An update to travelling in France / SatNav et al

General General Lotus Talk
1

Speed Cameras - The French legislation is not well written, because unless the camera on the SatNav is shown in the exact position, then it is not illegal to have them, also if they are named something like �Warning Dangerous Area� it is OK. Garmin have updated their Zumo 660 SatNav software to indicated speed camera sites like this, which then complies with the French Law. Pocket GPSWorld camera warnings are to be changed for France to comply. The Law was brought in to try and outlaw a device in France called �Coyote� but they have got around it in the same way. France seem to have not thought out the Law very sensible, I believe Switzerland Law on Speed Cameras is a lot tighter.

Other Things You Need to Carry (it may not be comprehensive)

Complete Set of Bulbs � I had my local dealer sort the bulbs, it was a headlamp bulb, Rear Light and Indicator Bulbs, not that many which I carry in an old tobacco tin, except the headlamp bulb.

First Aid Kit � a small one will do, they do not take up much room but important.
Warning Triangle � you can get a really compact one from MandP http://www.mandp.co.uk/productinfo/579945/Gifts-and-Miscellaneous/Safety-items/Bike-Sight/Motorcycle- Warning-Triangle

Breathalyser - (From 1st July) these can be the cheap single use one offs from the internet, but you must carry one and you will be fined if you do not.
Lastly do not forget all your documents: Passport, PhotoID Driving Licence, Insurance, Registration Documents, Medical Insurance Cover and Breakdown Cover.

And of course the Hi Viz jackets :wink:

2

Cheers Podger - much appreciated. Don’t forget the Hi-vis jacket for all occupants also.

3

I have read that having this in the boot of your car is not good enough. It has to be in a position it can be reached from the driver’s seat so that it can be grabbed and put on immediately when getting out of your car. Not sure if this is true or not but I now carry mine between the seat and chassis rail.

4

Exactly - I stick this, the bulb kit and the warning triangle (and now I suppose the ‘drunk test kit’) in the space between the chassis rail and the rear of the drivers seat for easy reach/

5

Yep, driver’s high-viz has to be in the car so it can be put on before getting out. Passenger(s) also need them but these can be in the boot.

6

So where are people buying these from?

7

At the UK ports, if not available at Halfords :wink:

8

Bought all mine on eBay for a fraction of the Halfords price;

Clicky

Clicky

All loaded in the van ready for the off tomorrow.

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Have a great time, Harvey & Karen :sunglasses:

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Cheers Rob - heres hoping the VHPD holds up :smiley:

11

Bought all mine on eBay for a fraction of the Halfords price

12

Link?

The 1st several pages of ebay seemed to be filled with digital versions - are these legal in France.

Cheapest at a quick glance appars to be this one:

Twin-pack-Accurate-Disposable-Alcohol-Tester-

13

Please note that the Gendarmerie are NOT allowed to check your GPS device… If your GPS has speed cam warning on it, turn it off before getting out of the car. They cannot ask to turn it on, to check. If they do, mention it is illegal. :smiley:

My local Gendarmerie told me this last night :wink: at a vehicle check point :smiley: