Driving in Europe - Requirements

[Ferg]

I know a lot of folk here have done it loads of times but as the trip in June will be the first time I've driving the Elise in Europe, I looked up the requirements for France and Belgium.

Compulsory to carry:

Registration Document
Insurance Document
GB Sticker
Warning Triangle
Reflective Jacket/Waistcoat
Headlamp Adjustment
First Aid Kit (Compulsory in France)

Recommended to carry:

Fire Extinguisher (In Belgium Only)

What's notably missing:

Breathalysers. While I believe the doc, is there other reasons for carrying?

All from this doc last updated this year. http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/to ... ipment.pdf

Anyone got any valuable points to add?

[Dominic]

Some cash for the BiBs.

[Doc883]

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/ov ... pment.html

January 2013 - Drivers in France have been required to carry a self-test breathalyser since July 2012 with enforcement by fines originally planned for 1 November but subsequently postponed to 1 March 2013. Now the French government has announced that the implementation of the sanction (fine) for drivers not carrying a breathalyser – a fine of €11 – has been postponed indefinitely.

So you are still required to carry a self-test breathalyser when driving in France but there is no current legislation demanding a fine for non-compliance.

[Doc883]

Ideally Reflective Jacket/Waistcoat for all travelers in the car plus make sure you have European Breakdown cover for any unforseen problems

[tut]

Typical stupid French legislation.

I have a couple of old ones which I can take, but how would they prove that they work?

tut

[Doc883]

Typical stupid French legislation.
I have a couple of old ones which I can take, but how would they prove that they work?
tut

Probably have to be sealed as when new with an expiry date shown.

[steve_weegie]

Some cash for the BiBs.

No worries there - they escort you to a cash machine if required

[highlander]

Some cash for the BiBs.

Have 1st hand experience of this,got stopped for a routine check on the way from coast up to Andorra on my old Kawasaki triple sporting a lovely sounding set of expansion chambers a few years ago.Turned out the gendarme wasn't as appreciative of the sound of 750cc of nicely tuned 2 stroke as me....that'll be 50€ s'il vous plait.....or impounded until paid
Happy memories all the same....god,now I'm going to have to look out the pics to reminisce with the wife

[Cisco]

Most important item to take is a bit of restraint.

We wont be in France much but be aware that the speed limits are now vigorously enforced and that those limits change depending on weather conditions.

And it's not just the Autoroutes. The feckin gendarmerie are hiding in the bushes. I kid you not.

Admittedly he became known as Mr Lucky, but one of the LoT guys ended up flying home sans car last year before he even got on track .

Not long now

Frank

[highlander]

Haven't found the Gendarmerie to be too bad on toll roads but prone to lurking near towns/villages on Route Nationals.

[tut]

My first bike that I bought in Oman in '74 Jim, was a a 750 cc Kawasaki H2 Mach IV two stroke. What a beast, awesome power but evil handling, hence its reputation as the "Widomaker"

Think it used to get about 15 mpg and a range of 60 miles, but when it came out it was the fastest accelerating bike in the world. Imagine one with 48 cylinders.



tut

[Sanjøy]

Was going to mention paege box but if you are not in france much...

[highlander]

My first bike that I bought in Oman in '74 Jim, was a a 750 cc Kawasaki H2 Mach IV two stroke. What a beast, awesome power but evil handling, hence its reputation as the "Widomaker"

Think it used to get about 15 mpg and a range of 60 miles, but when it came out it was the fastest accelerating bike in the world. Imagine one with 48 cylinders.



tut

Sorry we're hijacking your thread Ferg....I should have all the necessary for the continent all in a bag(bought as a kit from EBay I think) if you want to borrow for your trip to save some expense then I could drop in Edinburgh.Plenty of hi-viz also as we use them at work and I think my breathalysers are only a couple of years old(have to carry 2 I believe)

Now,back to the bikes...my triple was '72,the original one with the short swinging arm and a US import as very few came here....'74 would be an H2B I think.......what colour was it?
Only bike I would search for if I had the money for such a toy or lottery win tonight.I gave my one a name which was a girlfriend at the time because like her.........it smoked,liked a drink and every time I threw my leg over her/it I got off with a smile on my face..........simple pleasures

[highlander]

My first bike that I bought in Oman in '74 Jim, was a a 750 cc Kawasaki H2 Mach IV two stroke. What a beast, awesome power but evil handling, hence its reputation as the "Widomaker"

Think it used to get about 15 mpg and a range of 60 miles, but when it came out it was the fastest accelerating bike in the world. Imagine one with 48 cylinders.



tut

Do a google search(other engines are available) for Alan Millyard and then lust after some of his 5 cylinder 2 strokes.....beautifully engineered.

[KennyT]

I was living in Paris last year, had my Exige with me for three months, I travelled with everything you mentioned:
Registration Document
Insurance Document
GB Sticker
Warning Triangle
Reflective Jacket/Waistcoat
Headlamp Adjustment
First Aid Kit

As well as 3x one shot breathalysers (Halfords), a spare bulb kit and AA cover!

I didn't get any attention at all and didn't 'hang about' on any journey, 130kph speed limits are not really adhered to by most on the long stretches of toll roads and there are plenty opportunities for toll booth launches to break up the boredom.

If you are at Spa and are driving to the Nurburgring, take the option of the L10, best road I have ever driven