Just had this from a friend who lives in France:
As from 1st July 2008 important changes have taken place with regards driving in France.
These apply to ALL ROADS, not just Autoroutes.
1) Every car MUST carry an Approved Warning Triangle, to be placed 50 metres before the Breakdown / Accident and to be used together with Hazard Flashers. Large vehicles i.e. Camper vans and Caravans MUST CARRY 2 triangles, one to be placed EACH side of the obstruction.
2) High Visibility jackets MUST be carried in the vehicle. The exact number is not clear, but it is suggested enough for EACH person in the vehicle should they need to get out in the event of an accident / breakdown.
3) Spare Bulb kit and First Aid kit also required BUT there is no requirement for a Fire Extinguisher
4) Motorcyclists are also required to carry High Visibility jackets, spare bulbs and first aid kit, but no warning triangle !
5) For those of a more sporty nature, from 1st September 2008, ALL pedal cyclists riding at night OUTSIDE a town / village must wear a High Visibility jacket and every pedal cyclist (no matter where or what time) must wear one in poor visibility.
Gendarmerie / Police Nationale are stopping vehicles (especially UK ones) and fines START AT 90 euros for not having one of the required items.
If you go to Spain, 2 triangles are required for all cars, and any type of wired equipment from mobile phones / Sat Nav etc which have earpieces (this includes built in systems to crash helmets) IS ILLEGAL.
Beware of the above, and don't have your holiday spoilt !
Some of the above has been mentioned here before, but there are one or two bits that were new to me. Hope it helps someone.
Gary
As from 1st July 2008 important changes have taken place with regards driving in France.
These apply to ALL ROADS, not just Autoroutes.
1) Every car MUST carry an Approved Warning Triangle, to be placed 50 metres before the Breakdown / Accident and to be used together with Hazard Flashers. Large vehicles i.e. Camper vans and Caravans MUST CARRY 2 triangles, one to be placed EACH side of the obstruction.
2) High Visibility jackets MUST be carried in the vehicle. The exact number is not clear, but it is suggested enough for EACH person in the vehicle should they need to get out in the event of an accident / breakdown.
3) Spare Bulb kit and First Aid kit also required BUT there is no requirement for a Fire Extinguisher
4) Motorcyclists are also required to carry High Visibility jackets, spare bulbs and first aid kit, but no warning triangle !
5) For those of a more sporty nature, from 1st September 2008, ALL pedal cyclists riding at night OUTSIDE a town / village must wear a High Visibility jacket and every pedal cyclist (no matter where or what time) must wear one in poor visibility.
Gendarmerie / Police Nationale are stopping vehicles (especially UK ones) and fines START AT 90 euros for not having one of the required items.
If you go to Spain, 2 triangles are required for all cars, and any type of wired equipment from mobile phones / Sat Nav etc which have earpieces (this includes built in systems to crash helmets) IS ILLEGAL.
Beware of the above, and don't have your holiday spoilt !
Some of the above has been mentioned here before, but there are one or two bits that were new to me. Hope it helps someone.
Gary
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