France

[calikev]

Will I need breathalysers for my trip to France. Some say yes some say no. So what is the correct answer :?:

 

[Andy]

Kev someone on here said no but as they are only a fiver or so for a box of two, or were when I bought mine last year, I'd be tempted to get them if I were you. Get them on the ferry.

 

[calikev]

Sound advise as always andy cheers

 

[Californiaman]

In order that we get some balance feedback, I would like to say no, don't get any. I would also then like to add maybe...

;-)

Sorry, I had had some beer...

Kevin, perhaps if you get a chance whilst you are over there, you could ask one of the local gendarmeri and get a definitive answer (but I should add that it is best to avoid the ones with the rally big battons)

I'd say, if in doubt, get some!

 

[calikev]

I will order some mark like andy said a fiver for 2 I might as well hi vis vest's,triangle,first aid kit,beam deflectors, what else have I forgot :?:

 

[Californiaman]

Drive on the right (or at least in the middle) if in doubt, smile and wave.

 

[Hotel California]

Dont' need them alcohol testers in France , it was announced that it would become of the things that you should have in the car (like the fluo safety-vest witch you must have for each person possible in the car!!!) , but is has been aborted ...and it is NOT become law.
I had them bought allready last year, and will keep them in the Cali , i will blow in them for fun when i feel like it...if the bottle is empty :mrgreen:
...if it turns red , my wife will take the wheel... :clap

 

[slowcoach65]

Now confused....

RAC say...

As of 1st July 2012 it became illegal to drive in France without a NF-approved (Norme Française) breathalyser in your car. Drivers who fail to comply with the law risk having to pay on the spot fines of 11 euros (£9), although the police are operating a grace period until November.

AA say similar .

:crazy

 

[HistoryBob]

I will order some mark like andy said a fiver for 2 I might as well hi vis vest's,triangle,first aid kit,beam deflectors, what else have I forgot :?:

Spare pair of spectacles if you normally use them whilst driving :crazy

 

[Pistolknight]

Is a spare bulb/fuse kit required? and do you really have to take all the documents, MOT etc

 

[swigle]

And disable speed camera warnings on satnav.

 

[HistoryBob]

Is a spare bulb/fuse kit required? and do you really have to take all the documents, MOT etc

Yes & yes. You need the original documents with you, driving licence, log book (V5), insurance cover note, any medical insurance details if you have taken out a policy. Plus your euro medical card (was E111).
What I tend to do is photocopy the lot including any ferry tickets, site reservations and passport and then keep this bundle handy. The originals I then stow away in the depth of the vehicle but ready in case someone insists on seeing the originals.
You will need to keep your passport with you as they wont accept a copy. However, it's useful to have copy of this just in case the original goes missing.
It's a bit belt and braces but it stops me worrying.

Have Fun.

 

[Oggie]

It's the law that you must carry one but the penalty for not having one has been postponed. So if you don't have one you are breaking the law but there is no penalty........
I love the French

Rob

 

[Silverfox]

It's the law that you must carry one but the penalty for not having one has been postponed. So if you don't have one you are breaking the law but there is no penalty........
I love the French

Rob

Staff at the Dover ferries said you do need them, sailed over on the 02/06, no mention of a suspension.

 

[Leo K]

It's the law that you must carry one but the penalty for not having one has been postponed. So if you don't have one you are breaking the law but there is no penalty........
I love the French

Rob

That seems correct. See: http://blog.frenchentree.com/2013/03/02 ... -you-dont/

 

[campandfly]

Help please

I would like to get a spare bulb and fuse kit for what will be a 15 plate cali.

Which one is the correct one I have seen H1 H4 H7 not sure which one to get perhaps someone has a link.

This one seems cheap http://www.amazon.co.uk/UNIVERSAL-SPARE ... _cp_auto_0

versus this one
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Thank you

 

[HistoryBob]

I'm not sure where you are in the purchasing process of your van but when I purchased mine I asked about the spare bulb kit and they just handed one to me free/gratis. Might be worth waiting.

 

[campandfly]

Thanks Bob

I will wait and see, Cali ordered and awaiting delivery March.

cheers

 

[GrannyJen]

If oyu are doing a fag run then be carful of French Customs.

On my way back to Arras last week, crossing the french border on the A22 from Belgium, I had a blue light sandwich, one in front, one behind, and they escorted me off the Autoroute to a nearby shed and spent 40 minutes searching Albert.

Suspected of carrying tobacco back to the UK.

In my very best French I explained that I don't smoke and will not encourage smokers, and no, I am not carrying 10,000 euro's but if they want to give me some then I won't say no :?

 

[jts46]

As I live in France for up to 6 months of the year, the following info might help!

1, You do need to carry all original vehicle documents including sales invoice for the said vehicle.
2, Insurance documents.
3, Driving licence both parts.
4, M o T certificate (if relevant)
5, Passport.
6, Hi vis jackets for the number of people in vehicle ( as my Cali is classed as a 5 seater i always carry five, they take up very little room.
7, Spare set of lamps for vehicle.
8, warning triangle.
9, First Aid Kit.
10, Breathlyser is no longer required to be carried, I carry 2 as IT was required, if you feel the need to carry them buy them in France as they are a lot cheaper.
11, Beam deflectors.
12, Disable speed cameras for France on GPS

I think that is everything, apart from DO NOT speed the French police now have unmarked cars equipped with hidden cameras i.e. mounted in vehicle bumpers, rear windows of vehicles, in open boot lids etc. etc. Remember the fine is on the spot or if caught by static camera, don't be surprised if you receive a fine through the post in the UK, they do speak to DVLA as i found out last week on a vehicle check by the local police, who checked my vehicle and me with their vehicle based computer to the DVLA computer in the UK.

John

 

[campandfly]

3, Driving licence both parts.

Thanks for the tips, very helpful.

I have the old Paper Driving licence, only one part to it is there something else I should have?

Thanks Jen
Interesting story, hope they did not make a mess searching Albert.
We are non smokers too and would not buy tobacco products for others anyway.

 

[jts46]

3, Driving licence both parts.

Thanks for the tips, very helpful.

I have the old Paper Driving licence, only one part to it is there something else I should have?

Thanks Jen
Interesting story, hope they did not make a mess searching Albert.
We are non smokers too and would not buy tobacco products for others anyway.

Both parts refers to paper and photo card plastic licence, i thought everyone had these now?

John

 

[Martin]

They are doing away with the paper part of the licence from 1st Jan 2015 so I assume you will only need the photo card one.

 

[jts46]

They are doing away with the paper part of the licence from 1st Jan 2015 so I assume you will only need the photo card one.

Thanks Martin.

John