up areas 55mph (90kph).
Built-up areas 31mph (50kph).
In wet weather, lower limits apply -
49mph (80kph) outside built-up areas,
62mph (100kph) on dual carriageways
and 68mph (110kph) on motorways.
These lower limits apply at all times to drivers who have held a licence for less than 2 years.
Electronic Display Panels
Appearing about 2 kms before an exit, these panels give you information about the local road and traffic
conditions, such as traffic hold-ups or roadworks.
Breakdowns
Try and stop on the hard shoulder as far to the right as possible. Put your hazard lights on and find the
nearest emergency phone (there should be one every 2 kms). The calls are free and go straight through
to the police who will send an approved mechanic who will try to fix the problem or arrange to
tow you to a garage.
Filling Up
As in Britain service stations vary their fuel prices on the motorway, so it's best to check before you fill up.
Most stations have shops offering a variety of products, such as snacks and drinks, and services including
fax and telephone. The motorway services offer far whihc is of far better quality than in the UK.
Lavatories
The WCs are generally well kept and have disabled and baby facilities.
Driving Tips
Here are some tips on driving in France
* Be especially careful when setting off from service stations or restaurants on the left side of the road.
* Take care when overtaking - allow more space between you and the car in front so you can see further down the
road ahead.
* France has strict drink driving laws, blood alcohol levels being stricter than in the UK. Rather than present
you with meaningless figures relating to blood/breath alcohol levels, our advice is if you're driving, don't drink.
* Seat belts front and rear are obligatory everywhere.
* Speed limits, shown below, are implemented rigorously. Radar traps are frequent. In France, anyone caught
travelling at more than 25km/h above the speed limit can have their licence confiscated on the spot.
Remember - Speeding and other traffic offences are subject to on-the-spot fines.
To recap you should have the following
* Headlamp Adaptors - UK vehicles are designed for driving on the left hand side of the road this will mean that when driving
abroad you will dazzle oncoming drivers. Failure to adapt your headlamps will render the vehicle UNFIT for the road. invalidating
your motor insurance and could result in a spot fine.
* GB Stickers - these are required by International Law to indicate Country of Registration
* Warning Triangles - A warning triangle must be placed 50 - 150 metres behind your vehicle to warn approaching
traffic if your vehicle breaks down or is involved in an accident. Hazard warning lights alone are not sufficient.
* Spare Bulbs - All car lamps, lenses and reflectors must be in working order at all times - failure to
replace a broken bulb could result in a spot fine so always carry spares for all your car lights
* First Aid Kit - A First Aid kit must be carried in your vehicle at all times.
Fire Extinguisher - If you fail to render assistance in the event of a fire or take necessary precautions to
prevent a fire from escalating is an offence.
* Insurance Policies - If the driver/owner of a vehicle fails to comply with the law and fails to ensure the
vehicle is roadworthy for the country he intends to visit could result in the insurance company repudiating liability under
the Policy.
* Failure to Comply - On the spot fines can be imposed In the event of prosecution and conviction for failure to comply with the
legal requirements of EU countries.
* On the Spot Fines - Fines have to be paid on the spot in the local currency with travellers cheques and credit cards not being
acceptable. Inability to pay may in some countries result in the vehicle being impounded until fine has been paid.
* Car Insurance - Green Card - The majority of all car insurance policies provide a minimum level of cover required to drive a car
on mainland Europe. It is always worth checking with your insurance company prior to travelling abroad. It is also very important
that you collect a 'green card' from your car insurance provider prior to leaving the country.
A 'green card' is an internationally recognised document to prove that your vehicle meets the minimum car
insurance requirement for the country you are in. Some insurance companies do charge for a green card so please check.
* Tolls - Some French motorways are tolls roads meaning you have to pay to use them. The amount paid depends on
how far you have travelled. Its a good idea to always have some change in the car to pay tolls.
| 
