Speed stickers - France

nomadic · 27-11-2009, 15:06

"Thank you for your email.

Our speed limit source for Europe is the FIA. They have given limits for motorcaravans in France over 3500kgs as 90kmh for motorways and 80kmh for other roads outside of towns.

There are higher limits for what the French define as passenger carrying vehicles but this has not been clarified. The French equivalent of the Club has published an article [I have seen a third party translation only] stating that camping cars over 3500kgs are still passenger carrying vehicles and subject to the higher limits of 110kmh for motorways, 100kmh for major dual carriageways and 80kmh for other roads.

Due to these conflicting views from France you will find a lot of conflicting information on the internet. As yet we have had no formal confirmation as to which is correct from a French government office.

For the time being we can only suggest adhering to the lower limit until things can be clarified.

As for labelling up your vehicle there is no actually compulsion to do so. The treaty of Vienna [an EU treaty] exempts you from having to do such things as you are not required to have such speed stickers for the UK. As a tourist you are legal abroad if you are legal in you home country [hence A-frames can be used to tow cars abroad also]. There is a six month limit with this treaty, after that you must localise your vehicle by formally importing it to the country of your stay. Then you will have to use stickers with numbers.

The problem is how do you explain the treaty of Vienna to a gendarme? Unless your French is very good you may struggle.

We have suggested to the NCC that they produce a standard multi lingual letter that can be carried by a touring unit user [caravan users have similar problems too] explaining the treaty and our rights [their rights too] to travel freely in their country as a visitor."

I recall this was dicsussed earlier this year, and as we are due to set sale in December, I contacted the C&CC, for their view. This is the reply, and it goes some way towards explaining why there are differing views.

For ease of life, and less than £7.00 I have opted to purchase them.

Nomadic

ralph-dot · 27-11-2009, 15:19

I would think that also meant you do not need an extra pair of spectacles, warning triangles, spare bulbs, that bid square warning sign for cycle racks, etc, etc, etc, but I wouldn't try it.

lebesset · 27-11-2009, 19:36

unfortunately the C & CC are not the authority in france or anywhere else for that matter

be aware that the french gendarmerie don't accept their ruling and french motorhomers are unhappy that , if their vehicle is over 3,500Kg , their speeds are now restricted and they must have the appropriate stickers all over the back of their vehicle

the argument that if it is legal in the uk then it is legal elsewhere is specious eg
don't try driving at 60mph on ordinary french roads
beecause it is legal to drive aged 17 in the UK and you hold a full licence doesn't mean you can drive in france !

I thought the golden rule was that you had to abide by the law of the country in which you find yourself

nomadic · 29-11-2009, 17:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by lebesset

unfortunately the C & CC are not the authority in france or anywhere else for that matter

be aware that the french gendarmerie don't accept their ruling and french motorhomers are unhappy that , if their vehicle is over 3,500Kg , their speeds are now restricted and they must have the appropriate stickers all over the back of their vehicle

the argument that if it is legal in the uk then it is legal elsewhere is specious eg
don't try driving at 60mph on ordinary french roads
beecause it is legal to drive aged 17 in the UK and you hold a full licence doesn't mean you can drive in france !

I thought the golden rule was that you had to abide by the law of the country in which you find yourself

Lebesset

The C&CC have not set themselves up as "the authority" they clearly state their source.

It also explains why there is so much discontent, introducing new regulations without repealing old ones.

Only the French government can regulate, if they want to!!

Nomadic

MikeandCarolyn · 03-12-2009, 21:50

OK-I'm happy to bite the bullet-what stickers do I need for a 3,500 kg vehicle ?
Also I guess I need a thingy on my bike rack-what's that and where do I get all these things?

vindiboy · 03-12-2009, 22:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeandCarolyn

OK-I'm happy to bite the bullet-what stickers do I need for a 3,500 kg vehicle ?
Also I guess I need a thingy on my bike rack-what's that and where do I get all these things?

You only need speed stickers if over 3500 kgs and warning boards are available from Camping Shops. I have the Stickers on my van as it's 4600 kgs HGV I bought them over the phone on the net and they cost about £7 delivered.

nearlyretired · 03-12-2009, 22:22

Mine is 3880kg on the rating plate, and is registered as PHGV so I assume I need these. What exactly is/are the required sticker(s)?

Because my van is not obviously over 3500 to the casual observer, do you think I would be better off not having the stickers but just keeping to the speed limits (no real hardship as driving it fast has a dire effect on fuel economy)

vindiboy · 04-12-2009, 10:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by nearlyretired

Mine is 3880kg on the rating plate, and is registered as PHGV so I assume I need these. What exactly is/are the required sticker(s)?

Because my van is not obviously over 3500 to the casual observer, do you think I would be better off not having the stickers but just keeping to the speed limits (no real hardship as driving it fast has a dire effect on fuel economy)

110 kmph Motorway 100kmph Dual carriageway and 80 kmph single carriagewayare the stickers, I assume you have a fire extinguisher, Triangles and High Viz vests in your van for France? so why not have the stickers,if a Gendarme decides to check your van you will not be a happy bunny .