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France
Documentation
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Proof of ID (Passport)
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Full, valid driving licence* (Both Parts)
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Proof of Insurance (third party or above)
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Proof of ownership (V5C Certificate)
Personal & Vehicle Requirements
Equipment
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Helmet
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GB Sticker
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Headlamp beam deflectors
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First aid kit.
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Reflective jacket
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2 x Breathalysers
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4 x reflective strips on Helmet
Driving License
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You must be 18 or over to drive a private vehicle
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Driving licences (Photocard) issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted
Rules of the Road
Driving & Overtaking
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Drive on the right and overtake on the left
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Use dipped headlights at all times
Priority
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Where no signs are used vehicles must give way to vehicles approaching from the right, otherwise obey road signs
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Emergency vehicles (police, ambulance, army vehicles, etc.) have priority over other road users when using flashing lights and a siren
Warning of Approach
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The use of the horn is only allowed in case of emergency, in order to avoid an accident
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At Night time use of flashing lits instead of the Horn
Speed Limits
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Built up areas
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Local Roads
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Intercity Roads
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Motorways
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50
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90
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110
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130
Driving Penalties
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The police can issue on the spot fines up to €375
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If the offence committed IS NOT likely to entail a suspension or a prison sentence then the rider may pay a reduced fine if paid within 3 days.
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If the offence committed IS likely to entail a suspension or a prison sentence then the rider may have to pay a deposit and have their vehicle confiscated
Identifying Speed Camera Locations
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French law prohibits drivers from devices capable of detecting speed cameras and warning drivers of their location. Penalties can include fines of up to €1,500 and confiscation of the device and vehicle
Parking Regulations
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Parking is prohibited where it may obstruct other vehicles
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Parking is only allowed on the right hand side of the road parallel with the kerb
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In one way streets parking is allowed on the left also
Parking Fines Enforcement
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parking fines
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Wheel clamps can be used in main towns
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Vehicles causing obstruction will be towed away
Traffic Lights
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The three-colour system conforms to the provisions of the Convention on Road Signs and Signals (red light on top). There is no amber light after the red light.
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Flashing amber light indicates: caution, slow down, proceed but give way to vehicles coming from the right
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Flashing red light indicates: "no entry". It may also indicate a level crossing, exit used by fire engines,
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Yellow arrow at the same time as a red light indicates: motorists may proceed in the direction indicated by the arrow, provided they give way to vehicles travelling in the flow of traffic which they are entering and to pedestrians.
Drink & Drugs
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The legal limit is 0.05%
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Random breath tests are conducted
Road Conditions & Tolls
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The roads are generally in good condition
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There are Toll Roads
Fuel
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Most petrol stations are open from 0600 – 2200
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Credit Cards are accepted
Emergencies
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In case of breakdown or accident, drivers must use a warning triangle or hazard lights and stay close to the vehicle
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