Simple rules of the road

DRIVING around France can be a real pleasure compared to the clogged roads of the UK if you remember a few key points.

Before you head across to France make sure you know exactly what cover you have from your current insurance company.
Also if you are a member of a breakdown scheme see if it can be extended to cover you whilst away, it could prove invaluable.
If you are driving a right hand drive car in France make sure you have converted the headlights with the stick-on filters you can buy from any good car spares shop.
Make sure you do this before driving in France either on the ferry or train for example and make sure you take them off when you are immediately back in the UK.
The minimum driving age is 18, driver and all passengers must wear seat belts and children under 10 must ride in the back seat.
Use full or dipped headlights, as in the UK, in poor visibility and at night but your sidelights only when the car is stationary.
It is also a good idea to have a complete spare bulb kit, a red warning triangle in case you have to stop and a fire extinguisher.
Speed limits are clearly signposted at the roadside and they are:

Built-up areas 50kph (31mph)
Ordinary roads 90kph (56mph)
Toll-free autoroutes and dual carriageways 110kph (68mph)
Toll autoroutes 130kph (81mph)

There are many roundabouts close to towns and you must slow down and give way to the vehicles already on the roundabout.
And despite the French love for fine wine the drink drive regulations are stricter than the UK with the limit set at 50mg per 100ml of blood.
When you buy fuel look for petrol stations at supermarkets, as they are much cheaper than regular ones.
Related article: On track to a carte grise