You might think you know the highway code from back to front, but driving abroad requires you to study up on a completely different set of rules and regulations.
Take the example of France, a country that’s made countless changes to its guidelines for motorists. The most significant have been introduced at the turn of 2012 as local authorities look to clampdown on examples of driving under the influence and speeding.
It’s worth mentioning that these alterations do not seek to provide yet more complications for foreign motorists. They’re introduced to make the roads safer for commuters, sunday drivers along with holidaymakers travelling via car hire. France happens to be a haven for travellers using this method of transport, a group who are constantly advised to read up on the law of the land before setting off.
Be sure to buy a French highway code for your glove box, but here are a few that have come into play this year.
It’s not nearly enough just to apply common sense and drive defensively when confused, as you still run the risk of being stung by not carrying the right equipment. As of July 2012, all motor vehicles and motorcycles in the country must carry a single-use breathalyser kit to test their blood/alcohol level. This rule will be enforced from 1 November 2012 onwards and those stopped without a kit will automatically receive a fine of 11 Euros. This won’t burn a hole in your pocket, but the failure to get equipped afterwards could prove costly as your trip goes on. All kits must carry the blue NF circle, certifying its approval from the French government. Devices that don’t carry the symbol will not be considered fit for use, so check the design before buying in bulk.
Speed camera alerts
Since January 2012, French laws have prohibited the use of speed camera detecting applications. Cameras could be identified using a smart phone app or through a top-end satellite navigation device. However, the government has blocked their use after installing 400 new cameras around the country. In addition to this, all signs indicating the location of existing sites have now been taken down.
This move has inspired a great amount of debate, particularly given that warning signs for speed cameras are put up to slow motorists down – alerting them of a speed trap. A money-spinning venture maybe, but any warning of cameras now falls foul of French law. You should therefore drive cautiously when in an unfamiliar surrounding and keep an eye out for their presence. You otherwise run the risk of being fined 1300 Euros.
Phoning at the wheel
It may have taken a while, but French law from January 2012 now stipulates that any driver caught using a mobile phone whilst on the road is liable to a spot fine of 130 Euros. No impending court case, no chance to appeal, no alternative punishment. Cash-strapped French motorists can choose to accept three penalty points if they are in possession of the country’s national license, but no such option is offered to visitors.
Toll changes
As of February 1 2012, the cost of motorway travel for a car works out at around one Euro per 10 miles. This is due to the fact that most French motorways have a toll system in place.
The popular 1060km trip from Calais to Marseille, for example, would come in at 82.40 Euros. Like most, the route guides the motorists through a number of checkpoints where payment is required. You can pay via card at some barriers, but it might be worth carrying some spare cash with you just in case. Conduct a spot of research beforehand to determine how much you’re likely to pay and have the amount ready as you prepare to go through a booth. Drive carefully and safe travels!