Items for driving France/Spain (1 Viewer)

Dec 4, 2014
1,372
4,148
Cheshire
Funster No
34,422
MH
Van Conversion
Exp
Been around the block a few timesšŸ˜‰
Can somebody clarify as google keeps giving me mixed reports.

Hazard sign 50x50 aluminium or plastic with 3 red stripes ?

Snow chains ?

Think we've got all the bulbs, triangles vests etc sorted but the above two items seem to
change every 5 minutes.
 

Lenny HB

LIFE MEMBER
Oct 18, 2007
52,684
147,587
On the coast in West Sussex
Funster No
658
MH
Hymer B678 DL
Exp
Since 2008 & many years tugging
Aluminium for Italy and Spain, plastic OK everywhere else.

Snow chains only required on certain roads any normally only between end of Oct to April, if you have proper winter tyres probably not necessary, you need to check local regs.
 
Upvote 0
OP
OP
John.
Dec 4, 2014
1,372
4,148
Cheshire
Funster No
34,422
MH
Van Conversion
Exp
Been around the block a few timesšŸ˜‰
Thanks Lenny.
Will order the Aluminium one now.

Thanks SnF
Mud & snow tyres?
Sorry but how would I know is there a code ?
Mine are Continental Vanco.

Not been to France before but we're booked on the tunnel 26/10/16
then through Spain to Cadiz.
Hopefully the roads will be ok ? Any thoughts.
 
Upvote 0
Jul 29, 2013
9,048
18,083
Salisbury
Funster No
27,215
MH
Hymer B678DL A class
Exp
since 2011
There will be a stamped/moulded sign in the sidewall with M&S on it.
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0

Chris

LIFE MEMBER
May 5, 2010
21,006
274,541
Funster No
11,412
MH
None
Exp
10 years
Don't forget your A frame if you are going to Spain(y)
 
Upvote 0

Don Quixote

Free Member
Jul 29, 2012
2,966
5,257
Lost in La Mancha, Spain
Funster No
22,171
MH
VW T6 Campervan
Exp
Not long enough, but a little common sense helps..........
Have lived in Spain for past 6 years and used a plastic hazard sign without problem. It was bought in a Spanish MH shop. I cannot find any reference to the requirement stating it has to be aluminium.
 
Upvote 0
OP
OP
John.
Dec 4, 2014
1,372
4,148
Cheshire
Funster No
34,422
MH
Van Conversion
Exp
Been around the block a few timesšŸ˜‰
Thanks.
No only got normal tyres without M&S stamped on.

Looking into snow chains seems to me I need them on the van in case needed
but hopefully we'll be through the snowy bits before this.

Don. I agree fully but my Aluminium one is in the post:rolleyes:

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0

Bart

Free Member
Jun 4, 2016
3,188
1,396
Northern Ireland
Funster No
43,436
MH
Boxer L4H2 van build
Exp
Since 2016
Ah just the info i was gonna look at as we are going to Spain soon , ( it will be our 1st time in Europe in the MH ) and was wondering if someone could post a list of what is needed,
like do i need a breathalyzer ? how many hi vis vests , and what spec , how many bulbs ? 1 of each ? what sort of triangle , or will any do .. etc , also are snow chains a must ?
if you have normal tyres
i just thought it would be easier if someone would be kind enough to post a list please :)
 
Upvote 0
OP
OP
John.
Dec 4, 2014
1,372
4,148
Cheshire
Funster No
34,422
MH
Van Conversion
Exp
Been around the block a few timesšŸ˜‰
Hi Bart this is what I got together.

A hi vis for each passenger (got the dog one) just in case.

2 triangles for Spain.

Breathalysers optional I believe.

Bulb set (I got the full amount 20)
Probably ott.

Beam deflectors.

GB stickers.

Snow chains (on list) probably buy over there.

Plus I've got all the van paperwork in a pack to take v5,mot,insurance,
Driving license etc.

No expert as we're on our first trip in 2 weeks as well.



Cheap_Driving_In_France_Kit..jpg
 
Upvote 0

Badknee

LIFE MEMBER
Aug 25, 2014
7,395
408,945
notloB
Funster No
33,046
MH
Vantage Neo
Exp
Living the dream.
You don't need GB stickers if your rear number plate has the stars and small GB on it. Breathalyser kits have never been ratified in law, but have made an MP's brother I think a very lot of money.
 
Upvote 0

Badknee

LIFE MEMBER
Aug 25, 2014
7,395
408,945
notloB
Funster No
33,046
MH
Vantage Neo
Exp
Living the dream.
Sorry I don't know as we have good old steel I would think you need to protect the rims with something if they are ally but there must be some that can be used.
I would think so Alan, there's too many vehicles out there with alloys not to cater for them.
 
Upvote 0

Badknee

LIFE MEMBER
Aug 25, 2014
7,395
408,945
notloB
Funster No
33,046
MH
Vantage Neo
Exp
Living the dream.
Hi Bart this is what I got together.

A hi vis for each passenger (got the dog one) just in case.

2 triangles for Spain.

Breathalysers optional I believe.

Bulb set (I got the full amount 20)
Probably ott.

Beam deflectors.

GB stickers.

Snow chains (on list) probably buy over there.

Plus I've got all the van paperwork in a pack to take v5,mot,insurance,
Driving license etc.

No expert as we're on our first trip in 2 weeks as well.



Cheap_Driving_In_France_Kit..jpg
Just a thought, make sure you have an amber bulb for the front indicators as most of us have clear lenses now.
 
Upvote 0

DanielFord

Free Member
Jun 1, 2013
3,020
3,086
Funster No
26,287
OK here goes:

A hi vis for each passenger (got the dog one) just in case.
Not sure the dog needs one, but better safe than sorry! :D All passengers need a hi-vis!

2 triangles for Spain.
Yup, this is compulsory. I can't think of another country in Europe where you need 2 though!

Breathalysers optional I believe.
For optional, read complete waste of time, don't bother. The law was initially bought in by an influential lobbyist who happened to manufacture breath test kits! It has been totally repealed now.

Bulb set (I got the full amount 20)
Probably ott.
You also need tools to replace the bulbs. Although there is no law on actually having the skills to use said tools :rolleyes:

Beam deflectors.
Yup, compulsory, even if you do not intend to travel at night.

GB stickers.
Waived if you have EU number plates showing registration country.

Snow chains (on list) probably buy over there.
I'm guessing this is a winter thing, I have never carried them.

Plus I've got all the van paperwork in a pack to take v5,mot,insurance,
Driving license etc.
All of this is compulsory, obviously the Gendarmes/Policia cannot check your details on their computer, so you must show that you are in proper possession should you be challenged.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0
OP
OP
John.
Dec 4, 2014
1,372
4,148
Cheshire
Funster No
34,422
MH
Van Conversion
Exp
Been around the block a few timesšŸ˜‰
Thanks Daniel.

You've reassured me with your tick list (y)

As for the dogs hi vis they were on offer at the pound shop & he looks cute in one:D
 
Upvote 0

DanielFord

Free Member
Jun 1, 2013
3,020
3,086
Funster No
26,287
Thanks Daniel.

You've reassured me with your tick list (y)

As for the dogs hi vis they were on offer at the pound shop & he looks cute in one:D
Just as an update on the breath test thing. They were purported to be a safety tool. Well, when the law was repealed, I got hold of one of the breath testers and thought I'd give it a whirl. This was on a heavy night, and I should point out that if I have been drinking, I don't drive. However, on this day, me and BIL went to the pub at lunchtime, and I consumed 2 and a half pints of fosters. When Wifey came back from work, I had a whiskey, probably around a double measure. Then at dinner, we consumed a couple of bottles of wine (as a family). I guess I had about 5 glasses.
When the test kit came out, I passed the test!!!!!!!
This suggests to me that an idiot would take the test and assume they were safe to drive :frowny:
Doesn't sound like a safety thing to me at all!
 
Upvote 0

Bart

Free Member
Jun 4, 2016
3,188
1,396
Northern Ireland
Funster No
43,436
MH
Boxer L4H2 van build
Exp
Since 2016
Hi Bart this is what I got together.

A hi vis for each passenger (got the dog one) just in case.

2 triangles for Spain.

Breathalysers optional I believe.

Bulb set (I got the full amount 20)
Probably ott.

Beam deflectors.

GB stickers.

Snow chains (on list) probably buy over there.

Plus I've got all the van paperwork in a pack to take v5,mot,insurance,
Driving license etc.

No expert as we're on our first trip in 2 weeks as well.



Cheap_Driving_In_France_Kit..jpg

Super job mate , thanks for taking the time :)


Just a thought, make sure you have an amber bulb for the front indicators as most of us have clear lenses now.
Yip man so i discovered that last week when i changed my headlamp due to internal corrosion on the reflector.
but one thing i cannot remember is were the pins on the amber bulb opposite each other of offset ( Cab is a fiat )

Just as an update on the breath test thing. They were purported to be a safety tool. Well, when the law was repealed, I got hold of one of the breath testers and thought I'd give it a whirl. This was on a heavy night, and I should point out that if I have been drinking, I don't drive. However, on this day, me and BIL went to the pub at lunchtime, and I consumed 2 and a half pints of fosters. When Wifey came back from work, I had a whiskey, probably around a double measure. Then at dinner, we consumed a couple of bottles of wine (as a family). I guess I had about 5 glasses.
When the test kit came out, I passed the test!!!!!!!
This suggests to me that an idiot would take the test and assume they were safe to drive :frowny:
Doesn't sound like a safety thing to me at all!

Wow deffo seems like they are useless....
btw whats the minimum amount of these you have to carry in the likes of spain / france , and is it like 2 per driver say or 2 in total for the MH

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0

roamingman

Banned
Mar 14, 2014
204
220
Angus
Funster No
30,525
MH
Coach build
Exp
2012, tents, caravan. 1990
If you wear glasses must have a spare pair.

Some people may have been stoped, but in all the driving I have done, 12 years with HGV'S although that was over 30 years ago, but in the last 15 years with car, truck, camper van, Discovery 1 and motorhome, going through France and Spain to Morocco also Groatia, never never been stopped, does not mean you will not, but try not to panic just enjoy yourselfs.
 
Upvote 0

roamingman

Banned
Mar 14, 2014
204
220
Angus
Funster No
30,525
MH
Coach build
Exp
2012, tents, caravan. 1990
Super job mate , thanks for taking the time :)



Yip man so i discovered that last week when i changed my headlamp due to internal corrosion on the reflector.
but one thing i cannot remember is were the pins on the amber bulb opposite each other of offset ( Cab is a fiat )



Wow deffo seems like they are useless....
btw whats the minimum amount of these you have to carry in the likes of spain / france , and is it like 2 per driver say or 2 in total for the MH
Don't take none
 
Upvote 0

lorger

LIFE MEMBER
Jul 11, 2008
9,630
90,343
Dumfries
Funster No
3,262
MH
Knaus Sun 650MEG
Exp
2007
Remember if you wear glasses for driving you need to carry a spare pair in France.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0
Oct 12, 2008
6,243
21,327
Balma (next to Toulouse) France
Funster No
4,394
MH
HymerCamp 51Capucine
Exp
Since 2011/owner since 6/03/2014
I think I better put things right !

Glasses: NO LAW saying you must have a spare pair of glasses in FRANCE

The only law we used to have, which is NOT anymore, was only to have glasses when you have contacts

Lawyer "Maitre Sophia Albert" from Avignon's court says

Cher Monsieur,

L'arrĆŖtĆ© du 4 octobre 1988 du ministre des transports et qui prĆ©voyait qu'en cas de port de lentilles pour un trouble de la vue, le conducteur devait avoir sur lui une paire de lunettes a Ć©tĆ© abrogĆ©.

L'arrĆŖtĆ© ayant remplacĆ© celui-ci ne prĆ©voit plus cette obligation.
La possession de la paire de lunettes dans ce cas n'est devenue qu'une recommandation et plus une obligation.

Il faut contester.

Cordialement

To sum it up ....It has been cancelled , so no glasses needed.
En savoir plus sur http://www.juritravail.com/Forum/in...dans-le-vehicule/id/99051#iFwr4iqsYCLjWhqA.99

It might just be sensible to have one spare , but no fine if you don't have one
 
Upvote 0
Jul 29, 2013
9,048
18,083
Salisbury
Funster No
27,215
MH
Hymer B678DL A class
Exp
since 2011
@Speve
Any issues using snow chains with alloys.
Just got this off : snowchains.co.uk.
Will Weissenfels snow chains damage my alloy wheels or my tyres?

As long as the snow chains are fitted correctly, as per the fitting instructions, and used in snow, it is most unlikely that the chains will mark the wheels or cause any damage to the tyres. The Clack & Go Pro-Tech is fitted with composite alloy wheel protectors and the Clack & Go Quattro or the Thule K-Summit have no connection with the wheel.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0
Aug 18, 2014
23,538
131,299
Lorca,Murcia,Spain
Funster No
32,898
MH
Transit PVC
Exp
16 years since restarting
There is no requirement anymore for spare bulbs, or tools to change them ,in spain .It was done away with a couple of years back due t the complexity of many new vehicles & bodywork requiring dismantling.
 
Upvote 0

jumar

LIFE MEMBER
Nov 6, 2012
3,691
11,207
Spain
Funster No
23,578
MH
Hymer Tramp
Exp
Since 1994
Spare specs for Spain...yes...common sense..there you are driving along in your pride and joy, you stop to fill up with diesel, cannot read the receipt, take off specs put on table, dog gets all excited as he thinks you have arrived at his favorite campsite, the one with trees every 4 foot.Dog...lets call him Ben, knocks glasses on floor with tail, wife...Dorothy comes out of bathroom and stands on glasses....so now you cannot drive, neither can Dorothy and Bens a dog.
SPARE SPECS LEGAL IN SPAIN...
 
Upvote 0
Jul 13, 2008
3,722
3,641
Funster No
3,275
MH
Low profile
Exp
Since 2007
Can somebody clarify as google keeps giving me mixed reports.

Hazard sign 50x50 aluminium or plastic with 3 red stripes ?

Snow chains ?

Think we've got all the bulbs, triangles vests etc sorted but the above two items seem to
change every 5 minutes.
When and which route are you taking to need snow chains?
 
Upvote 0

Join us or log in to post a reply.

To join in you must be a member of MotorhomeFun

Join MotorhomeFun

Join us, it quick and easy!

Log in

Already a member? Log in here.

Latest journal entries

Funsters who are viewing this thread

Back
Top