General: Be Aware.

[tem]

Last Tuesday, I took the overnight DFDS Ferry, from Newcastle to Ijmuiden, in the Netherlands. On arrival, every driver was breathalysed, as they left the ship.
I have only experianced this happening once before and that was at Gotebourg, Sweden.

Reflective Jackets?
The French Police are cracking down on this issue.
If you are driving in France, you must have one.
Not in the back of the car, but in the front.

Numerous drivers from the UK have been caught out at Calais, but I observed, UK drivers being pulled over on the Motoways. One caught up with me at a Service Station and I asked why he had been stopped? Checking to see if he had a jacket.
Not sure, but I think the fine is quiet heafty.

tem.

[Ron_XC90]

Thx Tem, very usefull.

I travel to Holland quite often via Calais and have had checks a few times for the safety jackets and headlamp stickers.

Also be aware that in some countries you need to have a warning triangle and fire extinguisher in the car at all times.

[tem]

Originally Posted by Ron_XC90

Thx Tem, very usefull.

I travel to Holland quite often via Calais and have had checks a few times for the safety jackets and headlamp stickers.

Also be aware that in some countries you need to have a warning triangle and fire extinguisher in the car at all times.

Yes. Since around 2001, I have driven in Mainlalnd Europe, 5 times each year and have kept up to speed, with the changes.

If I rememeber correctly, Italy was the first to have a requirement for the reflective jacket.

tem.

[4wheeldriver]

Tem

Because of the problems ive had with the xc Iflying out to Paris rather than drive then pickng up a hire car at the airport. Do you know if they are obliged to suppy the reflective jacket or should I take my own Hi-vis with me??

[tem]

Originally Posted by 4wheeldriver

Tem

Because of the problems ive had with the xc Iflying out to Paris rather than drive then pickng up a hire car at the airport. Do you know if they are obliged to suppy the reflective jacket or should I take my own Hi-vis with me??

Do not count on it. Better to take one with you.

My son recently hired a car in Geneva, told them he was going into France, they did not offer a jacket.
Fortunately, he had one with him.

tem.

[4wheeldriver]

Need to have a dig in the cupboard then!!! Cant remember where it is. Oh the joys of continental driving. At least with a French car I dont have to wory bout headlght stickers so should be thankful for small mercies I suppose.

[tem]

Originally Posted by 4wheeldriver

Need to have a dig in the cupboard then!!! Cant remember where it is. Oh the joys of continental driving. At least with a French car I dont have to wory bout headlght stickers so should be thankful for small mercies I suppose.

Never take the jacket/vest out of the car.

Volvo's Active Bendy Headlights are just the thing, if you drive in Europe on a regular basis. Just a push of a switch, moves them from LH to RH driving.

My first XC90, I had to carry a roll of black tape, for masking.

tem.

[tem]

From the AA web site:-


REFLECTIVE JACKETS & WARNING TRIANGLES IN FRANCE (30 September)


The French Road Safety Department has confirmed that:

From 1st October 2008 all drivers in France, including drivers of vehicles registered outside of France, must have one warning triangle and one reflective jacket in their vehicle.

This regulation, which we understand does not apply to two and three wheeled vehicles, will be enforced with on-the-spot fines of between €90 and €135.

tem.