Law enforcement via the French police can be a little heavy handed so having everything you legally need to hand will definitely make things go a lot smoother if you get stopped and a smile is advisable.
They will almost certainly want to see your driving licence, insurance and MOT and if they are being bloody minded the items in our
driving checklist like warning triangles, Hi Viz vests etc. (see all
products here)
The driving age for France means you MUST be 18 to drive in France not 17 as it is in the UK.
France has a lower legal limit for drink drive blood alcohol levels than the UK so simply do not drink and drive as even one drink can put you over the limit. See the rules about the
legal drink driving limits here. (It is an old article but still up-to-date)
You may have heard about breathalysers being a legal requirement, but read our page on that before deciding whether to take some with you.
Breathalysers in France do you need them?Read all about this daft
breathalyser rule here.
Mobile Phone UseIt is illegal to use a mobile phone whilst driving even if you have a headphone set or headphones. Mobile or cell phones can only be used via a fully fitted wireless Bluetooth car kit. When it comes to using your phone as a "
Sat Nav" see our "
Speed Cameras in France" section.
UK Stickers replace GB stickersThere have been some changes post Brexit that have had an effect on the rules regarding GB number plate stickers. It is now the law that GB plates have to be replaced/covered over with new UK stickers.
You can read the details here:
UK Sticker and UK Number Plate Stickers.