Driving in France - what to carry in the car?

[barry993tt]

Help please! For driving in France, do I need to carry:
- Registration document?
- Red Triangle?
- Light bulbs?
- Driving licence?

Do I have to take all of the above or can I leave any of these out?

Is there anything that I've missed?



>> Edited by barry993tt on Tuesday 24th May 11:29

[rsvmilly]

- Beer cooler
- paddling pool
- comedy inflatable animal/laydeez
- car insurance certificate

[lotussport350]

Safe & Legal
When travelling on the continent ensure you comply with European motoring requirements by carrying the following essential items of accident, emergency and breakdown equipment. For further information please visit the Reference section.
Headlamp Beam Adaptors

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Failure to adapt your headlamps at any time, day or night, will render your vehicle unfit for use on the road and could invalidate your motor insurance.
GB Plate

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A GB plate must be displayed on the rear of your vehicle, caravan or trailer.
Warning Triangles

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Drivers must be able to give prior warning of a hazard on the road. Hazard Warning Lights alone are NOT sufficient. Two Triangles are required for Spain.
Spare Bulb Kits

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Drivers must be in a position to replace any blown exterior light.
Fire Extinguisher and First Aid Kit

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The European Good Samaritan Law requires every driver to stop and provide assistance in the event of an accident.
Reflective Vest

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European law now requires all vehicles to carry reflective vests, for drivers AND their passengers, for use in the event of breakdowns or emergencies.

Passport as well

[rsvmilly]

lotussport350 said:

Stuff

Crickey. There can't be much room left for luggage in your Lotus can there?

[Rude Girl]

Take copies of your documents as well; the authorities do like to keep them as a souvenir.

I take an E111 and 3 copies too, for the same reason - if you do need hospital treatment, they tend to keep the one you give them, leaving you with nothing for if you need further treatment.

Oh, and if you're travelling with another car, then it's a reasonable precaution to put your documents in their car, and theirs in yours. Then if someone did nick your motor, they don't have all the docs to 'prove' it's theirs too.

>> Edited by Rude Girl on Tuesday 24th May 12:23

[barry993tt]

Thanks everyone. I don't really want to carry the Registation document (even in one of the other cars in the convoy) and by the looks of it, carrying it isn't compulsory is it?

[Tripps]

barry993tt said:

Thanks everyone. I don't really want to carry the Registation document (even in one of the other cars in the convoy) and by the looks of it, carrying it isn't compulsory is it?

I don't think its the law, but the v5 (or a Vehicle on Hire certificate if you hire or lease the vehicle) proves that you actually have a right to the vehicle, ie. you haven't nicked it.

[cazzer]

lotussport350 said:

Safe & Legal The European Good Samaritan Law requires every driver to stop and provide assistance in the event of an accident.

That could get quite crowded if you had an accident at the side of the motorway.

Seriously though "European Law", what?
We arn't a part of europe now?
Or should I be carrying a reflective vest in the car to nip down to sainsburys? Why did no one tell me?

[up-the-dubs]

cazzer said:

Seriously though "European Law", what? We arn't a part of europe now?

European law is generally accepted by all countries, but may be vito'd by individuals, but I may be wrong on this.

Either way, if it's law in France - you gotta abide by it. Bit silly though, the hi-vis thing.

[SEE YA]

Hello, you will also need a high viz vest or jacket in France. If you are stopped and you do not have one they will fine you. The idea of this is in case you have to change your tyre or break down at night.So that you can be seen.

I work in France that is how I know this new law came out about a few months ago.

SEE YA

>> Edited by SEE YA on Friday 27th May 08:31

[spivvy]

from the AA web site

www.theaa.com/allaboutcars/overseas/europe_advice.html

[gibo993]

where can you buy Hi Vis thingys

why does beermountain say take a photocopy of your driving license?

[DJFish]

As far as I know legal requirements are:
First aid kit
Breakdown triangle
Spare bulb kit
Bit of sticky on your headlight to look like you're making an effort

Other kit depends on what you're driving, however common sense suggests you carry the following:
High Viz vest-Obvious reasons
Tow rope/jump leads-You never know when they'll come in handy.
Glass cleaner-Use this to clean glass.
Cold water-If you're taking a cool box anyway why not use it?
Coolant/Oil-For those without Japanese cars.
Spare fuel-Esp. if you're travelling late or are no good at lighting a BBQ.
Photo copies of all your legal docs-Might come in handy, if not light BBQ with them.

[steve350]

So where do i get a spare bulb kit for my T350?

[steve_D]

steve350 said:

So where do i get a spare bulb kit for my T350?

List all the bulb types for your car.
Take it to Halfords and try and match it with the contents of one of their range of kits. Having found the closest modify it by buying any additional bulbs and bin the ones you don't need.

I think the closest I got for my Ultima was the plastic box.

Steve