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Taking your car to France

Taking your car to France is not as daunting as it may seem at first. Read the information here and make sure you have all your paperwork in order, you have the compulsory items listed below and we strongly recommend you take out European breakdown cover and adequate travel insurance. If you intend making several trips per year it may be cheaper to take out annual cover.

Check with your insurance company about the level of cover you have in Europe. You may already be covered but you need to check. A Green Card may or may not be required, it depends on your policy.

You will need to take your Vehicle Registration Document (V5) with you. If it is not in your name the V5 must be accompanied by a letter of authority from the registered keeper. If your car is hired or leased the hire/lease company will not release a V5, but will instead issue you with a Vehicle on Hire Certificate (VE103A).

Different rules apply for different countries, the following applies to France only. Further (up to date) information can be obtained from the AA's website.


Compulsory Paperwork
Insurance documents
Vehicle Registration Document (V5)
Driving Licence
Passports

Compulsory Items
GB Sticker or Euro-style numberplates
Headlamp converters (to avoid dazzling other traffic)
Warning Triangle

Recommended Items
Spare set of bulbs
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit
European breakdown cover
Travel insurance


Warnings

Do not overload your car. This could lead to an on-the-spot fine in France, a fine and three penalty points in the UK and you will be required to reduce the weight of the vehicle before continuing. An MOT test will also be required.

Do not bring back goods for anyone else or to sell. Customs and Excise have set limits for what is deemed reasonable for personal consumption. If you can't prove its all for you they can seize your goods, your car and prosecute you. You have been warned.

Do not drink and drive. The legal limit is lower in France than it is in the UK.

Watch your speed High, on-the-spot fines apply in France. Also note that tickets on Peage (toll) sections of the Autoroute are time stamped. These have been used to prove guilt in speeding cases.

Speed limits in France are:

Motorways
80mph (130kph)
68mph (110kph) in urban areas and in the wet

Dual Carriageways
68mph (110kph)
62mph (100kph) in the wet

Outside built-up areas
55mph (90kph)
49mph (80kph) in the wet

Within built-up areas
31mph (50kph)

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