You must carry your documents with you when you travel to Europe at all times.  

         

A valid full driving licence (not provisional). (If your visit is for less than 90 days, you will not require an International Driving Permit. (If you are intending to drive in  France for more than 90 days, apply for the International Driving Permit through the Post Office.  The international driving permit is in addition to  your driving licence, so you will need to carry both copies.)

The original vehicle registration document V5C (Proof of vehicle ownership V5 log book.)

Your motor insurance certificate. When outside of Britain, many standard car insurance policies revert to just basic third party cover, which only provides the minimum amount of coverage. Check your insurance and Tax disc is not going to expire whilst you are on your break and ensure your insurance company will recover you from an accident, and not just a breakdown. If it doesn't then get separate cover for your motorbike BEFORE you set off.

Make sure your travel insurance covers you before you decide to drive or be a pillion - check the exclusions carefully. 

Your passport. There is no six-month passport validation requirement for a UK citizen visiting other countries of the European Union (at the moment and prior to Brexit!)  The passport just should be valid during the period of your stay. Source(s): http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling.

European Health Insurance Card. EHIC. You can apply online at the Dept of Health, and it arrives by post in 7 days.  https://www.ehic.org/apply.html

No vaccinations are required to enter France from any country.

Spare bulbs - It is a legal requirement to carry spare bulbs, a high visibility jacket under the driver's seat, a warning triangle and if you are travelling after 1st of July 2012 you will need to carry a breathalyser kit. They cost very little in France and are available in most pharmacies. Approx €2.20 for a box of 2. The legal requirement is one, but always make sure you have 2 on you – this means that if you have to use one,  you still have another in reserve to produce to the gendarmes. 

GB Stickers - An international distinguishing sign plate or sticker should be displayed as near as is reasonable to the national registration plate at the rear of the vehicle.

 

The following are recommended (not law!)

First Aid Kit - Whilst not compulsory in most European countries it is recommended you take a small first aid kit - you can buy these to fit under your seat or tucked away in a small pocket of your luggage.

MOT certificate.

Mobile phone - Get roaming on your mobile if it’s not already enabled.

Euros!

A Tool kit. Torch. Aerosol tyre repair kit. Spare bulbs (compulsory in most of Europe). Spare fuses, Chain Lube. Bike lock.

         

General Traffic rules - are almost the same as in Britain, except you drive on the right.

Stop signs mean STOP.  The same as in the UK. However, in France ensure that you put your foot down and stop. It is an on the spot fine from a gendarme if you do not stop and be seen doing it correctly.

In built-up areas, the use of the horn is prohibited except in cases of danger.

Beams must be adjusted. Yellow tints are not compulsory for foreign vehicles.  Adjusting your headlights could be as simple as stickers or a bit of tape; however, it may require a converter. Remember to remove the converters/stickers as soon as you return to the UK.

Speed limits unless otherwise signposted. In built-up areas 31mph (50km/h), other areas 43mph (70k/h). Urban motorways and dual carriageways 80mph (130km/h) The minimum speed limit on motorways is 49mph (80km/h)

France operates zero tolerance on speed limits, so it is a very good idea to take them seriously. On the less interesting autoroutes, average speeds are calculated between pay stations and hidden speed cameras are abound.

EU driving licence holders exceeding the speed limit by more than 40km/h will have their licences confiscated on the spot if caught.

Drink & Drugs - Alcohol - 0.05 limit. (Single spirit measure, a small glass of wine or small beer) Penalties include fines, loss of licence and/or imprisonment. Penalties for drugs are the same. Random breath tests are common.

 

Legal requirements    

Remember it is a legal requirement to carry spare bulbs, your original Insurance and Registration documents with you at all times. (copies won’t do and you can be fined without them) a hi-visibility jacket and as of 1st July 2012 the need to carry a Breathalyser in France is EFFECTIVE, however, the fine for not carrying one is ZERO euros. The drinking limit in France is one small glass of wine or a small beer, and random breath testing is frequent and at any time. They cost very little in France and are available from most pharmacies or auto part shops and garages. The legal requirement is one, but always make sure you have 2 on you – this means that if you have to use one, you still have another in reserve to produce to the Gendarmes!   

It is compulsory for motorbikes to use dipped headlamps day and night, and from 1st January 2013, it will be compulsory for motorcycle riders to carry reflective clothing with a reflective surface of minimum 150 sq.cm (23 sq.inches) and a CE mark for luminosity – There is no obligation in the decree to wear the vest at all times, only to carry it on the bike or person - with fines for those not complying. All riders and pillions of motorcycles must wear an approved helmet and that helmet must have retro-reflective elements attached.

Be very cautious and vigilant and watch your speed when junctions are ahead.

Speed limits in France are 50km/h (31mph) in built up or residential areas and this applies even in villages where no speed signs are displayed.

Motorway speed limits are dependant on the weather with 130km/h (81mph) permitted in dry weather and 110km/hour (68mph) in the wet.

         

Driving offences & fines

There are numerous radar speed traps in operation and speeding carries immediate fines so you may be taken directly to a cash point to pay up.

Being from the UK won’t exempt you from payment. On the spot fines of up to €90 are common. Always get an official receipt.

If you are caught exceeding the limit by a significant amount you may even get your car/bike impounded and have to pay to get it repatriated and yourself home.

Drink driving (anything more than a single spirit measure, a small glass of wine or small beer) will also result in your car/bike being impounded and repatriation (in the case of the  police impounding your vehicle, your vehicle will not be covered by your insurance!)

Blue parking bays in small towns and villages are for a limited time. Check the signs for how long. Vehicles parked against regulations may be impounded.

(Ask Madam for her parking counter, which you are welcome to borrow whilst out and about during your stay

 

Eating out

Many restaurants, especially in rural areas, even during the height of the season, only serve lunch between 12 and 2 pm. Other times you may have to rely on ubiquitous fast food joints – hardly a way to enjoy the best cuisine France has to offer!

 

Fuel

95 and 98 octane petrol is available across France, but “4 star” leaded petrol is not. (Lead replacement petrol available, known as “Super Carburant”, and also lead substitute additive is available, however, 

The new unleaded petrol containing 10% Ethanol is available (labelled 'SP95-E10') however, this may not be compatible with some cars/bikes, (pre 2000 so ensure you check compatibility with the manufacturer before using as it degrades seals and hoses made from conventional rubber.  

There are many automated petrol pumps in France, which can be used even when the petrol stations are unmanned - but beware that some UK credit or debit cards may not be accepted. Make sure you factor in estimates and timings for getting petrol. You don't want to be caught short in the middle of nowhere! If you break down, your insurer should be prompt in repairing or repatriating your bike (check the level of cover for foreign travel before your holiday) but if you are staying at an accommodation that caters for the biking community you'll often find the support, skills and parts to get back on the road on site.        

 

French roads - the good, the bad, and the ugly.

French roads can be a joy, light on traffic and the drivers here have respect for bikers and often let them pass. 

The French in general, have a great affection for motorbikers that you don't have in the UK because the historical link with aggression is just not there.

 

Gravillons

Unfortunately, the French roads can also be perilous, particularly during repairs, which are not always clearly signposted and often use basic methods of laying down tar oil and covering it with loose gravel even on D roads. This combination is potentially lethal on a bike/in a car and can result in nasty accidents for even experienced bikers/drivers.

You should also watch out for mud and loose material on roads in farming areas, particularly at harvest time. It is not uncommon to find the bright yellow van of the local 'la Poste' and a tractor or two from the local farming community randomly parked in the road exchanging pleasantries. You'll be expected to wait politely until they've finished! As will the local canine community stretching or soaking up the summer sunshine in the middle of the road around the next corner.

 

Roundabouts

When approaching roundabouts in France, the traffic on the roundabout has priority. You have to give way to these drivers. When you are riding on the roundabout, always use your indicator to signal your next move, i.e. indicate left when you remain on the roundabout and indicate right, when you are about to exit the roundabout.

 

Motorways / Highways

One important element to consider is French toll roads. In France, they operate a system called Peage. At the tollbooth, always use the tollbooth displaying a green arrow on the far right. Most of the tollbooths are operated by weight sensors, i.e. if you enter the tollbooths on the left or middle, as a motorcyclist you won't get recognized due to the lesser weight compared to a car or lorry. The Peage system accepts major credit cards such as MasterCard and Visa. You can also pay in cash. Sometimes you also receive a paper ticket at the tollbooth, which you return at the next tollbooth to calculate your journey.

 

Priorities - Yield to Traffic from the Right

A red triangle with a black X on a white background - This means you are on the road with priority and you will be passing a junction.

A yellow diamond in a white square - This sign indicates you are entering a zone where you have priority over any vehicles approaching from junctions on the right.

(found on main roads and entering a town).

A yellow diamond with a diagonal black line in a white square - This sign ends that zone and you no longer have priority over vehicles joining your road from the right.

​

In general, traffic coming from the right has priority. For example. You are riding on the main road. A side street on the right-hand side joins the main road. If you see a red triangle with a black cross, you have to give way to traffic coming from this side street. This is a common rule in France and enforced ruthlessly. If the traffic ahead of you is driving cautiously on the main road with intersections, please refrain from overtaking as you run the risk getting hit by traffic joining from the right.

 

Speed limits

 

The French national speed limits are:
- In town – 50 km/ph (31mph)

- In villages - 70 km/ph (44mph)
- Outside town – 80 km/ph (50mph)
- Motorways – 110 km/ph (69mph) or 130 kp/h (80mph) depending on the weather and/or region

 

Speed Camera

 

A speed camera will be approx 500m from where you see this sign. 

 

Useful compulsory signs and their translations

 

Deviation — Diversion

Haute tension — High tension as in electricity

Interdit aux pietons — Forbidden to pedestrians

Nids de poules — Potholes 

Obligatoire — Compulsory as in you must do - e.g. following a diversion 

Peage — Toll

Priorite pietons — Priority to pedestrians

Route Barree — Road blocked

Sens unique — One way

Tout droit — Straight on

Toutes directions — All directions

Travaux — Road works

Virage dangereux — Dangerous bend

Voie etroite — Narrow lane