Driving in France

Association of British Drivers - a group highlighting many issue of concern to motorists. E.g. How much tax you pay on fuel. www.abd.org.uk / www.abd.org.uk/fuelcost

- Automobile Association. www.aatravelinsurance.com

- Royal Automobile Club. www.rac.co.uk

Driving tips for France (look under "Plan a trip"). www.rac.co.uk

Interesting link about Paris traffic conditions - (in French). www.sytadin.tm.fr

Speed linits and speed cameras in France

French Camping Car web site (in French). a.ccl.free.fr

European fuel prices and history. Updated fortnightly. www.iru.org

- What is the traffic like where you are heading? (in French). www.infotrafic.com

- European speed and alcohol limits. www.acl.lu

Autoroutes

French autoroutes. www.franceautoroutes.com

All about French autoroutes. www.autoroutes.fr

French site - if you are travelling by car in Europe - calculates route & tariffs. www.mappy.co.uk

French Government information on roads (in French). www.route.equipement.gouv.fr

 - Bison Futé, France road information. Bison-fute.equipement.gouv.fr

More

Breakdown

Europe Assistance web site. www.europ-assistance.co.uk

- Conticomfortkit, an emergency tyre repair unit, with replacement filler units. www.conticomfortkit.co.uk

Luxembourg

- Traffic reports, Luxembourg motorways. www.cita.lu

Television

BBC Ceefax page 431.

 - ITV Teletext 162 & 163.

- Slow Travel is a community of people who like to travel and experience new places! www.slowtrav.com

Also Sloweurope.com (photos) & Slowtalk.com (message board).

Summer autoroute and driving advice from Bison Futé - France

Tel: 0033 892 687 888

Bison futé is a government funded advice agency for travellers in France, with the objective of reducing traffic congestion by giving useful tips and advice. Giving useful advice and tips - maps can be obtained from the French Tourist Office in Piccadilly. Suggested alternative routes (BIS) help you avoid jams (green signs). There are 59 centres dotted throughout France where you can stop for help and advice on toll charges. Between 15th June and 31st August the centres are open daily.

Free telephone calls for travel information can be made from the orange call boxes situated every 4km on main roads, 2km on motorways.

There is a Bison Futé office on the A16 near Boulogne. For drivers going via Dunkirk and following the A25, A1, A26 route east and south, there is an office on the A1 just south of Lille. For people coming from Calais, short of a detour the first office is on the A6 just south of Beaune.

Bison Futé. www.bison-fute.equipement.gouv.fr

In this article; Practical advice - Help on the web - Did you know? - Busy Places - Petrol - Repairs - Picnics and Food

Practical Advice - car checklist

1 - Prepare your car. A priority are your tyres - don't forget the spare. If using a roof rack, make sure your luggage is firmly attached. Don't overload

2 - Choose a good day to depart. Bison Futé recommends Sunday as the best weekend day. Expect delays on the A25 (Dunkirk - Lille) between 6.00 and 9.00pm.

3 - Prepare your itinerary. Prepare your route before you go. Use the autoroute for long stretches of the journey. Use your plan and stop for rests where suggested every two hours (route planners).

4 - Leave prepared. You should know where you will be resting, before your leave. An early morning or late afternoon start is better. Avoid driving at night unless you had a sleep beforehand. Being prepared for your journey also means avoiding all alcohol, taking medication which may affect you, large meals and anything which will contribute to reducing your attention on the road.

5 - Stop and rest during the journey. Keep your plans and itinerary in the glove box. Listen to the radio for warnings and advice (107.7 FM). Stop often, after about 2 hours driving maximum. This is a good time to check your plans or change drivers.

Journey planning - Where to get help

Route planners

Traffic & jams - Bison Futé is the French Government organisation which helps motorists plan their journeys, avoid blackspots and get there safely. www.bison-fute.equipement.gouv.fr

On the autoroutes. www.autoroutes.fr

- France 2 is the largest French public television network and has a page offering traffic information and planning. www.france2.fr

For information on road conditions, consult regional information centres before you set off. The telephone numbers are;

Ile-de-France/Centre - 0033 1 48 99 33 33.

North - 0033 320 47 33 33.

East - 0033 387 63 33 33.

West - 0033 299 32 33 33.

South-West - 0033 556 96 33 33.

Rhone-Alpes/Auvergne - 0033 472 81 57 33.

Mediterranean - 0033 491 78 78 78.

For motorway conditions throughout France: Autoroute information - 0033 1 47 05 90 01.

Busy sections of the autoroute

North France - A19 around Lille, A31 Luxembourg to Dijon, A13 Pont l'Evêque - Dozulé (on the way to Caen after Pont de Normandie)

Western France - connection between N175 and A84 Pont Farcy - Ste Pience (route from Caen to Mont St. Michel), A81 Péage de la Gravelle, around Rennes, N165 between Lorient and Vannes, around Angers, the region around Nantes, A83 Oulmes and N148 Benet.

Central France - A20 Limoges, N20 Souillac - Cahors.

Eastern France - A7 Lyon - Orange.

Southern France - around Bordeaux, South Aquitaine, N20 Foix - Andorre, N9 Millau, A9 Orange - Narbonne, A8 Salon de Provence - Nice.

Busy times on the autoroutes

Bison Futé traffic conditions in France.

- January to December 2010 (pdf). www.bison-fute.equipement.gouv.fr

Calendar showing problem areas on the autoroutes. Find out how busy your planned day of travel will be. www.asf.fr

Note - If passing through a city, expect jams from 7.00 to 9.00am, and from 5.00 to 7.00pm weekdays throughout the year.

Weekends and other difficult periods in 2010

14th July - Bastille Day, many people returning home from visits to family and other attractions.

Every weekend in July and August is busy on the roads in France. The first and second weekends in July see the cities empty. The last two weekends of August are especially busy with returning holidaymakers.

The second weekend of July and the last/first weekend of July/August are to be avoided if at all possible.

The second weekend in August (Assumption) also sees many people visiting friends and family.

October holiday week (Tuissant) - 23rd and 24th October, Friday 29th, Sunday 31st October.

Weekend before Christmas (school holidays start 19th December) - 18th and 19th December.

Christmas weekend - 24th to 27th December.

Useful link (realtime map). www.infotrafic.com

Roadworks in France, planning

European law regarding enforcement of traffic fines

Did you know?

- that one driver in two that passes over the Spanish border at Biriatou has already driven more than 1,600km, for more than 10 hours, and not stopped for 5 hours on average.

- that during 1999, there were 1,512 deaths on French roads, 29,624 injuries and 20,922 accidents

- that in summer accidents are less frequent but more serious and with more victims

- that motorcyclists represent 30% of all fatalities in the summer, and 10% annually

- that young or new drivers are more susceptible to fatigue than older more experienced drivers

- that the drivers capacity to react quickly can save lives. If you feel your driver is getting tired make him / her stop and rest.

- that 80% of driving activity is visual - it is important to keep your eyes on the road at all times.

- that over weekends 50% of cars have two occupants, 17% three, and 16% four or more.

- that in July the occupants in 1 in 6 vehicles are from neighbouring countries, and in the period from the end of July through the first week of August, on the North - South roads, 1 in 2 are foreigners.

Petrol Price explosion - Prices

A recent survey shows that year on year, fuel prices rise. Where you can stop off at the supermarkets, often close to the autoroute junctions in the main towns, we suggest you fill up there.

Breakdowns recovery & repairs - Insurance

Use the orange SOS phones which are situated every 2km on motorways and every 4km on dual carriageways and other major roads. Each one has a number. You will be expected to give your identity, your position, the type, colour and size of your vehicle, as well as the registration number. Motorists can only call the police or the official breakdown service operating in that area, and cannot request assistance from their own company if they break down on a motorway.

Warning triangles or hazard warning lights are mandatory in the event of an accident or break down in France. If you have an accident, it must be placed at least 30 metres from the vehicle. You must use your hazard lights.

Breakdowns come more often than you may wish on a long journey.

Breakdown costs in France (depannage)

If you have an accident

If you need an ambulance use the orange SOS phones, or dial 15 at a normal phone. You must also call the police (dial 17). Do not call the Police unless there is an injury or dispute (such as the other driver refusing to co-operate and fill out the forms).

If a vehicle is damaged you should fill out "European Accident Statement" form (constat à l'amiable), which comes with your green card. Get it signed by the other driver. If you do not have a form, swap personal and insurance details with the other party (always keep the blue "constat à l'amiable" in the car).

If you have hired or rented a vehicle you must also fill out a damage assessment form (you will find them in the glove compartment of your rental car). It must be signed by the other party, and in the event of a dispute or a refusal to complete the form, you should immediately obtain a constat d'huissier (this is a written report from a bailiff or huissier). Also notify your car hire office as soon as possible.

The French Fire service is trained to give first aid. Don't call an ambulance unless it is an emergency.

Picnic

72% of travellers have a picnic on the way. There are many "aires" where you can stop in comfort in scenic locations. Plan your journey and reach your destination safely.

Driver checklist

Make sure you have: Insurance documents (check that it is up to date before you travel), Green Card and a "European Accident Statement" form, original Log Book or car registration documents (Carte Grise), MOT certificate, up to date Driving Licence (preferably the new euro photo licence), Red warning triangle, fluorescent jacket, spare bulbs, first aid kit, spare cash for speeding fines (credit cards not accepted), display GB sticker (at least 6.9in by 4.5in).

In Belgium you must have a fire extinguisher as well. As a courtesy please use beam converters so that you don't dazzle oncoming drivers. We suggest you notify your United Kingdom insurer before you travel. If the vehicle is not yours, take a letter from the owner authorising you to use it.

TIP; Beam deflectors - don't waste money buying stick-on deflectors. Most head lamps mark off the area to black out - check your car manual for more details.

Keep copies of all documentation as a precaution, and a list of relevant telephone numbers in case of an emergency. European legislation now means you are covered in Europe (the old green card), but bear in mind it is only for third party insurance and not comprehensive. If you have an accident, try and take some photographs. Always check with your insurer just what your insurance covers. We suggest you notify your United Kingdom insurer before you travel. If the vehicle is not yours, take a letter from the owner authorizing you to use it.

Green Card - All European car insurance policies provide a minimum level of cover in order to drive a car on mainland Europe. It is worth asking for a copy when taking out a policy or renewing it, as you should have it with you when driving abroad. bear in mind that some companies are now charging for this.

From 1 July 2008, motorists must carry a yellow fluorescent jacket and warning triangle while driving in France. During the introductory period, drivers will be cautioned about the requirement if stopped, but eventually drivers will face a fine. Additionally you have to keep the jacket in the occupied part of the car not the boot.

Vehicle checklist

A service, whether or not it is due is always advisable. Breaking down half way to your destination is always inconvenient with or without insurance.

Breakdown insurance

Carry out the usual checks before you go. Check the;

1 - Fluid levels (Brake, Oil and Coolants)

2 - Tyre condition and pressure. Ensure that your car tyres have at least 1.6 millimetres of tread, the AA recommend a minimum of 2mm.

3 - Brakes. Never start a long journey without having your brakes checked.

4 - Lights. All car lamps, lenses and reflectors must be working. You must also have spare bulbs available.

5 - Deflector strips for your headlights are good manners and required on the continent.

6 - GB sticker if you don't have European number plates.

7 - A warning triangle, fluorescent jacket, and a first aid kit are now a legal requirement.

8 - A good selection of maps (large and small scale) is always helpful - remember it is easy to get lost abroad.

Route planners - France

Parking in France

Free on roads with a dotted white line or no markings at all.

Orange dotted lines - pay at meter (horodateur).

You may not park your vehicle for more than 24 hours unless it is in a long term car parking area.

Do not park against kerbs painted yellow.

Parking is forbidden in the centre of many major Many towns have a 'Zone Bleu' parking area, which requires a blue disc windscreen sticker which can be bought from the local tobacconist or garage.

Pay-parking meters are operated by a parking card. These can be bought at a Tabac.

Cars parked in disabled spaces must display a GIG - GIC blue disabled person's parking badge in the window.

Overnight parking in Calais

Petrol and Diesel - out of hours

Arriving early or very late? Many people use the Elf garage off exit 3 on the A26 as you leave the port. There is also a garage soon after you leave Eurotunnel. Both can be expensive however. If you have a credit card the supermarkets garages all operate out of hours now. The closest supermarket garage near the port is at Carrefour, which is off exit 3 on the A26 autoroute. The closest to Eurotunnel is at Cite Europe. We have found that the Total Elf garage just off the roundabout on the way to Auchan can be reasonably cheap as well.

Sundays - Intermarche Supermarket is open until 11.30am on Sundays.

Road Signs translation - more

In general, triangular signs are warning signs, rectangular signs give information and circular signs prohibit you from doing something.

- Give way to right

- Give way to left and right

- You have priority

- You have priority (yellow lozenge sign)

- Your right to priority ends

Autres Directions = other directions, Cédez le passage = give way, Chaussée deformer = uneven road/ temporary surface, Déviation = Diversion, Gravillons = loose chippings, Passage protégé = your right of way, Péage = Toll, Priorité piétons = give way to pedestrians, Rappel = reminder, Nids de poules = potholes, Sortie = exit, Toutes Directions = All directions, Vous n'avez pas la priorité = Give way.

Winter - Pas de salage - Road not salted, Pas de salage sur la bretelle - not salted on the slip road, slippery surface, usually accompanied by the word "Verglas", meaning black ice.

General

Drive on the right of the road in France

Priorité - the "priorité à droite" rule, still applies at unmarked crossroads in the countryside, in small villages, and for minor streets in cities, unless a sign with a yellow lozenge tells you otherwise. Basically this means that in built up areas you must give way to anyone coming out of a side turning on the right. Older drivers shoudl remember that the old priorité rule on roundabouts has been rescinded. All roads of any significance have right of way called "passage protégé". Pay particular attention to any signs displaying a large flashing 'X indicating you do not have priority (even if it appears that you have right of way).

Flashing your lights - confusingly, if a French driver does this he is letting you know he has right of way.

Continental drivers - Drivers on the continent often react differently or in an unexpected way. Allow extra space and time just in case.

CB radios - equipment operating in the band 26,960 to 27,410 may be used by visitors holding a British Telecom Licence, providing it bears their agreement number, power does not exceed 4 watts & the maximum number of channels is 40.

Seat Belts - You must wear seat belts whether you are sitting in the back or front of the vehicle. No children under 10 in front seats, unless the child is in a specially approved fitted seat facing backwards.

Stop every two hours - Experts recommend you stop for 15 minutes after every two hours of driving, if you want to maintain high levels of concentration.

Emergency numbers: Fire 18, Police/Gendarmerie 17, Ambulance 15, Operator 13, Directory enquiries 12

17 years old? No drivers under 18 even with United Kingdom licence. You may not drive in France with a United Kingdom provisional licence.

European Health Insurance Card (formerly E111) for emergency medical treatment. (0800 555 777). More

Radio; - Radio France. www.radiofrance.fr

- French Radio and TV -

French Highway Code; www.alpharoute.info (in French)

United Kingdom Motorways; Automobile Association - www.aatravelinsurance.com / Royal Automobile Club - www.rac.co.uk

Driving Licences (UK); www.dft.gov.uk

Check your photo licence now. Many of those issued when they were introduced had an end date that was not the licence end date. This is because the photo needing replacing every ten years). Notifications are not always sent out. Check "4b" on your licence, otherwise you will have issues when hiring a car or if you are stopped abroad. Always carry your paper licence as well and store a photocopy in case of emergencies.

Advice from the DVLA for United Kingdom.

Drivers Hiring a car for the summer holiday? Make sure you've updated your driving licence.

As plans for the big summer getaway begin, DVLA is urging motorists to check that their driving licence is up to date if they are planning on hiring a car during their holiday.

An estimated 1 million people will hire a car this summer and the driving licence will be the first form of identification car rental companies will ask for. Yet one in four drivers hold an inaccurate, out of date driving licence and DVLA is today advising drivers to check your paperwork and update your driving licence before you go.

Information held on your photocard licence and paper counterpart is used to verify entitlement, proof of name and address when hiring a car. Considerable time is wasted if this information does not correlate with the details held on other forms of identification, like utility bills. Inconsistencies in the information provided will raise concerns over your identity and rental car companies are unlikely to rent a car to you if they cannot confirm your identification.

Linda Weaver, DVLA's Accuracy Co-ordination Group Manager said: "Many people will be thinking about the all things that need to be arranged for their summer break. They'll book time off work, arrange the accommodation and even buy clothes especially for the holiday, yet they won't think about some of the more practical details like updating your driving licence. Don't be stuck on holiday without the identification needed to hire your car.

It is a legal requirement to hold an accurate, up to date driving licence and motorists who fail to notify DVLA of a change in name and/or address could face a £1000 fine if they fail to update their details.

Notifying DVLA of changes in name and address is free of charge and simple to do.

For further information on how to update your driving licence and/or vehicle registration document/certificates go to your local Post Office or log on to www.dft.gov.uk

Passports - more information

Foreign and Commonwealth Office "Steer Clear Campaign"

Launching its Steer Clear campaign, the FCO has commissioned research that shows that we prepare very poorly for trips overseas involving cars.

A spokesman said: “Crime can be a real issue, with a growing number of British motorists, particularly those towing caravans, being targeted by ‘highway pirates’ and losing their valuables in a ‘motorway mugging’.

“With its research showing that the over 55s are the holidaymakers most likely to drive a car abroad, the FCO is urging them to prepare before they set off.

"Over half of those who drive their own car abroad don’t take their driving license and car registration documents and nearly two thirds don’t carry details of their breakdown policy.

"Almost three quarters of over 55s wouldn’t be prepared in an emergency as they don’t carry telephone numbers for local emergency services, breakdown services or the local British Consulate.”

Foreign and Commonwealth Office. www.fco.gov.uk

Foreign and Commonwealth Office travelling tips. www.fco.gov.uk

Foreign and Commonwealth Office travelling tips for driving in France. www.fco.gov.uk

Drinking and Driving

The law relating to drink driving are stricter in France compared with the United Kingdom. Maximum blood-alcohol levels are 0.5 mg/ml compared with the UK's 0.8 mg/ml.

Drunk drivers caught with a reading up to 0.8 mg/ml face a 135 euro fine and the loss of three licence points.

Above 0.8 mg/ml, you have to go to Court where the fine is up to 4,500 euro. Additionally you may lose your licence and face a maximum two-year prison term.

Random breath tests are frequent.

Useful terms

Etes-vous une femme ? un homme? - Are you a woman? a man?

Votre poids? kg - Your weight? kg

Votre taille? cm - Your height? cm

Admettons que vous avez commencé de boire il y a __ heure (s) - Since you started to drink it has been __ hour/s

et que vous avez consommé - and you have consumed;

__ verre de bière (3 dl) - glass of beer (3dl)

__ apéritif (3 dl) - aperitif (3 dl)

__ verre de vin (1 dl) - glass of wine (1 dl)

__ digestif (0.4 dl) - digestive (0.4 dl)

calculer - to calculate.

tout effacer - erase all

Travel insurance

Breakdown Insurance