Jim
Ringleader
Are you heading for the ferry? Here are a few First Timer to France Tips:
Things to take with you and your first trip on the wrong side of the road.
UK Driving License - Compulsory to carry this when driving in France - failure = on the spot fines!
Motorhome registration documents - log book must be carried with you at all times. This can also incur an on the spot fine!
Headlamp Adaptors - UK motorhomes are designed for driving on the left hand side of the road this will mean that when driving in France 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
Warning Triangles - In France 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. USE COMMON SENSE SOMETIMES IT CAN BE TOO DANGEROUS TO PLACE THE TRIANGLE - BE CAREFUL.
Fluorescent Safety Vest - Obligatory to carry this in your motorhome while driving in France, in fact it must be within reach so that if you have an accident or breakdown, you should get out of the motorhome with it on, so don't put it in the belly locker!
Spare Bulbs - All exterior 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 lights
Spare Specs - A spare pair of glasses are required if you have contact lenses and are going to be driving in France.
First Aid Kit - A First Aid kit must be carried in your vehicle at all times when driving in France.
Fire Extinguisher - I have been told that in France If you fail to render assistance in the event of a fire or take necessary precautions to prevent a fire from escalating then you are committing an offence. This maybe so, but only use a fire extinguisher if you can do so without putting yourself in danger.
Don't Negate your Insurance Policy- If the driver/owner of a motorhome fails to comply with the law and fails to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy for the country he intends to visit this could result in the insurance company repudiating liability under the Policy.
On the Spot Fines - Fines have to be paid on the spot in the local currency, cash. As far as i am aware travellers cheques and credit cards are not acceptable. If you can't pay this might result in the motorhome being impounded until fine has been paid.
Motorhome Insurance - Green Card - The majority of all motorhome insurance policies provide a minimum level of cover required to drive on mainland Europe. It is always worth checking with your insurance company prior to driving in France. Some don't issue a green card anymore but you should be OK in France without one.
Wrong side of the road Remember to take your time driving in France. First time out can be a little stressful especially at roundabouts and some junctions. Take your time, and think about. It wont be long before its second nature. I was guilty of driving on the wrong side of the road IN THE UK!! This is because, on return from a trip I stopped thinking! Off the ferry in France. Thinking about it = no problem driving on the right. Off the ferry in England - mind in Neutral, driving on the right!! Take your time and think about it and its easy peazy. Bon voyage
Any old sweats out there, please add any of your First timer to France tips here - Thanks:thumb:
Things to take with you and your first trip on the wrong side of the road.
UK Driving License - Compulsory to carry this when driving in France - failure = on the spot fines!
Motorhome registration documents - log book must be carried with you at all times. This can also incur an on the spot fine!
Headlamp Adaptors - UK motorhomes are designed for driving on the left hand side of the road this will mean that when driving in France 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
Warning Triangles - In France 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. USE COMMON SENSE SOMETIMES IT CAN BE TOO DANGEROUS TO PLACE THE TRIANGLE - BE CAREFUL.
Fluorescent Safety Vest - Obligatory to carry this in your motorhome while driving in France, in fact it must be within reach so that if you have an accident or breakdown, you should get out of the motorhome with it on, so don't put it in the belly locker!
Spare Bulbs - All exterior 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 lights
Spare Specs - A spare pair of glasses are required if you have contact lenses and are going to be driving in France.
First Aid Kit - A First Aid kit must be carried in your vehicle at all times when driving in France.
Fire Extinguisher - I have been told that in France If you fail to render assistance in the event of a fire or take necessary precautions to prevent a fire from escalating then you are committing an offence. This maybe so, but only use a fire extinguisher if you can do so without putting yourself in danger.
Don't Negate your Insurance Policy- If the driver/owner of a motorhome fails to comply with the law and fails to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy for the country he intends to visit this could result in the insurance company repudiating liability under the Policy.
On the Spot Fines - Fines have to be paid on the spot in the local currency, cash. As far as i am aware travellers cheques and credit cards are not acceptable. If you can't pay this might result in the motorhome being impounded until fine has been paid.
Motorhome Insurance - Green Card - The majority of all motorhome insurance policies provide a minimum level of cover required to drive on mainland Europe. It is always worth checking with your insurance company prior to driving in France. Some don't issue a green card anymore but you should be OK in France without one.
Wrong side of the road Remember to take your time driving in France. First time out can be a little stressful especially at roundabouts and some junctions. Take your time, and think about. It wont be long before its second nature. I was guilty of driving on the wrong side of the road IN THE UK!! This is because, on return from a trip I stopped thinking! Off the ferry in France. Thinking about it = no problem driving on the right. Off the ferry in England - mind in Neutral, driving on the right!! Take your time and think about it and its easy peazy. Bon voyage
Any old sweats out there, please add any of your First timer to France tips here - Thanks:thumb: