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Tips for driving in France please

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3.3K views 18 replies 10 participants last post by  Davyd1975  
#1 ·
Sorry I ha e been away form the site recently. I have been busy.
This weekend I am taking part in a Cannonball Run style event. Having prepared the car, does anyone have recent experience driving the toll motorways in France? Are there speed cameras marked like on our motorways? Average speed or one time catch and are there any marked between the tolls which I could be caught on? I am planning on doing a full update on this event separately next week under road trips I think but any advice is appreciated. It's 800 miles from Calais to somewhere in France. Cheers
 
#4 ·
Going back many years, I recall pulling up on toll roads BEFORE hitting the next one.
Mind you, back then you ended up in a cell for several days, plus had your bike impounded at the speeds I hit.
With modern tech, I reckon that'd be even more likely.
I think the magic number was either 150, or 200 kph.

The UK lads have done a few trips in recent years, worth digging out their threads.
 
#6 ·
And stay away from city centres. It is a free-for-all and totally insane. Can't remember the city now but there were 4-way intersections at the four corners of this big monument. All lanes were totally jammed and the corners were absolutely packed.

Total chaos and we got out of there ASAP.
 
#7 ·
I don't know what they do there, but don't forget the distance between tolls is a known quantity and the toll taking gantries are required to record the time of passage. So any toll road with multiple tolls can easily be set to flag a warning of over the limit.

Good luck and I hope no one is injured including those not involved.
 
#9 ·
Exactly that.

Not been for a while, but it used to be that the Toll guys/machines at the booths know when you passed the last Toll and the distance so the machines and guys checking the ticket automatically know if you have been speeding!

Luckily for me, we were using the motorways when towing a 25' caravan, so I knew I had to stick to the speed limit (which reduces by a percentage when raining) or stop frequently between Tolls at service stations to extend the travel time.

And there was a Police presence loitering at every Toll.......:sneaky:

And dont forget a full set of spare lamps....if one is out and the police stop you for it, you have to be able to show a spare and change it (as I remember?) or incur a on the spot fine!
 
#8 ·
Make sure you have your debit or credit card ok'd to use. or lots of cash! It's going to cost you a lot of money. Some parts are stupidly expensive. Personally I use a Libre-T windscreen tag (it's not the same as the one at Dartford but the same company) there are online calculators which can cost it out, would imagine anything from 100-200 euros each way depending where somewhere in South of France is.
max speed limit is 130km/h about 81mph if roads are dry.
If you get stopped I found knowing no French and using Google translate easier than trying to battle some gun toting young policewoman who's a cross between Bardot and Purdy (don't ask).
Speed cameras are by side of road usually signed but grey in colour so you don't always pick them out. Just like the UK they have mobile units which can be a man with a hand-held and a policeman on a very fast motorcycle to catch up with you and extract the money on the spot.
All that said ton-up is a hoot as there is a lot less traffic on the peage.
 
#10 · (Edited)
My tips for a progressive drive down through France..
1) Totally agree with others - Make sure You have a French Libre-T Toll Tag - Always amazed by the non-French drivers who have over taken us @ GPS 130km/h speed limit and a few miles later, over take them at the toll barriers...!!
Details: Emovis Tag UK

2) Get a 5" Tom Tom with live traffic & speed camera info for life of device (Got an email today - 40% off!!) - Or use the Tom Tom App on mobile phone:
Automotive navigation system Gps navigation device Car Vehicle Trip computer

The gives the exact GPS speed (change to km while crossing the channel), not what the speedo thinks - I notice the change as the tyres wear.
The Tom Tom gives what it thinks the speed limit is, for any road - Handy as You approach a speed camera and for driving through villages.
Tom Tom also legally gives "Safety Zones" in France - Which then means, spot the camouflaged speed camera in the next few km's...!!! Normally just a grey box on the side of the road...
Sky Cloud Motor vehicle Vehicle Road surface

The Tom Tom live traffic is also good for avoiding jams & giving alternative routes, with timings.

Other tips to consider:
Try & take some time, (even just by rolling Your SLK forward a few times) a few days before You depart to check the tyres for any potential foreign objects, that will cause problems:
Tire Wheel Automotive tire Light Motor vehicle

Also along with the legally required Yellow Tabard jackets behind the drivers seat, worth either moving the electric pump in the boot, or buying a cheap compressor to store behind the passenger seat to nurse a slow puncture to a safer location, with out removing the contents of the boot....
Example:
www.eurocarparts.com

Ring RAC610 12v Mini Tyre Inflator | Euro Car Parts

Ring RAC610 12v Mini Tyre Inflator at the lowest UK prices from Euro Car Parts UK’s No.1 for Car Accessories, Car Styling & Car Care. Buy today Online, In store or by Phone + Branches Nationwide – Next Day UK Free Delivery.
www.eurocarparts.com www.eurocarparts.com
 
#11 ·
I clearly remember that the French HATE cameras and will warn you.
Not unusual to have double camera roughly a mile apart on opposite sides.
Keep your paperwork together. They don't always insist on seeing it, but if they don't like you they go through everything. Be polite. Unlike our patient (mostly) cops, they give little leeway.

RAC et al will have up to date list, but bulbs and breathalyser must be carried if I remember.
 
#12 ·
Do they still require hi-viz Jacket, breathalyser, first aid kit?

Sorting you headlights?

Illegal to have camera alerts on your SatNav & the popo do check.

Toll tags are a must have. We did a trip in the SL without tags and it was a real PITA paying at each of the tolls. My wife is not tall and the seating position in the SL is very low & she had to kneel on the seat to reach the machine.
 
#13 ·
Headlights (depending on type) have a white tab that just slides across (expect it to be stuck from lack of using).

I saw something about us having to switch to a 'UK' sticker and not 'GB' but not sure when that kicks in (check gov't sites).
 
#14 ·
Thanks for all that guy's. Get off the Eurotunnel at 10pm then onwards so the roads will be dead then anyway.

Got told that the light switch would not make much difference because the actual light housing deflects the light for the flick up that we need to block off.

I have brought everything else even if not needed (fire extinguisher) but forgot the hi Viz needed to be in the cab.

Bit late for me to get the tag now unfortunately. From looking at the website there is a charge/subscription to have it and assumed that I would not loose much time as traveling through the night.

Even though I would like to keep up with the serious guys in their Alfa V6, XJR's R8's, M5, WRX STI etc, I can not risk my licence because of my job. From the sound of it, I need to stick to or just over the limit on the toll roads and I will have to make up some time when we come off them.
 
#16 ·
They do expire. I used mine to test myself after a big night on wine and the results were “sobering” to say the least. About 9 hours after my last drink and a nights sleep and I was still over the limit.
 
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