FRANCE

Message

davebms · #1 Post by **davebms** » Tue Aug 30, 2011 10:24 pm

hello all
im off to holland end next month, i have just had a text , france dayglow vest req !!

last time i was in france at the camp site

proposals
high viz jacket req
3,700 euro fine for 30 clicks over speed limit
bike /car can be confiscated (sold for government funds)
up to 3 years imprisonment

assuming that its only the high viz that's come in so far, any particular sort of high viz /day glow req ?

i think theres also a req to have spare bulbs

flatlander · #2 Post by **flatlander** » Tue Aug 30, 2011 10:37 pm

I usually take one of the hi viz belts ( local pound shop) and never had an issue never seen anyone wearing a full vest either. I also carry spare bulbs but they are years old from a different bike lol

I also have a helmet cover which has a triangle, somewhere like a pound shop on it but then I am a good law abiding citizen. Never adjusted lights or anything else.

Of all of them the helmet cover is the one I do think is not a bad idea. All the above take up one side pocket in a tank bag so for that amount of space I figure it gives me a defensible position like yes oficer I just forgotn to put the belt on

snapdragon · #3 Post by **snapdragon** » Tue Aug 30, 2011 11:03 pm

spare bulbs and high vis (carried in case of brakedown) and triangle (not the one in the orchestra)

Aladinsaneuk · #4 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 6:02 am

i think that unless the french have changed their law recently, the high vis jacket and triangle is cars only - the bulbs are necessary though....

D-Rider · #5 Post by **D-Rider** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 7:56 am

The AA & RAC websites are usually good for info like this - and if they don't make clear what applies to bikes, I'm sure they are contactable and will advise.

kneescratch · #6 Post by **kneescratch** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 9:54 am

There used to be mention of a fire extinguisher too.

Small one like......... THIS

Gary

flatlander · #7 Post by **flatlander** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 9:54 am

forgot to mention I also take a basic first aid kit can't recall if it is compulsory for bikes though

also French biker chappies are quite friendly usually a leg out or four fingers raised when riding

HowardQ · #8 Post by **HowardQ** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 12:37 pm

flatlander wrote:forgot to mention I also take a basic first aid kit can't recall if it is compulsory for bikes though

also French biker chappies are quite friendly usually a leg out or four fingers raised when riding

Are you sure that's not a double V sign

Only joking!

Aladinsaneuk · #9 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 12:44 pm

http://www.bmf.co.uk/pages/bmf_main_pag ... age_id=901

does not have france yet, but is a useful link for the future perhaps

in the meantime http://www.gites-in-vendee.com/links_ho ... france.htm states that triangles and high vis jackets do not apply to bike riders

(IIRC a first aid kit is not required for france, but is required for the low countries - but I could be wrong. I have a small one that fits into the storage are under the seat hump

(Its labelled first aid kit and what is in it is shite - but I also carry other bits I have acquired....)

Falco9 · #10 Post by **Falco9** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 4:16 pm

I now tour every year in Europe and don't carry a high vis vest or spare bulbs. The first aid kit might be a good idea though (I don't carry one) but I'm 100% certain the high vis doesn't apply to bikers as I asked a french copper and he confirmed with a "non"

I'm slowly learning and I'm carrying less crap with me every year, I seriously wouldn't worry about it, there are enough UK cars to keep Euro plod busy and you'd have to be doing something pretty stupid to get pulled over (at least thats my experience in France, Spain, Italy etc...) Having said that my mate got done in Spain for a small number plate (50 euros) but they never asked about bulbs or owt else. They can get shirty if you don't have all your documents with you (V5, Insurance, licence etc..) but even then a friend just got a bollocking over it but no ticket

Unlike the UK virtually all bikers in Europe will acknowledge you, normally a foot waved if they are passing you, or an inverted "V" sign from a dropped hand below handlebar height if they are coming towards you. I haven't seen the four fingered sign yet but I'm sure its out there.

I worked for a dutch company a couple of years ago and I'd like to warn you that most dutch driving is of the "lunatic" variety. Keep your wits about you, they like to press on (and thats putting it mildy)

F9

davebms · #11 Post by **davebms** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 8:48 pm

thanks for the info , iv toured abroad before and its all been good ,
but the text that got gave me the impression that there has been a very recent change

poss i will phone the RAC as i is a member

dave

davebms · #12 Post by **davebms** » Sun Sep 04, 2011 2:54 pm

Compulsory hi-vis in France - | Motorcycle News | Bike News

i tried to make that a link but its not

copy and past may work

dave