Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
New law in France New law in France
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree2Likes
  • 1 Post By cyber-zebb
  • 1 Post By Laura Bennitt

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 18 May 2012
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: wirral
Posts: 94
New law in France
As of the 1st of july ALL vehicle`s have to carry two breathalyzer kits as well as your hi-viz jacket and med kit (i suppose they have to pay for the euro somehow)

zebb

www.motoloco.eu
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 19 May 2012
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Cambridge, UK
Posts: 672
apparently cops won't be enforcing until november, just advising.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 May 2012
BruceP's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: St Helens
Posts: 763
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fern View Post
apparently cops won't be enforcing until november, just advising.
And it is just 1 breathalyser.

And I don't think bikes have to carry the hi viz jacket, or a med kit.

You are however meant to have some small reflective stripes on your helmet.
__________________
--

http://www.ytc1.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19 May 2012
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 134
Apparently the ferries from the UK are selling them on board for around €5.

If you buy them from any French supermarket, chemist, fuel station, etc etc, they cost €1 (and I doubt you'll get into trouble for riding to the nearest shop without one).

Good profits for the ferries there methinks...

Laura
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 19 May 2012
Endurodude's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Middle England, UK
Posts: 457
With any luck, the new Government in France might repeal this! You pretty much have to carry 2; if you use one, you'll have none, and therefore breaking the Law! What we all should do is join MAG, who will attempt to put pay to such silliness! There's another thread here covering this, but I can't remember where.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 19 May 2012
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
Quote:
Originally Posted by Laura Bennitt View Post
If you buy them from any French supermarket, chemist, fuel station, etc etc, they cost €1 (and I doubt you'll get into trouble for riding to the nearest shop without one).
The fine for not having one is a staggering €11

John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 19 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by Endurodude View Post
With any luck, the new Government in France might repeal this! You pretty much have to carry 2; if you use one, you'll have none, and therefore breaking the Law! What we all should do is join MAG, who will attempt to put pay to such silliness! There's another thread here covering this, but I can't remember where.
It was all about speed cameras and GPS warnings, but it soon went
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...s-france-62864

Ride magazine, July 2012 edition, agrees that this is compulsory from 1 July (they have been known to get their factual stuff wrong).

It also discusses the hi viz business which, according to them, is supposed to come into French law from 1 January 2013; they mention that the legislation requires reflective material and not necessarily flourescent = it has to be seen at night.
Lots of existing jackets will meet this criteria because the minimum is just 150 sq cm which is "about the size of a CD case".
Nor does it have to be in one single piece, but there is no reference to such material on helmets; in fact, this article says the material must be located between waist height and the shoulder.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 19 May 2012
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
It also discusses the hi viz business which, according to them, is supposed to come into French law from 1 January 2013; they mention that the legislation requires reflective material and not necessarily flourescent = it has to be seen at night.
Lots of existing jackets will meet this criteria because the minimum is just 150 sq cm which is "about the size of a CD case".
That's correct

Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
... there is no reference to such material on helmets; in fact, this article says the material must be located between waist height and the shoulder.
The reflective pieces on helmets is a completely separate bit of legislation and has been in effect for years. You cant buy helmet that is NF approved without them. Whether it applies to visiting motorcyclist is open to question and I doubt that, as a Johnny Foreigner of any flavour, you would fall foul of such a law unless you seriously pissed-off the Gendarme that nabbed you.

John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 20 May 2012
BruceP's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: St Helens
Posts: 763
Quote:
Originally Posted by Endurodude View Post
With any luck, the new Government in France might repeal this! You pretty much have to carry 2; if you use one, you'll have none, and therefore breaking the Law! .
Which you won't be, as the used one will show you have complied with the law. There is nothing in the law that says you need two.
__________________
--

http://www.ytc1.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 23 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Gatwick UK
Posts: 500
In relation to the speed camera bit - alot of the signs are now being removed around the country . They are being replaced with a sign that flashes your speed as you pass - the camera is then within the next few Km/s . This is certainly the case around the Vosage and Lorraine areas .
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 23 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
Quote:
Originally Posted by chris gale View Post
They are being replaced with a sign that flashes your speed as you pass - the camera is then within the next few Km/s .
In UK such signs proved more effective at reducing speeds than cameras but, Surprise Surprise, the Scamera 'Safety' Partnership ignored their proven better speed reduction capability and pressed on instead with installing more revenue earners.

Proof of what we already thought?

At least in France they are honest and openly trying to reduce speed in dangerous areas sooner than collecting more 'N Francs'.

(Oops - a couple of years or so to soon to tell you about that!)
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 25 May 2012
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
Quote:
Originally Posted by cyber-zebb View Post
As of the 1st of july ALL vehicle`s have to carry two breathalyzer kits...
Uh, what do you think the interpretation and application of that would be (by the Gendarmes) for someone like me, who is a teetotaller and never (I mean never) drinks alcohol?

Michael
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 25 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Quote:
Originally Posted by PanEuropean View Post
Uh, what do you think the interpretation and application of that would be (by the Gendarmes) for someone like me, who is a teetotaller and never (I mean never) drinks alcohol?

Michael
Surrounded by the best food and wine in the world? They'd probably do you under the mental health act!


Andy
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 25 May 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 74
Regarding the reflective "safety" patches on a riders jacket, does the law refer to pillion passengers as well.
"common sense" would suggest it must, as the pillion passenger will conceal the patches on the riders jacket. But as "common sense" often has not much to do with any legislation, dose the law include pillions or not?
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 3 Jun 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Auxerre
Posts: 71
Quote:
Originally Posted by Endurodude View Post
With any luck, the new Government in France might repeal this! You pretty much have to carry 2; if you use one, you'll have none, and therefore breaking the Law!
that is exactly why you should only carry one of them! the police or Gendarmerie cannot suggest you use the one you have, as that would oblige you to be "en infraction" which they are not allowed to do. The Law stipulates that you must have 1. If you only have one they cannot oblige you to use it.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
hi viz in france pottsygs The HUBB PUB 5 2 May 2012 02:51
Not-to-be-missed routes northern France? IronArse Europe 5 23 Apr 2012 23:42
Overstaying 60 day 'Greencard' in Europe with U.K insurance *Touring Ted* Trip Paperwork 37 2 Apr 2012 16:59
UK to France - Ferry or train? MM17 Europe 25 28 Jan 2012 14:50

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 21:16.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top