Driving in France

www.abd.org.uk, 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/fuelcost.

- www.theaa.com - Automobile Association.

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

www.rac.co.uk - driving tips for France (look under "RAC Knowhow").
www.bogush.fsnet.co.uk - A source of many useful links for U.K. drivers.
www.sytadin.tm.fr - Interesting link about Paris traffic conditions - (in French).

Speed cameras in France
 - www.controleradar.org, French radar control site - check before you go. Look at the menu marked "technology" - full of useful information.

www.securiteroutiere.gouv.fr - France.
www.infotrafic.com - What is the traffic like where you are heading? (in French).
a.ccl.free.fr - French Camping Car web site (in French).
www.iru.org - European fuel prices and history. Updated fortnightly.

- www.infotrafic.com

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

Autoroutes
www.franceautoroutes.com - French autoroutes.
www.autoroutes.fr - All about the autoroutes.
www.mappy.com - French site - if you are travelling by car in Europe - calculates route & tariffs.
www.route.equipement.gouv.fr - French Government information on roads (in French).

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

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

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 www.slowtrips.com (photos) & www.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 athe 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.

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

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.

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.

Road conditions in the North of France (in French)

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

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.

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

French Speed Cameras

Speed cameras, some hidden in cars are becoming more common in France. Many are fixed but not all are. Watch out for speed cameras ON the autoroutes. Unlike the U.K. where speed cameras are generally in residential areas, in France the opposite is true.

There are also speed cameras in the Calais area now, and fines are enforced if the driver is from the U.K.

 - www.controleradar.org, French radar control site - check before you go. Look at the menu marked "technology" - full of useful information.

Ministry of Ecology and Energy - list of new speed cameras in France. www.securiteroutiere.gouv.fr

Watch out for;

1) Northbound on the A16 between Boulogne and Calais near Junction 37 opposite Aire des Deux caps. Speed limit 130km/hour.

2) Northbound on the N43 between St Omer and Calais near the village of Bayenghem-lès-Eperlecques. Speed limit 70km/hour.

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. Check they are all working. You must also have spares 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 and first aid kit are advisable.

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

Route planners - France

Speed limit in France

Toll motorways 130km/h (80 m.p.h.), wet 110km/h (70 m.p.h.)

Non Toll Motorways, two lane roads and single lanes separated by an island; 110km/h (70 m.p.h.), and 100km/h when raining

Regional roads including Route National 90km/h (55 m.p.h.) and 80km/h when raining

Built up areas 50km/h (30 m.p.h.) - the town name starts the limit, a bar through the town name marks the end of the limit.

Any time when visibility less than 50 metres: 50km/h

The French Government have recently begun a serious crackdown on bad driving. Any foreign driver caught doing 25km more than the official speed limit will suffer the immediate loss of their licence. Other speeders will have to pay a heavy fine immediately.

If you have recently passed your driving test, please note that in France you cannot exceed 90km/h for the first two years after passing your test.

You cannot drive in France until you are 18.

Normally, Police station a "hidden" car on a bridge or in a lay-by about 5km from a toll gate. However speed cameras, some hidden in cars are becoming more common. ON-THE-SPOT fines are the order of the day. If you cannot pay immediately your car can be impounded. They can monitor your speed by checking the times on the ticket. They only issue tickets if you are a resident of that country. Other European Countries

www.controleradar.org, French radar control site - check before you go. Look at the menu marked "technology" - full of useful information.

Radar detectors illegal in France - they will be confiscated even if switched off, and you will be fined (750 euro!)

Paying a fine - www.amendes.gouv.fr

French Police often use radar guns to catch unwary motorists.

Penalties - France

Police collect fines on the spot. Alcohol between 0.05 - 0.08, 135 euro (maximum fine 4,500 euro). A 30% reduction for minor offences may be granted if paid on the spot or within 24 hours. If you feel you are not at fault, you will be asked to pay a deposit (amende forfaitaire). A receipt must be issued showing the amount paid. Similar rules exist in Belgium.
Speeding fines - the average fine is about 135 euro. Ranging from 750 euro (Exceeding limit by between 20 - 40km/h), to 1,500 euro (50km/h more than limit).

If you need to pay a fine, you can pay by cheque or with a timbre which can be bought at a Tabac. Keep a receipt as proof of payment.

2004 - Penalties have increased substantially and are being enforced more vigourously - be careful (90% of drivers stopped recently outside Calais on the autoroute were English).

Parking in France

Free on roads with a dotted white line or no markings at all.
Orange dotted lines - pay at metre (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

Check the signs - small towns often use available space for markets. Leave your car there and it will be towed away.

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 are very expensive however.

We have found that the Total Elf garage just off the roundabout on the way to Auchan Supermarket is generally the most competitive of them all.

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

- 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, Rids de poules = potholes, Sortie = exit, Toutes Directions = All directions, Vous n'avez pas la priorité = Give way.

General

Drive on the right of the road in France

Priorité - in built up areas you must give way to anyone coming out of a side turning on the right, but 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 - Wearing rear seat belts - no children under 10 in front seats. Seat belts compulsory when fitted.

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 17 - Ambulance 15

17 years old? No drivers under 18 even with U.K. licence.

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

Radio; www.radiofrance.fr

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

U.K. Motorways; Automobile Association - www.theaa.com, Royal Automobile Club - www.rac.co.uk

Driving Licences (U.K.); www.dvla.gov.uk

Advice from the DVLA for U.K.

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.dvla.gov.uk.

Passports; www.ukpa.gov.uk

- EPassportPhoto, change your digital photo online into a passport size photo. www.epassportphoto.com

Drinking and Driving

The limit is LOW - 0.5g/litre (U.K. is 0.8g/litre).

Click on En Savoir Plus, then L'alcool et vos capacités au volant, then Le test on-line

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

Busy times on the autoroutes

Weekends and other difficult periods (2008)

13th to 17th July - the first big holiday departure.

Last weekend of July (the most busy of the summer) - 25th to 27th.

The first weekend of August - 1st to 3rd.

Other weekends to watch

Second week of July - 7th to 13th.

Fourth weekend of July - 25th to 27th.

Second weekend of August - 15th to 17th (Assumption weekend).

Third weekend of August - 22nd to 24th (returning holidaymakers).

Last weekend of August - 29th to 31st (returning holidaymakers).

Travel insurance

Car Insurance