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Wonder if anyone can clarify the situation? - the various motoring organisations all indicate that a Fire Extinguisher is a "recommended item" for driving in France but "a recent survey by Comma" seems to indicate that it is compulsory and you could be subject to an on-the-spot fine if you aren't carrying one - see http://www.newcarnet.co.uk/Auto_news.html?id=4785 

There was also something about this on the news at the weekend too I have been told.

So what is it? Recommended or Compulsory? I'm sure I'm not the only one who would like to have a clear answer on this one.

Jon

Just to be on the safe side, I always carry one with me, just a small one, handy when you arrive on site too, for controlling out of control bbq's !

Joe

Yes Joe, would agree it's a good idea to carry one, but I would normally keep it in the van on site so it's accessible in an emergency. 

 Just wondered about driving around since, if it is compulsory, I would need to take it in the car if we went on day trips etc.

Jon

You will also need a Hi Viz bib in the car in case you brake down, if you are pulled over on a spot check and do not have: Fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and Hi Viz bib then you chould find yourself with a heffty fine, these laws are been introduced at the moment and are in the first year of infancy, so there is a chance that you will only be adviced to carry them in the future.

Also be aware that many European countries have introduced a law that states you must have your head lights on at all time regardless of weather conditions. Personaly I am not to sure if France is involved in this.

Quote: Originally posted by Nero on 25/07/2005

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You will also need a Hi Viz bib in the car in case you brake down, if you are pulled over on a spot check and do not have: Fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and Hi Viz bib then you chould find yourself with a heffty fine, these laws are been introduced at the moment and are in the first year of infancy, so there is a chance that you will only be adviced to carry them in the future.

Also be aware that many European countries have introduced a law that states you must have your head lights on at all time regardless of weather conditions. Personaly I am not to sure if France is involved in this.

 

dont keep the vest in the boot, you need to put it on before you get out after a breakdown, fine if you keep it in the boot.

bulb kit, vest, fire extinguisher,tringle,first aid kit and dipped lights. best to get it all to be safe.

floppy

BTW you need 2 triangles if going to spain

floppy

Quote: Originally posted by floppy01 on 26/07/2005

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Quote: Originally posted by Nero on 25/07/2005

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 breakdown, fine if you keep it in the boot.

bulb kit, vest, fire extinguisher,tringle,first aid kit and dipped lights. best to get it all to be safe.

floppy

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OK so my spelling is loosing the plot living in Italy for too long Sorry

Thought the Hi vis vest was only a recommended for France but compulsory now in some other countries (Spain?).

Jon

I don't thing it really matters if it is recommended or compulsory for peace of mind I think they are compulsory! We bought two at Makro for £14.99 each and one screwed to the inside of the caravan wardrobe and another with the tool kit in the car.

peace of mind is worth a lot.

I was on about fire extinguishers not high visibity vests! sorry should say what I mean! I never mentioned them!

Caroline