Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

My car insurance company says all I need is my insurance certificate (and I assume my driving license)

I had a quick look on the Hoverspeed website and it says I need:

Headlight Stickers
GB Sticker
Warning Triangle
Spare Bulbs
First Aid Kit
Fire Extinguisher

Will a GB logo on my rear number plate be enough? (I don't have one on the front)
Is the triangle used like in the UK, 200m behind the vehicle?
How comprehensive does the first aid kit need to be?
Where should the fire extinguisher be located?

Anything else I should consider? (other than they drive on the "wrong" side of the road )

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

I kow it's a big no-no to have a radar detector, but I plan on using a PDA with TomTom installed, would this be a problem?

Are there any laws on mobile usage, speeding, drinking, etc I should be aware of?

RESSE

iTrader: (1)

Andy

Your GB/Euro style number plates number plate is OK - I understand that you do not need a GB sticker if you have these types of plates fitted.

I think I read somewhere (years ago) that if you wear glasses to drive, you should have a spare pair in the car (not sure if this is 100% correct).

I always obtain a "Green Card" from my insurers, but I believe your insurance policy will cover you for driving abroad, and the "Green Card" is a bit old fashioned - BUT, always good to produce all documents if you need to!

All the other stuff you mentioned is needed + makes good sense to have in the car anyway.

I believe the AA offer a "Get You Home Service" if the car breaks down....

Jay m A

iTrader: (2)

I think the petrol you need is l'optimax - sans plomb

And if you are a French farmer in an unroadworthy 2CV van type thingy, drinking is compuslory!

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for the advice!

I'm a contact lense wearer, but I'm not happy unless I have my glasses with me if I'm on a long journey.

My insurer has advised that the on the back of the certificate, there is cover for Europe so a Green Card is not required.

Good call about the AA, I've just had a look and it's only £27 for a long weekend. Better safe than sorry!

Thanks again!

Justin, sans plomb is better than the car is use to!!

Turbotits

iTrader: (2)

You also now need to be carrying reflective jackets for the number of people in the car(4 occupants= 4 jackets). Its a new law in France. There is an iso number they need to be compliant with which i cant remember, A search should reveal it.

brybusa

sans plomb just means "without lead" I think...not super unleaded

.........and dont get nicked speeding!!!

http://www.bmwcarclubforum.co.uk/for...TID=18758&PN=1

AndyC_772

iTrader: (2)

The RAC disagrees about reflective jackets; they may be required in Italy, but not France according to them. http://www.rac.co.uk/travelservices/...dvisor/france/

Would appreciate confirmation - I'll be driving through France myself later this year.

Turbotits

iTrader: (2)

when i went to france 2 weeks ago on the seacat there leaflet says its a must in France.Whether this is true or false i cant say.It wasnt a problem for me as i carry two all the time anyway.

Just had a look on the AA's site and it says Italy,Spain,Portugal and Austria need to have reflective jackets nothing about France.

GRIFF007

how about a spare car, in case yours breaks down....?!

Oldfella

iTrader: (3)

iirc two warning triangles may be required, I'd check if I was you

stevem2k

Bigger turbo ?

AndyC_772

iTrader: (2)

Don't encourage him

stevem2k

it's only a matter of time

Vegescoob

Subaru Assist £75 (last year, July, may be more?) a year to include European Cover.
Mine is UK car, don't know if they cover imports.

green_legacy

Yep.
Yep, or Euro numberplate on the back.
Yep again, compulsory just about everywhere on the continent.
Yep again, occasionally french plod check for that if they stop you.
AFAIK neither are compulsory in France, although the first aid kit is in other countries (Germany and Austria, for example).

Unless stupidly modded you can forgo the expensive Optimax-type juice and simply fill up with 'Sans Plomb 98' - 98 octane unleaded, readily available even at supermarkets. Supermarkets are generally cheaper to fill up at (often considerably) - when I went there on the last BH weekend fuel prices varied between 1.25/l on the motorway to 1.11/l at the supermarket.

Keep in mind that not all of the smaller petrol stations accept non-French credit cards at their payment machines, so take some cash. Apart from motorway service stations, most petrol stations are closed on Sundays - keep that in mind, preferably before running out of juice...