What to take to France?

aj3001

I am driving over to France in July for the first time, taking my car, but my question is, what do I need to take, last time any of my family did it they had to carry triangles, first aid kits and those headlight convertor things, but we have now heard they aren't required?

Any help? What will I need to take and is it true the above mentioned items are no longer relevant

dzug

You might also need one or more reflective jackets - I don't know if they are yet mandatory in France but they are in some other parts of the EU. It's EU legislation, so it's just a matter of time before each country adopts it.

headlamp convertors compulsory (though you wouldn't think so with the number of GB cars without them)
first aid kit highly advisable
triangle highly advisable but hazard flashers acceptable

barbelbasher

Try looking on AA and RAC sites they both have up to date requirements, and also some useful tips on driving in France.

xnikkix

I think you might also need to carry spare bulbs. Can't remember if this is still a requirement though.

Nikki

colin79666

here's the link to the RAC advice:
http://www.rac.co.uk/web/knowhow/going_on_a_journey/driving_abroad/european_motoring_advisor/

apk1

I think technically under reciprical arrangements through the EU, if your car is legal in your home country then it will be acceptable where you are going, whether you want to argue that one with "Le gendarme" at the side of the road is up to you.

Commonsense says to take a couple of bulbs, first aid kit and fire extinguisher, and a flourescent jacket makes a lot of sense.

mrtg0525

I'd definitely take a warning triangle and a first-aid kit. These are mandatory in most EU countries anyway, plus the bulbs are a good idea, too. The jacket I'm not to sure about but depending on where you go, yes, you'd need one too.

Regarding the beam deflectors - on a lot of modern cars, it's possible to change the direction of the dipped beam. If that's possible with your car, forget the beam deflectors and switch dipped beam over to the correct setting. This can make a big difference to night driving.

anewman

The album "Discovery" by Mike Oldfield with the first track on repeat play.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLe3inzIJ4Q

vikingaero

aj3001 wrote: »

I am driving over to France in July for the first time, taking my car, but my question is, what do I need to take, last time any of my family did it they had to carry triangles, first aid kits and those headlight convertor things, but we have now heard they aren't required?

Any help? What will I need to take and is it true the above mentioned items are no longer relevant

The Gendarmes are treating foreign tourists near the port as cash-cows and clamping down on nearly everything.

Beam deflectors are compulsory unless you have a switch to change the beam. If your headlamps are the thin polycarbonate then you may damage them with the adhesive on some beam-benders. Some manufacturers sell headlamp covers with pre-printed cut outs.

You need a GB sticker or a Euro GB (Sco) number plate.

Driving Licence with counterpart.
Vehicle insurance certificate.
V5C Registration Document.
A letter from the owner of the vehicle that you have permission to drive it - if it is a company or lease car.
European Breakdown Cover is strongly recommended - most cars under 3 years have it included but check

shown73

Those headlamp stickers are outrageously expensive, I just use a couple of wedges of black tape. Been doing it for years, when I remember. Modern dipped beams have a much sharper cut-off, but it still annoys other drivers if you don't do anything, at least off motorway.

livinginhope

Just to clarify,high vis vests are now compulsory in France,you need one for each occupant of the car (including children)
Have a great time
LIH