DRIVING IN FRANCE CHECKLIST

Do not dismiss any of the requirements on the list as the French police will stop British-registered vehicles to check they have the correct equipment for driving in France

• Full and valid driving licence
• V5C document (vehicle registration document) and MOT certificate if vehicle is over 3 years old
• Proof of insurance
• Identification document
• Country of origin sticker
• High Visibility Jackets – enough for all passengers in the vehicle, and these must be worn if you have to leave the vehicle when on a motorway. Must be kept inside the car (not the boot) so they can be put on before leaving the vehicle
• Warning triangles – these must be put out at a sufficient distance from your vehicle to warn other vehicles if you break down
• A spare bulb kit for your vehicle should you have a failure – in France it is deemed necessary to replace a failed bulb there and then on the grounds of safety
• Personal breathalyser kit – at least 2 unused disposable units which must be in date and display the French certification mark NF (This is still a requirement but is not subject to a fine for non-compliance)
• Headlight beam adjusters

Other important driving information

• Low emission zones have been introduced in Paris, Lyon and Grenoble and you cannot drive in these cities without displaying a sticker in the windscreen showing the rating of your vehicle. On certain days those vehicles with a high rating cannot be driven in the centre of Paris – https://www.certificat-air.gouv.fr/
• Speed camera detection is NOT permitted in France so if your satnav can show fixed speed cameras, then you must disable alerts before you drive in France
• Children under 10 years or age are not permitted to sit in the front , and all children under 10 must have appropriate seats
• Drink driving limits are much lower in France

Full details can be found on several websites, for example

AA – https://www.theaa.com/european-breakdown-cover/driving-in-europe/driving-in-france

RAC – https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/country/france/

Safe journey!

Bon voyage!