Living in the Languedoc: Driving: Driving from the UK
Although it's longer, the easiest, cheapest and least painless
way is the Dover-Calaise ferry, and then tank along the toll
paying autoroutes. Passenger cars can carry up
to five people legally. All passengers must wear
seat belts. Right-hand-drive vehicles without ajustable headlights
need deflectors fitted to the lights. Failure to
comply is a breach of the law and may also invalidate your
insurance. A GB sticker must be displayed on the rear of your
vehicle, caravan or trailer. Failure to comply could result
in an on-the-spot fine. Euro-Plates (Number plates
that include the GB Euro-symbol make display of a conventional
sticker unnecessary when driving within the EU.
Many drivers undertake long journeys in, or through, France.
Care should be takento plan journeys and take sufficient breaks;
a minimum break of 15 minutes after every two hours of driving
is recommended. Roads in France, particularly motorways, are
of an excellent standard. Speed limits are higher than in
the United Kingdom; but the accident rate is also much higher.
Contact your insurer for before taking a vehicle overseas.
Ensure that you are covered and that you have the necessary
documents in your possession. You may be asked
to produce your documents at any time. To avoid
a police fine and/or confiscation of your vehicle, be sure
that they are in order and readily available for inspection.
If you are towing a boat, check with the AA or RAC to make
sure you have any additional documentation that may be required. Resist
the temptation to overload your car with boxes of wine to
take home. Apart from the safety risks, overloading
can incur fines and possibly invalidate your insurance.
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Back to: French Motorways.
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Next page: Special Considerations in the Languedoc
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