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Reversing aids and parking aids: Advice and tips

Vehicles parallel parked on a street

If you were lucky enough to avoid the parallel park manoeuvre in your driving test, it is likely that you are filled with dread when there is no other option than having to squeeze into a tight space. We’ve all been there, parking in a space that is so far away from where you need to be, so it requires an extra 5-minute walk to avoid parking in between two other vehicles.

However, you can reduce this stress with a reversing or parking aid. You don’t need worry, you won’t be the only person on your street who has one. There are millions of motorists in the UK who have invested in one.

What is a reversing aid?

So, a reversing aid, what are its benefits? Basically, they can detect any obstructions around your vehicle that are in your blind spot such as bollards.

What is classed as a reversing aid? Parking sensors and reversing cameras. You can use them together or independently; however, we recommend a parking sensor out of the two of them.

You are probably aware that most modern vehicles come with parking sensors fitted due to the increase in vehicles integrating more advanced electrical components. However, if your vehicle doesn’t already have any, you can simply manually fit some parking sensors.

There are two different types that can prevent your vehicle from being covered in bumps and scratches which are ultrasonic and electromagnetic.

Ultrasonic sensors are the most popular and cheapest option. To determine how close you are to objects, they bounce sound off them to check how long it takes for the sound to get back to them. As they are wired up to your speakers, they start to beep as soon as you put the vehicle in reverse, then the closer you get to an obstacle, the more they beep. We recommend that you get them professionally fitted by us as they need to be drilled in. Also, you should avoid using them if your vehicle has a tow bar.

If your vehicle has a tow bar, cycle rack or other similar equipment, we recommend that you invest in electromagnetic sensors as they are fitted to the actual bumper, rather than being drilled in. Basically, an electromagnetic field is created around the vehicles bumper, then the beeper will sound if they are too close to it.

Take a look at our range of parking sensors that will be completely suitable for your specific requirements, with some being colour matched. Also, they are fully fitted by our experienced technicians in a location of your choice to make the process easier for you.

Reversing cameras are suitable for those of you who aren’t confident at parking or have a large vehicle and would just like assistance to clarify give you a clear view of your blind spots and prevent you from hitting any hidden obstacles. As the screen will be placed right in front of you on your dashboard, it will prevent any reversing accidents from occurring.

However, the actual camera will be fitted to your number plate and most models have night vision meaning they are perfect to use during all times of the day.

As you need to drill through your boot to fit the camera, it is advisable to get it professionally fitted.

Even though reversing cameras are effective, we recommend parking sensors.

The demand for reversing and parking aids are growing in the UK, as more motorists would like gain confidence whilst parking into tight spaces, especially those who have larger vehicles like 4x4s.

In-car cameras and dash cams: Advice, tips and benefits

The road can be a dangerous place, even as the most careful and cautious driver other road users may put you at risk. If you are involved in a traffic collision it could cost you hundreds of pounds to repair your vehicle or in insurance premiums even if it wasn’t your fault. In car cameras and dash cams can help to protect you from any blame disputes and could save you money on your insurance.

What is an in-car camera?

An in-car camera, otherwise called a dash cam is a small device that can be fitted into your car and connected to your electrical system or hardwired into your vehicle to record video footage of the road ahead whilst driving.

The camera can be fitted to your windscreen or dashboard so that it does not obstruct your view when driving. The methods used to fix your camera to the inside of the vehicle is usually fitted using a suction mount, fixed bracket or 3M Adhesive mount. This will secure your camera in place to make sure that the footage recorded is clear and detailed. It is a good idea to remove your dash cam once you have left the vehicle to avoid your car being broken into. If you have parking mode on your camera or want to keep it in the vehicle it is best to place it in a discreet place.

There are several benefits of installing an in-car camera, although the main reason that dash cams are becoming increasingly popular is because they can record any events that take place on the road capturing vital information that could be used as evidence after a road incident. With the rise in money making negligent claims drivers feel that installing a dash cam in their car helps them to drive with confidence knowing they are protected from fraudulent claims.

Choosing an in-car camera might seem like a daunting task with so many on the market. Our dash cams range from £26.50 to £358.00. The specification of the dash cam depends on the price bracket.

If you are looking for a simple, easy to use in car camera is it a good idea to start with the middle bracket dash cams such as the RAC 107. The RAC 107 Dash cam is a reasonably priced super HD camera that is a full packed with features and is still one of the best dash cams available. If you are looking for something more advanced the top of the range Thinkware F800 Pro Dash Cam is the new flagship for innovative features that includes time lapse, super night vision, road safety alerts and parking mode. Equipped with an additional camera, you will never be caught out again by an unexpected event.

A high specification in-car camera is a great investment that could prove to be very beneficial to you, along with potentially reducing your car insurance premiums.

In-car WiFi: The essential advice and tips

The reliance on smartphones is huge in the UK, from reading the news, being in constant contact with friends or to getting from A to B.  Whilst people are traveling or commuting via bus or train, there is often a quality connection to WiFi. So, why shouldn’t this be the same whilst you are traveling in a car? After all, it is likely that you spend a large proportion of your time in your vehicle, whether it being while you are constantly moving or being stuck in traffic, smartphone usage never stops. This makes in-car WiFi a must have.

Why would I want WiFi in my car?

As smartphone networks offer plans that include a fair amount of 3G and 4G, you are probably wondering why you need WiFi in your car. If you travel a lot, it is the perfect investment as signal is often lost whilst you are travel in rural areas and on motorways.

It can be used for both practical and entertainment solutions, if you rely on your smartphone to reach your destination, you can guarantee that it won’t cut out half way through the journey. You can make your journey much more enjoyable by streaming videos and music.

In-car WiFi is completely legal, however, as you are probably aware, it is illegal to use any device without a handsfree set. This should not be an issue as most smartphones have voice recognition functions.

So, in car WiFi, how does it work? There are three options that you can choose from which are using a MiFi wireless router, built in telematics or via a 4G LTE connection.

The newest option which was introduced around 2 years ago, is the MiFi option. You need to contact your mobiles network and purchase a MiFi router, then you will get a monthly fee or contract with it. Then you are good to go with instant internet access, it really is that simple.

The second option is from cars with built in WiFi, as modern vehicles often have it already built in. The built in-schematics allow you to completely make calls hands free and adjust your music.

The 4GE LTE option is similar to other mobile hot spots but it provides 4G speeds, however vehicle manufacturers are only just starting to tap into it.

In-car WiFi is becoming more of a necessity rather that another added option as we greatly rely on our smartphones.

Top 10 Car Battery Facts

A car battery gives the initial boost that cranks and starts the engine of your vehicle. Once the engine is running, the battery could, theoretically be removed and the car would run quite happily. However, we wouldn’t recommend testing this theory as you’d have a problem restarting the engine once the ignition was switched off.

There are many misconceptions and myths surrounding car batteries, so below we have set out ten facts about the battery under your bonnet, facts that may provide you with a better understanding of how it works and how to get the best out of your battery.

Batteries naturally discharge

Vehicles need to be driven regularly and for distances that allow the battery to recharge itself properly or it will discharge its power and run flat. In fact, regular longer runs could double the life of your battery

A weak battery can have a knock-on effect on other parts of the vehicle such as the charging system and starter as they have to draw excessive voltage due to the reduced battery power.

Providing the battery fitted to your vehicle is designed to meet the demands of your particular make and model, is properly maintained, and your vehicle driven for distances that give the battery time to recharge itself, it should last for up to five years.

We strongly recommend that you avoid replacing the battery yourself because if you make a simple mistake it could damage the whole electrical system of the vehicle.

Don’t be fooled, or rush out to buy a new battery if the battery warning lights up on your dashboard; it doesn’t always mean that there is a fault with the battery. It could be a problem with the vehicle’s charging system, or some other electrical fault. But we do recommend that you check with your nearest garage or contact us as soon as possible because to delay could result in serious damage to the electrical system and may indicate an imminent breakdown

If the car battery leads are connected incorrectly it can cause the electrical current to flow in reverse polarity resulting in serious damage to the vehicle’s electronic system. Consequently the fuses could be destroyed and potentially cause the battery to explode.

For this reason many motorists have their batteries fitted by a professional and why we encourage motorists to have their batteries fitted by us.

A faulty or failing battery can affect the fuel economy as the vehicle’s alternator will have to draw more horsepower to charge the battery adequately, meaning the added load puts more pressure onto the battery and uses more fuel.

Extremely cold weather can result in the battery losing power. For this reason, today’s batteries include cold cranking amps (CCA) that give that extra boost to assist starting on cold winter mornings. CCA is the number of amps delivered by the car battery at 0℉ within 30 seconds without dropping below 7.2 volts. The higher the CCA of a particular battery the better will be the performance. But be aware, hot outside temperatures can also deaden your battery – for more on this click here to view our article titled ‘Has my car battery died’.

All dead car batteries should be recycled as they contain lead dioxide and sulphuric acid which can harm the environment, as well as being dangerous to your health.

If you have replaced the battery yourself you should take the old one to your local recycling centre or scrap metal facility, however as part of our fitting service, we can do this for you, completely free!

Car battery size and choosing the correct battery for your make and model of vehicle is important – pick the wrong one, then no matter your cars specification, or how well it is maintained, it simply will not perform as it should or could.

When you need a new car battery, simply visit the RAC Shop and enter either your vehicle registration or the make and model then pick from the selection of batteries chosen for being the correct one for your car. You can then decide whether you want to fit it yourself, or leave the job up to a professional by contacting us here at the RAC Shop.

When you need a new car battery, simply visit the RAC Shop and enter either your vehicle registration or the make and model then pick from the selection of batteries chosen for being the correct one for your car. You can then decide whether you want to fit it yourself, or leave the job up to a professional by contacting us here at the RAC Shop.

Whichever battery you have, make sure you use the right charger. Choose the correct charger for your battery by clicking on the link, or if you would prefer to speak with one of our advisors regarding the appropriate battery or charger for your vehicle, then give us a call on 0800 8620676. We are here to help.

Enter your registration to find car batteries

How to fit a car battery

Car batteries, like most things, don’t last forever, at some point they do need replacing. Year after year, car battery fitting and charging problems are one of the top reasons for roadside assistance calls. A flat, unreliable battery, is always an inconvenience and at times compromises safety and can be positively dangerous.

Often, the reason a car battery fails is that it is simply too old and no longer up to the job it was designed for. If this is the case then unfortunately continuous jump-starting or recharging will not solve the problem and you will have to think about fitting a car battery as a replacement.

As a guide, the life of a regular car battery is usually somewhere between three and five years when properly cared for, but even this is dependent on several important factors.

Why do car batteries go flat?

A battery will lose its charge and become flat if it is not used regularly, or if the car is used for short journeys only when the battery will not have enough time to recharge itself properly. The term for this is ‘under charging’. This leads to a hardening of the lead plates within the battery that affects its ability to hold a charge. This is known as sulphation.

As a car battery works on a chemical reaction basis, the environment temperature and humidity can also play a crucial role in battery performance. A battery operates at maximum efficiency at a temperature of 26.7℃ or 80℉. Higher temperatures speed up internal corrosion within the battery’s cells which reduces the life of the battery. Colder temperatures inhibit a battery’s ability to provide sufficient power to start and run a vehicle.

Leaving an interior light on accidentally can be enough to run your battery flat if left on for long enough.

How to tell if your battery needs replacing

There is a simple test you can carry out to determine the condition of your battery and if you think you need to start thinking about fitting a car battery as a replacement. First, try starting your car at night with the headlights switched on. If the headlights are overly dim, put the vehicle in neutral or park if automatic, and rev the engine. If the battery is failing, the headlights will get brighter as you press the accelerator. A completely flat or dead battery is easy to identify, it simply won’t start at all.

How to tell which battery is best for your car

Generally speaking, automotive vehicles require different types of battery, as it needs to accommodate the electronic demands and features of that particular vehicle. Many of today’s cars are crammed with electronic devices and have powerful computers that are operating all the time, drawing energy, even when the vehicle itself is switched off and parked.

To help make the right choice for your car battery fitting as well as the right one for your model, simply complete our battery finder section to find the battery most suitable for your vehicle.

How to fit a car battery

Although we recommend that your new battery is fitted by one of our patrols or in an RAC approved garage we have listed below a step by step guide if you wish to do the job yourself.

Step 1

First, ensure you are parked on a flat, level surface – engage the handbrake and remember to keep the keys about your person in case the central locking system activates when the old battery is removed.

For safety reasons, we advise you use protective eyewear and gloves – as car battery acid is highly corrosive and can leak.

Before removing the old battery, ensure you have all of your PIN codes and settings for your car’s electrical systems to hand, such as the satellite navigation system, music system and radio, as they may need to be reset.

Identify the negative and positive connections (negative is usually coloured black and marked ‘-’ while the positive pole is usually red and signed ‘+’. Label if necessary.

When removing a battery, always remove the negative terminal first as failure to do so could damage your car’s electrical system. Next, loosen the positive terminal, then the clamps or screws securing the battery in its housing

Keep the old battery upright at all times during removal to minimise the risk of acid spillage.

Set the new battery in its housing, making sure the negative and positive posts are in the same position as the battery removed. Check this before tightening the clamps or screws that hold the battery in place. Remove the plastic protective covers from the new battery posts and then securely reconnect the positive (+) terminal followed by the negative (-) terminal.

If you have followed the above steps, you should now be ready to drive away – but do remember to dispose of your old battery at your local recycling centre or scrapyard.
Changing a car battery when carried out correctly is relatively quick, safe, and easy, but we can provide this service at a destination of your choice, and at your convenience should this be your preferred option.

Whichever battery you have, make sure you use the right charger. Choose the correct charger for your battery by clicking on the link, or if you would prefer to speak with one of our advisors regarding the appropriate battery or charger for your vehicle, then give us a call on 0800 8620676. We are here to help.

Enter your registration to find car batteries

How to Jump Start a Car

Hopefully, you will never need this advice, however, flat batteries do happen – at such times knowing how to jump start a car can be the quickest way to get you mobile again.

Although a new battery should give a number of year’s trouble free motoring, usually somewhere between three and five years, there are a several reasons you may find your battery drained of energy and, temporarily at least, you have a problem that leaves you stranded and unable to make or continue your journey.

Knowing how to jump start a car is a get out of trouble quickly solution that all motorists should be familiar with and prepared for. As with most things, there is a right way and a wrong way to jump start a car – a safe way, and a way how not to do it. Jump starting a car can pose a personal safety risk if not carried out correctly.

For safety reasons it is advised to remove metallic objects such as bracelets, rings, and watches before connecting jump lead connections. Ensure no loose clothing can become entrapped in working parts of the engine whilst working under the vehicles bonnet

In this short article we set out the steps to follow which will give your engine the much needed boost of lie that will get you moving again. It may be helpful at this point to reflect on the reasons why a car battery runs flat – click on our article why has my car battery died, here the various reasons are explained, with tips on how to avoid this inconvenient and frustrating problem.

Which type of battery do you use?

The most common battery used in standard cars today is a 12-volt battery. Other vehicles such as heavy goods vehicles and military vehicles need a much bigger battery to sustain their high power usage, which is basically a unit consisting of two 12 volt batteries combined.

How to jump start a 12 volt battery

Step 1

Firstly, switch off your engine making sure all electronic devices are also switched off. For example, lights, CD player and radio, navigational system, gaming, and any other devices that drain power from the battery. Remove your key from the ignition.

The ignition of the vehicle you are using to give the all important boost/ jump start should also be turned off whilst connecting the jump leads.

Position the boosting vehicle a short distance – not touching – away from the vehicle containing the flat battery, just enough for the cables to reach from one battery to the other. Then, connect one end of the red positive lead to the positive battery terminal of the dead battery, and the other end to the live battery positive pole.

Next, attach one end of the black negative lead to the black negative battery terminal pole of the booster vehicle, and connect the other end to a metal earthing point such as a bolt or bracket, away from the flat battery. Ensure all four grips are secure.

Start the engine of the working vehicle allowing it to run for a few minutes before turning on the ignition of the vehicle containing the flat battery.

After the flat battery has fired up and the engine is running for a minute or so, remove the jump cables in reverse order i.e. the black negative cable then the red positive cable. Your vehicle should now be ready for the road.

Using a battery booster/charging pack

Step 1

As before, turn off all electrical devices in the car and make sure your ignition key is removed.

Make sure the battery booster/charging pack is in the off position at this stage.

Connect the red positive lead to the positive terminal on the battery then connect the black negative lead to an uncovered (earthing) metallic part of the engine.

Switch on the booster pack which will charge the flat battery.

Turn on the engine and switch off the battery pack. Remove all cables in reverse order starting with the black negative cable first.

How to jump start a 24 volt battery

A 24 Volt battery is simply two 12 volt batteries combined in one unit and you can use the same boosting processes detailed above. When changing over the cables from one battery to the other make sure that you turn the engine off on the assisting vehicle or booster pack before removing and reconnecting the cables.

You can charge both batteries at the same time using a working vehicle and a booster pack.

Make sure the booster/charging pack is switched off before connecting it to the battery unit. Connect the red positive cable to the positive terminal and black negative cable to a bare metal connection not less 45cm away from the battery.

For the second battery attach the jumper leads as per the instructions above.

Switch on the booster pack and turn on the engine of the assisting vehicle. Allow the engine to run for a few minutes.

Switch on the ignition of the dead battery vehicle and switch off the engine of the assistance/booster vehicle. Once the flat battery has received the all important boost, let it run for a few minutes to give it charge.

Switch off the engine of the car that had the flat battery, and has now hopefully been jumped into life, then switch off and remove the booster pack making sure you remove the negative cable first.

Make sure that the battery pack is not removed whist the engine is still running.

Restart the car and remove the other cables.

By following the above steps you should be back on the road again within a short time. Once you are up and running again, a lengthy journey will help give your battery the opportunity to recharge itself – but consider why the battery has flattened in the first place? How old is your battery?  Is it time for a new car battery? If so, then click here to view our extensive range of new car batteries

And do please remember, if jump starting your flat battery is not an option, simply call us for assistance, that’s why we are here.

Whichever battery you have, make sure you use the right charger. Choose the correct charger for your battery by clicking on the link, or if you would prefer to speak with one of our advisors regarding the appropriate battery or charger for your vehicle, then give us a call on 0800 8620676. We are here to help.

Enter your registration to find car batteries

Car batteries, Cold Weather and Winter Care and Advice

Battery winter care is a subject many of us don’t give a second thought – until the worst happens and we find ourselves scrabbling around looking for a set of jump leads and someone to give our flat battery a much needed boost, a battery charger, or worst case scenario when we must call for assistance.

Extreme winter temperatures can reduce the life of your car’s battery – and whilst we cannot change cold winter temperatures – we can be prepared for them, and therefore minimise the risk of winter conditions impacting on our motoring with a bit of winter care.

Cold weather inhibits the chemical reaction necessary to make a battery work, which is often the reason you may have trouble starting your car on a cold winter morning! Cold weather together with a lack of car usage, especially over the festive period, every year leads to high numbers of assistance call outs.

Battery storage and winter care

Keeping your vehicle in a garage when not in use will help to protect the battery from low winter temperatures. A handy piece of kit you should consider investing in is a car battery booster – a rechargeable device that you simply bring out and clip onto your flat battery to give an instant boost – ideal when you cannot locate your jump leads, or when you don’t have the time to wait for a conventional car battery charger to work its magic!

During the winter months we generally use more electric power, the heaters, headlights, water and windscreen wipers, which all add more strain on the battery.

Before winter sets in, it is always a good idea to get your battery and electrical system thoroughly checked. If there are signs of a failing battery it is advisable to replace it immediately to help prevent being caught out in the cold weather.

If you are having problems starting your car, here are a few tips that might help you get on the move again.

·        Press down the clutch pedal to reduce the load on the battery when starting the car

·        Keep your fuel tank topped up

·        Give a few moments between repeated attempts to start the engine as this gives the battery time to recover

·        Keep your battery warm – there are today car battery blankets available

·        Switch off all electrical items before starting the car

Switch of all electronic devices in your car before switching off the ignition as they could drain your battery.

During the cold winter months, the last thing you need is a breakdown due to car battery problems. Your car battery’s ability to charge is also reduced in the cold weather, something to think about when choosing a new car battery. The cold cranking amps (CCA) stated on your car battery refer to how well the battery can cope with the cold weather. The higher the CCA the better the battery will perform in cold weather conditions.

While it is fact that cold weather can deaden a car’s battery, hot temperatures are if anything even worse for your battery, because extreme heat can lead to oxidisation in the battery which can dramatically reduce its life expectancy – but that is the subject of a quite separate article.

The RAC car battery service offers quality car batteries fitted by trusted technicians on the day you order (if ordered by 1pm). Terms and conditions apply

Whichever battery you have, make sure you use the right charger, this is essential for winter care.

Enter your registration to find car batteries

Driving in Spain

Driving in Spain is a great way to see the country. Whether you’re heading to the hot spots that attract tourists year on year, or seeking out the many hidden gems to be found off the beaten track – you will need to familiarise yourself with the rules of the road in order to stay safe and avoid an on-the-spot fine, or even worse, the confiscation of your driving license.

Below we set out the documents and items you must carry whenever you are behind the wheel in Spain, as well as some general driving tips to help things go smoothly and hassle free!

If you have previously driven in mainland Europe, you are probably well aware that driving requirements can differ from country to country. So, before you start your journey in or through Spain we want to provide you with as much information as possible to ensure that you are fully prepared.

What documents do you need to travel around Spain?

There are a few important documents you need in your possession before you begin your journey, documents you will be asked to produce should you be stopped by the police or worst case scenario, be involved in some kind of road incident. They include:-

  • The photo and paper counterpart of your full UK driving license. If you don’t have your photo license, we recommend that you carry your passport (it is a legal requirement to carry your passport anyway) and International Driving Permit.
  • Evidence of your vehicle’s insurance.
  • The original vehicle registration document or hire certificate.
  • We also recommend a Green Card

Carry these documents at all times when driving.

There are a number of compulsory items you need to have on board for your safety, as well as that of any passengers you are carrying and other road users. All of which can be stored in the boot, these are:-

Additionally, here are a few other handy items we recommend you include in your travel kit:-

Take a look at our European Driving Kits for everything you might need.

Some Spanish driving laws are the same as the UK, however,a number of them differ. It is advisable you familiarise yourself with the rules of the road in Spain before you begin your journey, to avoid getting on the wrong side of the law.

  • All drivers must be aged 18 and over
  • As in the UK, it is compulsory to wear a seatbelt
  • Remember, tolls charges apply on motorways
  • Speed camera warning systems are banned in Spain, so ensure you disable this function when using satellite navigation and GPS devices.
  • Navigational devices must not be in direct view or obscure the drivers vision
  • Children below the age of 12 and under 1.35m in height must sit in a child seat
  • Don’t sound your horn in urban areas as this is illegal unless you are in an emergency situation
  • If your vehicle exceeds 12m in length, you must fit two yellow reflectors on the rear of the vehicle
  • As in the UK, mobile phones should not be used unless it is a hands free device . In addition, you cannot use headphones or earpieces or you will face a €200 fine.
  • If using snow chains or socks, which can be necessary in some locations between November to March, the maximum  speed limit is 50km/hour

Drink-driving laws are strict in Spain, we advise that you avoid it completely before driving, however the official limits are;

  • Normal drivers: 0.50g/l
  • New drivers (2 years or less): 0.30g/l
  • Professional drivers: 0/30g/l

Ensure that you do not break the drink driving laws in Spain as the penalties can be harsh.

The speed limits in Spain differ to those in the UK and the police take them very seriously, so it is essential to be 100% certain about speed limits before you begin your journey.

  • Urban areas – 50km/h
  • Open roads (no hard shoulder) – 90km/h (70km/h if towing)
  • Dual carriage ways – 100km/h (80km/h if towing)
  • Motorways – 120km/h (80 km/h if towing)
  • Alongside maximum speeds, there are also minimum speed limits – the minimum speed limit while travelling on motorways and dual carriageways is 60km/h.

The information given here is intended to prepare you for driving in Spain, however,  remember that the laws may be slightly different in neighbouring countries, so if you are driving around other locations alongside Spain, ensure that you are fully familiar and compliant to their particular regulations.

Disclaimer

Even though we update our information regularly, driving laws often change without warning, so if in doubt, please check with the relevant authorities.

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Driving in France

Driving in France is a great way to see this beautiful and scenic country. Every year we see thousands of British motorists crossing the channel with their cars to enjoy the numerous delights France has to offer. Many other drivers choose to hire a car upon arrival, preferring to drive a left hand drive vehicle when in Europe.

Whichever option you decide upon, to avoid complications that could result in you getting on the wrong side of the law during your visit, you should be familiar with the basic rules and regulations of driving in France.

Below we set out the documents and items you must carry whenever you are behind the wheel, as well as some general driving tips.

Essential Documents

There are a number of important documents you will need to carry whilst driving around France.

  • Your full UK driving license, including the photo and paper counterpart. However, if, for whatever reason you don’t have access to both parts, then we recommend you carry your passport with you at all times, or even better, apply for an International Driving Permit before setting off. This can be purchased for about £5.50 from most post office branches.
  • Evidence of motor insurance and your vehicle registration document (VSc).
  • We also recommend a Green Card and Camping Card International.
  • Your passport.

Before you hit the road in France, it’s essential you have all of these other compulsory items:-

Alongside the compulsory items, we recommend that you also carry these:-

Some of the requirements and rules when driving in France are similar to those in the UK, however, take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the do’s and don’ts listed here;

  • All drivers must be 18 or over
  • It’s compulsory to wear a seatbelt
  • There are toll charges on motorways
  • Radar detection devices for speed cameras are not allowed, if you are caught with one you could be fined €1500 or have your vehicle taken away. This also applies to Satellite Navigation or GPS devices, so ensure that you disable this feature in the settings.
  • Children under 10 years of age must always sit in the back of the vehicle in an approved child seat
  • It is illegal to sound your horn in a built-up area unless you are in danger
  • In slow moving and stationary traffic, the last car in the line must have its hazard warning lights switched on
  • If you want the car in front to give way, simply flash your lights
  • Call 112 if you need the emergency services
  • The alcohol limit for all motorists is 50mg and random testing is commonplace. French police may confiscate your licence and your vehicle if you are found over this limit. Saliva testing is also common to check for the presence of drugs.

The French police take speeding very seriously, so familiarise yourself with speed warning signs and the various speed limits before taking to the road.

  • Towns – dry/wet roads 50km/h (although in some areas it is 20-30km/h)
  • Secondary rural roads – dry roads 90 km/h and wet roads 80km/h
  • Dual carriageways and motorways without tolls – dry roads 110km/h and wet roads 100km/h
  • Toll motorways – Dry roads 130 km/h and wet roads 100km/h
  • Foggy conditions on the motorways – 50km/h
  • In the left hand lane on the motorway – minimum speed 80km/h
  • However, if you have held your full driving license for less than 3 years, you must not exceed 100km/h on urban motorways, 110km/h on motorways or 80km/h on other roads

And note, there are low emission zones in Paris, Lyon and Grenoble which you should be aware of if you are driving in or passing through these areas.

We hope this post prepares you for driving in France, and remember to take a look at our European driving kits and accessories before setting off.

Disclaimer

Even though we try to ensure the information given here is current – rules and regulations do sometimes change without warning, so please check for revisions as we cannot be held responsible for any infringements to French driving laws.