Driving Through France

For those of you travelling to Spain via France, be aware that the French have now introduced (from July 1st) the requirement to carry hi-vis fluorescent jackets in the car.  On the spot €130 fines are being issued for non-compliance.  Jackets are on sale at the AA shop in Dover at £9.99 for two so get some from the markets in Spain if you can at about €2 each.

Since having to carry hi vis vests in Spain, Bobaol, we have decided to carry these here in the UK. 

We consider it sensible & we had bought four anyway as you need one per passenger travelling in the car in Spain & we often take friends around with us, so we just bring two home with us & take them over next trip. 

The Spanish markets have increased price to 3€ each , noticed this on our March trip. 

You only get one in a hire car so protect yourselves. A hefty fine isn't good !!!

Aldi's have a "breakdown set" for sale, triangle,gloves and vest all contained in a yellow carry bag/holder.

Poundland also stock hi vis vests.

If you're travelling through France I think you also have to carry a fire extinquisher and medical kit. 

UPDATED INFO ON DRIVING IN FRANCE includes details re the vests from 1/7/08.

Trevor Mcdonald, our friend  is making a doc about British drivers abroad, I see.

Make sure they comply with the eu safety regulations. A friend got stopped and fined as his vest didn't have the  EU approved safety tag. He bought his from a shop in Dover.

Another point worth remembering is that you have to keep the vests in the car NOT in the boot.  That applies to Spain too.  You can get fined if you have them but have to get out of the car to get them!