Hi All,we are going to Spain via France in November and have some questions.1,is it ok to have reg plates with the GB sign on them instead of a stick on GB sticker,and does the car need to have the GB sign on both front and rear.2,is there a toll charge at the Dartford crossing if so any idea how much?we are only driving an vectra not towing.3 We will be enterring Spain from the Perpignan side so when we get to the spanish border will we be required to stop and show any documents etc?.4,is it acceptable to drive with clear light lenses or would it be better to change them to yellow?.I already know to change the beam angle for driving on the right.Many thanks,Kev & Christina.
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- Thread starter nadsia
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Hi Kev & Christina,
I can tell you that there is a toll for the Dartford Crossing,
Registration plates with GB & the EU 'circle of stars' are all you need but plates with UK or a flag are not, in which case you need a GB sticker on both the car & caravan.
France hasn't had yellow headlights for many years, so you just need beam deflectors or to adjust your headlights.
For France, you need at least one reflective jacket that is accessable from within the car & one approved warning triange, which can be in the boot.
Again for France, in spite of what they say at the ports, you do not need a first aid kit, fire extinguisher or spare bulbs, although if you are stopped because a bulb has failed, you will not be allowed to continue until it is replaced.
France hasn't had yellow headlights for many years, so you just need beam deflectors or to adjust your headlights.
For France, you need at least one reflective jacket that is accessable from within the car & one approved warning triange, which can be in the boot.
Again for France, in spite of what they say at the ports, you do not need a first aid kit, fire extinguisher or spare bulbs, although if you are stopped because a bulb has failed, you will not be allowed to continue until it is replaced.
Thanks Nick,the wife wants to do the number plate thing i was opting for the GB Sticker(prob as it is cheaper option)so i guess she will say to get some number plates made up.We are driving solo so no van to worry about,many thanks.KevRegistration plates with GB & the EU 'circle of stars' are all you need but plates with UK or a flag are not, in which case you need a GB sticker on both the car & caravan.
France hasn't had yellow headlights for many years, so you just need beam deflectors or to adjust your headlights.
For France, you need at least one reflective jacket that is accessable from within the car & one approved warning triange, which can be in the boot.
Again for France, in spite of what they say at the ports, you do not need a first aid kit, fire extinguisher or spare bulbs, although if you are stopped because a bulb has failed, you will not be allowed to continue until it is replaced.
Hi All,if i use the number plate with the GB euro thing on it do i need to have it on both front and rear of car?.I am travelling without the caravan this trip.Many thanks.
In Spain everyone in the vehicle has to have a reflective jacket to hand to put on before exiting the vehicle - though what you do if the car is well on fire ????????????
Also I am told two triangles are required for breakdowns in Spain; one behind the car and one in front.
Since all this is likely to be needed here at some time in the future it might be no bad thing to get reflective jackets, triangles, first aid kits, fire extinguishers etc. now. Once all that becomes legislation the public minded suppliers will no doubt ramp up the prices for a captive market. My triangles and jackets came from Poundland. A well known chain of motor accessory shops now stock the selfsame triangles for around
Also I am told two triangles are required for breakdowns in Spain; one behind the car and one in front.
Since all this is likely to be needed here at some time in the future it might be no bad thing to get reflective jackets, triangles, first aid kits, fire extinguishers etc. now. Once all that becomes legislation the public minded suppliers will no doubt ramp up the prices for a captive market. My triangles and jackets came from Poundland. A well known chain of motor accessory shops now stock the selfsame triangles for around
Thanks Mike,we have got most stuff sorted an ready just could do with knowing about the number plate thing really.As we r not takin the van over with us i have the new syle reg plate on the van and was wondering weather to take that off and put it on the rear of the car.so now the question is do i need the same on the front ie new style on front aswell?Many thanks Kev & Christina.
I have the old style reg. plates on car and van with oval G.B. stick-ons on the rear of both. (The ferry company sends two with all booking correspondence - I've now got over a dozen of the things!)
Just to clarify Nicks comment-in France all passengers must be provided with refective jackets too, not just the driver.
In addition speed limits have changed this year to a max of 80 or 90 kmh according to outfit
In addition speed limits have changed this year to a max of 80 or 90 kmh according to outfit
just to clarify Nicks comment, in France, all passengers are now reuired to have a reflective jacket, as well as the driver.
Also the speed limits have changed this year to a max of 80 or 90 kmh according to outfit-details on the CC website
Also the speed limits have changed this year to a max of 80 or 90 kmh according to outfit-details on the CC website
On the numberplate issue, I've not really ever thought about only fitting an EU plate to the rear and it's possible that you would be OK if you did, but in some EU countries the blue strip is a legal requirement and it's possible that if you don't have a GB sticker and no blue strip on the front, then you might just have a problem. To be on the safe side you should either fit 2 EU approved plates or ensure you've got a GB sticker
John M
John M
Also the reflective jackets must be available without leaving the car. A lot of drivers keep them hanging over the seat backs but as my car has large door pockets, this is where mine are kept.
There is no need to stop when crossing the border (A9) but sometimes the customs (douane)have purges when coming from Spain to France.
There is no need to stop when crossing the border (A9) but sometimes the customs (douane)have purges when coming from Spain to France.
Many thanks to you all,all answers appreciated.Think we have it sussed now will now do the fine tuning over the next 8 or 9 weeks.Thanks Kev & Christina.Also the reflective jackets must be available without leaving the car. A lot of drivers keep them hanging over the seat backs but as my car has large door pockets, this is where mine are kept.
There is no need to stop when crossing the border (A9) but sometimes the customs (douane)have purges when coming from Spain to France.
Chris,
The law says 'a reflective jacket must be carried'
see http://www.securiteroutiere.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/Conduire_en_France_cle58d1a1.pdf
The law says 'a reflective jacket must be carried'
see http://www.securiteroutiere.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/Conduire_en_France_cle58d1a1.pdf
Nick,
You are quite correct in stating what must be carried in the car but you do not cover how the kit is to be used.
My internet in France (where I am) is a dial-up service service, so docs take forever to download, but I am fairly certain that the law states that hi-viz vests must be warn at anytime you are out of the vehicle, therefore, it would beg the question as to how you get from the drivers seat to the boot without one?
You are quite correct in stating what must be carried in the car but you do not cover how the kit is to be used.
My internet in France (where I am) is a dial-up service service, so docs take forever to download, but I am fairly certain that the law states that hi-viz vests must be warn at anytime you are out of the vehicle, therefore, it would beg the question as to how you get from the drivers seat to the boot without one?
Rod,Nick,
You are quite correct in stating what must be carried in the car but you do not cover how the kit is to be used.
My internet in France (where I am) is a dial-up service service, so docs take forever to download, but I am fairly certain that the law states that hi-viz vests must be warn at anytime you are out of the vehicle, therefore, it would beg the question as to how you get from the drivers seat to the boot without one?
I said:
For France, you need at least one reflective jacket that is accessable from within the car
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