Driving to France – things to keep in mind
France is the most popular destination for the Dutch for their summer holiday. Not surprising, because France is of course relatively close to home and offers something for everyone. From active walking or cycling holiday to city trip or just lazing on the beach.
Regardless of your destination, there are a few things to keep in mind if you travel to France by car or camper or if you want to rent a car locally.
Not 21? Then (usually) no rental car …
Although you can drive a motor vehicle in France from the age of 21, in most cases you can only rent a car if you are at least 18 years old and have held a driving license for at least one year. Some car rental companies even have a higher age limit. Others will happily rent you a car if you are XNUMX, but the high insurance premium means you will pay an exorbitant rental price.
If you are going to rent a car in France, you will need to be able to provide a number of things – just like in the Netherlands. First of all, of course, a (valid) driver's license plus another form of identification, such as your identity card or passport. You will also need a valid credit card to be able to rent a car.
On your way with peace of mind
When you go out with your (rental) car, you must of course always have your driver's license, proof of insurance (green card) and take the registration certificate with youIn addition, the French authorities require that you carry a warning triangle, (fluorescent) safety vest and spare light bulbs in the car.
Spare bulbs are not strictly required, but you must be able to replace a broken bulb on the spot, which de facto to an obligation. On the other hand, it is mandatory to have an alcohol test in your car. But strangely enough, negligence in this case does not incur a fine – strange guys, those French! They also require that if you wear glasses, you have a spare pair in the car. But if you need glasses but don't wear them, nobody cares.
Traffic rules
In France, different traffic rules apply than in the Netherlands, although many rules are the same. For example, in France you must also 'normally' wear your seat belt (in the front and back) and it is forbidden to hold your phone in your hand.
When approaching an intersection, a traffic sign with a thick vertical line and thin horizontal stripes indicates that you have priority, while a sign with diagonal lines means that you must give way to traffic coming from the right.
Since July 1st last year, France has lowered speed limits on certain roads. On the so-called national routes en county roads – two-way roads without a central divider – you are now only allowed to drive 80 km/h instead of 90 km/h.
On roads with separated carriageways and two lanes, you are allowed to drive 110 km/h in a normal passenger car or light camper and 100 km/h in case of precipitation or if you have had your driving licence for less than 3 years. With a caravan behind your car, you are only allowed to drive 80 km/h on these roads.
On motorways you are allowed to drive in your passenger car or light camper 130 km/h. or 110 km/h. in case of precipitation or if you are a novice driver. Also keep in mind that on the 'fast' left lane of motorways a minimum speed of 80 km/h. applies.
In France, it is better to stick to the speed limit. First of all for your own safety and that of others. But also because of the many speed cameras on French roads. In France, the use and possession of all equipment that signals speed cameras is prohibited - so also on your navigation system!
Toll roads
France has toll roads, with different rates for different vehicles. Cars, vans and campers normally fall into category 1. A car with a caravan falls into category 2. Is your camper or bus higher than 3 metres or heavier than 3500 kg? Then you fall into category 3. At all toll gates you can pay with your credit card and at most also with cash. With a so-called toll badge you can drive through everywhere and the toll is automatically settled.
Have you been on holiday in France by car or camper before? Maybe you have some tips about driving in France that you want to share with our followers!
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