French Police

Brianl_irl · 06-01-2008, 11:44 PM

Whilst driving through France last year (in a car) I came across a police check point that was only pulling over campers and motorhomes.

Does anyone know why?

Jim · 07-01-2008, 10:45 AM

I have seen the French police at the Spanish border one time pulling in lots of caravans, they were weighing them. Doing a thorough job too, it looked like they were weighing the nose weights as they were un hitching them.

American Dream · 07-01-2008, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim

I have seen the French police at the Spanish border one time pulling in lots of caravans, they were weighing them. Doing a thorough job too, it looked like they were weighing the nose weights as they were un hitching them.

Visions of the missus and kids hanging off the back of the caravan.

What are those Tuggers like?

Road Runner · 07-01-2008, 10:57 AM

Hoy i used to be one

Many happy years as one as well but vans dent to easily and with 2 Great Danes and balsa wood furniture life expectancy of a van was very limited (plus of course a 19 stoner siting gently down after one beer to many

)

American Dream · 07-01-2008, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Road Runner

Hoy i used to be one

Many happy years as one as well but vans dent to easily and with 2 Great Danes and balsa wood furniture life expectancy of a van was very limited (plus of course a 19 stoner siting gently down after one beer to many

)

Yeah But you had the sense to convert to an RV John.

Bet they'd have had a job testing the nose weight on Your van when you had it?

What with those dogs.

Only ONE beer too many John.

Road Runner · 07-01-2008, 11:03 AM

My last rig.

28 stone of dogs

American Dream · 07-01-2008, 11:05 AM

I take it they are at the back of the van in the photo.

2escapees · 07-01-2008, 11:07 AM

I assume by French Police you mean the Gendarmes. What they call random checks are regular here; at least twice a year we will be stopped for paperwork check and breathalyser you must carry your insurance, log book (carte gris) and driving license (there is not an option to produce them later). Breath tests are common and by random they mean everyone on the same road. If they were stopping campers it is for the above plus weight check, they have a computerised system and weigh all four wheels, two at a time. Overweight means a fine and points! If you can't pay they will follow you or take you to a cash point. Plus you have to reduce the weight immediately.

If you have a radar warning device that will be confiscated and you will be fined. They are very tough now on speeding (in order to reduce road deaths) they have binoculars fitted with radar that checks you speed a long way from where they are hiding. So especially keep to 50kmp (30mph) within villages and towns.

Apart from that they are really nice folk!