ch3tman

Hi all,

This topic has been covered several times in the past, however.... I was reading a topic on over at PistonHeads yesterday which stated breathalysers are no longer a requirement for UK drivers in France. This prompted a few more thoughts....

1] Breathalysers no longer required? Thread here: http://www.pistonhea...iving+in+France Recommended action?

2] Spare bulbs - which ones do you carry?

3] Beam converters - apparently the S2000 doesn't need the adjusters/reflectors because it's HID lights are self-levelling? Thread here: https://www.s2ki.com/...ght-deflectors/ Recommended action?

4] A sticker showing 'GB' do you place one on your car?

5] The AA site itself is a little confusing - which of the 2 kits on their page is best applicable? http://shop.theaa.co...euro-travel-kit


Advice on each of the 5 points would be most appreciated!

GhostWKD

1) I think from what i've read the breathalysers are still required but there isn't a fine or anything for not having them as this was scrapped. Not 100% sure but i'll probably get a couple for when I go.

2) Would be good to hear what others say about bulbs also.

3) Beam is flat rather than angled so shouldn't need them.

4) Only needed if you don't have the GB/euro number plates

5) I picked up this (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1110960973...84.m1439.l2649) which is from a renault dealer and has warning triangle, 2 hi-vis jackets and first aid kit too. Just leaves bulbs, potentially the breathalysers and the GB sticker if you don't have the GB plates - works out much cheaper

Ratchet

Breath analyzers are no longer required. I'm very often in France and, even when 2 breath analyzers were required I didn't carry them with me.

What you absolutely need are enough safety jackets for all occupants.

ch3tman

Yes - am wondering if the standard 'driving in France bulb kits' are fine or whether we need something a little different....?

Are you sure that contains 2 hi-vis jackets?

andy2000

The AA Website is probably a good authority on the current situation:
http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice...-new-2012.html


Be careful on bulbs. I bought a Halfords no.8 kit (or may have been no.7 - whatever the one is they recommend) and blew a taillight. the kit one was the wrong type. Worth checking before you head off.
In the end I just popped into my Honda dealer and got them to make up a kit for me which iirc wasn't too expensive.

GhostWKD

100% - It's currently sat in my garage after I recieved it and was pleasantly surprised to find two XL jackets when had expected one. Hoping to fit it in with the spare wheel (except for the Hi-Vis jackets which for driving in France need to be in the cabin iirc)

Edit: bag is also loosely packed rather than set area for each part, so can easily add a few more bits (tablets etc) and keep it all together still

ch3tman

100% - It's currently sat in my garage after I recieved it and was pleasantly surprised to find two XL jackets when had expected one. Hoping to fit it in with the spare wheel (except for the Hi-Vis jackets which for driving in France need to be in the cabin iirc)
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Thank you - that must have been a pleasant surprise . I wonder if you got lucky with 2 jackets or whether its part of the standard kit they sell. Good value if it does include two . EDIT: I got in touch with the seller and they confirmed it is indeed 2 jackets .

dennohue

These notes were prepared for the Euromeet in 2008: Driving Abroad, so they are somewhat out of date, but the main items still stand and will be helpful.

Many members say that you do not need beam deflectors, but you DO! If you were involved in an accident in a tunnel it would be the first thing the police looked at.

bartonbeau

I'm sure bulbs are no longer legally required. I'm going next week and I will be taking breathalizers, 2 hi vis vests, warning triangle, beam deflectors and GB sticker on rear. I go every year and I am sure that is all you need.
Be careful of those on the spot fines though, I got stung for 90 Euros last year in Spain! 100kmh on a dual carriageway, lasered from behind (so to speak!) and then pulled at the next junction!

soupdragon

Good to know re the breath tests (except I bought mine a couple of months ago ).

Don't know where you're going, we're going to the Pyrenees, so need a GB magnetic thingy for Andorra (not EU) and two triangles for Spain I believe. I must admit, for the sake of a couple of quid, I bought headlight relfectors as my French isn't good enough (ie non-existent) to have an argument with the Gendarmes about the type of headlights; and the French and especially the Spanish are fining everyone for everything at the moment in a desperate bid for ecomomic stability.