I've been lurking here for a while getting tips about our first trip to France - leaving tonight Thanks for all the info.
Just one question about what we need. I've read we need to take our insurance certificate and V5 but would photocopies be okay or would we need the originals.
TIA
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Iam pretty sure that you need originals, we always took original AND a photocopy incase we ever needed to hand one over to 'officials'. Also being careful, we took copies of passports and kept the copies separate incase of theft/accident. Also worth noting is that some EU driving regs are becoming more widespread though not compulsory as yet, like having a first aid kit and being able to offer help if you witness an incident, a high viz vest, spare bulb set, warning triangle - all things you may have anyway and are worthwhile, but if you decide to wait until the ferry terminal they all cost more than if bought here.
Put your headlight convertor thingies on at the ferry port before you board, it is an offence to drive without them (at night).
And dont forget your E111 cards !
Alison
As CM says, Hi-Viz vests are not compulsory yet here in France, but the original documents for your vehicle are. You must also carry your passports around with you as ID if required by the gendarmes.
Also, if you need to wear specs for normal driving, then you must take a spare set with you.
Apart from that, enjoy the freedom of driving over here, but for goodness's sake, don't get caught speeding! They're really clamping down over here now.
Thanks for the replies - must dig out the originals now. Didn't know I had to have spare specs for driving and I don't have any. Don't think DH has either but he is planning on wearing contacts on holiday so I guess taking his specs and contacts will be okay.
Got my warning triangle and high vis jacket (all from Poundland ) and will do the headlamp convertors at the ferry post. Just need to get used to driving on the other side of the road.
We've got a long drive coming from Scotland so just hope the 2 children sleep. Wish us luck.
As CM says, Hi-Viz vests are not compulsory yet here in France,
But they are cheaper to buy in French supermarkets than in the UK (€2 each I think) - or they were when we were over - and they may well become compulsory in due course.
So, we bought some on our last visit to France/Spain and have put one for each passenger in each car (can't see the point of only having one per car) just in case. They've been used twice since then, due to punctures (one in a brand new tyre!) and it sure does make you feel safer knowing that you can be seen on a grotty day or in the twilight hours.
If you have to position somebody round a bend to slow traffic down, it's nice to know they have a hi-viz vest on too! :-) I had a blow-out in an offside rear tyre in a very awkward road and was extremely glad to have the vests. At around £6 for 4 vests it seemed like a good buy even if they are hardly ever used.
Oozat
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
I got my headlamp convertors in Halfords for £9. Wish I'd known about Tesco as there's a huge one in Portsmouth - where we're planning on having breakfast tomorrow morning.
We've got 2 hi-viz jackets (one for me, one for DH) never thought about the kids as they were huge. Must get some in France.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Driving in France
Thanks for all the info.
) and will do the headlamp convertors at the ferry post. Just need to get used to driving on the other side of the road.
