If youre towing a small trailer, the rules for towing in France vary depending on your licence. If you are towing a small trailer, you need to be aware of the regulations. Towing a car over eight hundred kilograms is illegal. Vehicles exceeding 3,500kg in France All motorhomes and caravans (not combined with towing vehicle) with a total weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes must have a sticker showing the position of the blind spots, visible on the sides and at the rear of the vehicle. British Embassy 35, rue du Faubourg St Honor 75383 PARIS, Telephone: +33 (0) 1 44 51 31 00 Fax: +33 (0) 1 44 51 31 09, Website: http://www.amb-grandebretagne.fr/, British Consulate 353, Boulevard du President Wilson 33073 BORDEAUX, Telephone: +33 (0)5 57 22 21 10 Fax: +33 (0)5 56 08 33 12, British Consulate 24, Avenue du Prado 13006 MARSEILLE, Telephone: +33 (0) 4 91 15 72 10 Fax: +33 (0) 4 91 37 47 06. The total weight of the vehicle and trailer together can't weigh more than 3,500kg. Otherwise the trailer or caravan can use a matching number plate to the one on the towing vehicle. Menu. New rules about towing a trailer or caravan with a car, originally expected to take effect from November 15, have finally come into force. Get specialist personal based cover for caravans, motorhomes and campervans from just 11 per month.^. This will be displayed on what is called the la plaque de tare ou de surface on the right-hand side of your trailer. Make sure your breathalyser is NF approved. Must be placed so as to be visible at all times. From September 2021, the GB sticker was replaced with a UK one and this . By roof boxes / top boxes (coffres de toit), we don't mean roof racks (barres de toit or galeries de toit). For instance, youll have to pay a class four fine for towing a trailer with more than 20 percent of its total weight. As category B but with a trailer weighing more than 750kg. Select which online quote to retrieve. This is not only dangerous but can also lead to a class 4 or class 5 infringement of EUR1500. To use: simply wipe area dry and clean, then flexsticker and peel paper from 'crack lines' on back. Riders of mopeds or motorcycles up to 125cc must be aged 16 or over. It may also indicate a level crossing or exit used by emergency vehicles. According to Good Life RV, "Triple towing is when you are towing a trailer (like a fifth wheel) behind a towing vehicle and then attach another trailer to the fifth wheel for a third vehicle. Most of these details are covered by French law, but some are mentioned specifically in your auto insurance policy the details of which, as ever, we encourage you to check from time to time (and most certainly at each renewal). [Features / Advice] To hold a class E/B a medical is required every five years under age 60 every two years over age sixty and annually after age 70 These medical certificates are issued at a current cost. If the offence committed is serious and likely to entail a heavy fine and the suspension of the driving licence or a prison sentence, a motorist who is not resident in France and has no employment there must deposit a guarantee. Children up to the age of 10 must travel in an approved child seat or restraint, adapted to their age and size. If you are towing a car behind a motor caravan overseas, our advice would be to use a trailer with all four wheels of the car off the ground. GO to https://www.remorquage-mulhouse.fr for more info. Arkansas Connecticut Hawaii Kansas 32-9-5. Do I need a breathalyser to drive in France? If youre carrying a trailer, you should be aware of the weight limits of the car and trailer before setting off. Vehicles from the UK can be temporarily imported into France for up to six months in any period of 12 months. You can also carry your bikes on the back of your vehicle, provided they do not obscure lights, indicators or number plates. If it does exceed the width of the vehicle you will need two hatched reflective stripes one at each edge pointing down (forming an inverted V). If youre towing a trailer with more than this, youll have to pay a higher class five fine. They also display the vehicle's gross vehicle mass (GVM), which includes its maximum payload. 8. While this may not seem like a big deal in the UK, its still important to be aware of the laws and regulations in the country. The presence and legibility of this plate is also part of the standard French MoT (contrle technique / CT). That may be all you need to do, but it will depend upon your policy. You can only tow anything heavier than you're allowed if you're properly supervised. To drive in certain cities, you will need to display a vehicle emissions sticker on your windscreen, known as a CritAir vignette. In France, the weight limit is 990kg. In France, you could have to pay a massive fine of 1,500 if caught. There are numerous laws and regulations in place to protect you and your vehicle in the event of an accident. This permits you to tow a trailer with a maximum weight of 750kg. A B96 class of driving license is required, you plan to drive a vehicle with a caravan or trailer whose combined laden weight is in excess of 3.5 tonnes. Emergency service and armed forces vehicles. There is no official distribution point for the stickers at present, but these can be purchased online at most big retailers (Amazon, ebay etc.). You must also be aware of the weight restrictions of a particular vehicle. The following vehicles are the only vehicles that are exempt from the LCV tachograph rules: Vehicles which cannot exceed 40km/h. Must not obstruct the visibility of the vehicle's registration plates and various lights and signalling devices as well as the driver's field of vision. In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here, Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Recommend to Friend, [Message Forums] When you tow, you must be careful not to get in an accident if youre overweight. If your vehicle is too heavy, youll be penalized with a class four fine. New member personal based prices from 16 a month. : Passengers are not allowed to ride in any fifth wheel, travel trailer or pickup camper. All you need is to notify your insurer. CBD Oil: Is It Functional for Mental Problems? 2 Length may not be increase with a permit : All RVs are required to carry flares or reflective signs. How does the no-claims bonus system operate in France? Overweight trailers are dangerous to tow, and youll be charged a class 4 fine and a class 5 infringement, which can result in a hefty fine of over 100 Euros and points on your licence. Overweight trailers can be dangerous and can result in a class 4 fine of EUR130. Children under the age of 12 must wear a helmet when cycling both when riding themselves or as a passenger. Drivers will have to fork out 257 in an application fee and a further 401 for the licence. In France, you must also be aware of French laws. The DVLA will automatically update your driving licence record so there is no need to take any further action. However, its important to check your French driving licence for restrictions. either the trailer or caravan weighs more than 500 kg when laden. Youll also be penalized for being overweight. Ready To Buy Real Estate? Tel: +33 (0)5 62 03 70 00 Parked in a way that it presents a hazard to public safety. Use These Tips! The 2023 AngloINFO Worldwide Expat Survey - Now Open! of the State of Alabama for the enforcement of its laws relating to motor vehicles, now existing or hereafter enacted, shall be authorized, and it is hereby made the duty of each of them to . For starters, it's a good idea to get RAC European Breakdown Coverbefore you go. Recreational Vehicle Towing in British Columbia Fact Sheet (PDF - May 2007) ^11 a month for existing Camping and Caravanning Club members purchasing new personal based Caravan Standard cover only on a monthly renewing contract. You can either have two small boards or one large board but they must be placed at the back of the outfit between 50cm and 150cm off the ground. (P2 or P3) Indicate presence of a wide vehicle. The standard French driving license gives you the freedom to tow one of these. You might even have your licence revoked! You must: This means that you can tow a small trailer if your car is not more than 8.250kg. Towing a caravan in France can be a serious problem. Must be visible from the sides and rear of the vehicle, and at a height between 0.90 and 1.50 meters from the ground. European regulations classify child restraints in five different groups according to the child's weight: Taxis are exempt but in other vehicles, a fine is levied if a child is not restrained. In most cases, you wont have a problem towing in France, but you should be aware of some regulations that you should heed. On the subject of trailers, does anyone know the latest stance regarding "Tow a Car". Towing speed limit: 65 mph Did you know? Can I drive in France with a paper UK licence, speed limit on many A and B roads in France has been reduced, Find out when you need a French clean air sticker and how to buy one, speed limit on many A and B roads in France have been reduced, lesser-known aspects of driving in France, Rear-facing child seat placed either at front passenger seat (airbag switched off) or back seat. If youre driving a small van or a folding camper, you can tow it in France without any problems. Please note that this Georgia law does not cover booting, non . Tow a trailer over 750kg MAM as long as the combined MAM of the trailer and . Detailed information is contained in the Road Traffic Act and Regulations, 1961 and Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB) 1. Marker boards can be purchased from most HGV suppliers including HGV Direct. Visitors must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to legally drive in France. Typically, the tow ball load is around 10% of the vehicle's maximum towing capacity, but it varies between manufacturer so best to check your . The identifier can be incorporated in vehicle number plates (along with the Union Flag) or as a separate sticker. Many press stories have been eliminated. In rain, speed limits are lowered. If your number plate includes UK on its own or UK with the Union flag then you do not need a separate UK sticker, unless you are travelling in Spain in which case a separate UK sticker is also required. If the weight is more than 200% above the limit, youll be subject to a class five infringement of EUR1500. Visiting motorists should be warned that some French police authorities are authorised to impose and collect fines on the spot up to 750from drivers who violate traffic regulations. These professionals can also help you with a variety of other legal issues. All vehicles driving in France that are towing a caravan or trailer, where the vehicle has a GTM over 3.5 tonnes ( *see below) MUST display 80 and 90 'speed limit' stickers. This will be when you renew your actual licence. Between sunset and sunrise, warning must be given by flashing passing lights. These regulations are in force since 1 January 2021. DVLA is one of the worst in this respect my comment). In the UK, the regulations depend on your driving license. 17 See notes 1 and 6 Automatic cars As category B with automatic transmission. The main offences this can be applied to are: Any of the abovecases can result in thevehicle becomingthe property of the French government. The standard class B driving license will cover you unless the total laden weight of the towing vehicle and the trailer or caravan exceeds 3.5 tonnes. The following rules - for both immatriculation and for insurance - need to be read in conjunction with the weight of the rig that you are towing. The weight limits for towing a trailer in France differ from the UK. Get the latest news, reviews and offers to help keep your motoring costs down. If a red light is accompanied by a yellow arrow, you may proceed in the direction indicated by the arrow, provided you give way to vehicles travelling in that direction, as well as to pedestrians. When towing a motorhome or a trailer, the maximum speed will be based on the combined weight of the vehicle and the trailer. International Driving Permit: how to get one and where you need it, Top 16 tips for driving through France in 2022, International Driving Permits and Brexit your questions answered about driving in the EU, 8 amazing UK holiday destinations for a 2021 staycation. The sticker will tell you how much weight your car can carry, and you should follow it strictly. If the trailer doesn't have brakes a maximum of 750kg. Noncommercial License Classes: License classes are based on the size of the vehicle you wish to drive or the weight of the trailer you wish to tow. All rights reserved. Credit cards are generally accepted at petrol stations. if it is: Abandoned. Maryland not the licence, so why bother.. A friend is 67 does she need a medical to be able to pull a trailer tent on her French driving licence, Select a country to get an instant quote for health insurance. No, its not compulsory to carry a fire extinguisher in private cars in France. There are now many automatic petrol pumps operated by credit or debit cards. In Paris and some other large towns, illegally parked vehicles are immobilised by wheel clamps. There are no height restrictions. Towing a car or a trailer in France requires a special license. However cards issued abroad are not always accepted by these petrol pumps. If your car and trailer weigh over three thousand kilograms, then you can tow a 2,000-kilogram trailer. You will need a separate UK sticker displayed on the rear of your vehicle if your number plate has a Euro symbol, a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales or no flag or identifier. Allow more time and space for everything, particularly taking corners and braking. Maximum combined length for two vehicles 60 ft. Triple-towing is not allowed. However, a tow vehicle and a trailer form an articulated (hinged) vehicle which presents an additional set of concerns. (Specific insurance will also be required because of the previous condition. Towing Trailers with a Load Before towing a trailer, please ensure that all safety measures and towing regulations have been met. All rights reserved. Notes: Riding in a trailer is prohibited. Follow us or alternatively, you can register with our online communityClub Together. 'A' roads are the roads where the speed limit for cars is 130 kph. In both Austria and Portugal it is illegal to own and to use a dash cam. Youre not allowed to tow a motor vehicle except in the event of a breakdown or an accident and if the distance to be travelled is short. Standard fines are classified into fourcategories according to the gravity of the offence, ranging from 11 to 750. In Spain and Italy, any overhanging loads must be indicated by a square panel measuring 50cm x 50cm. [Company Listings] Trailer licence From late 2021, all drivers will be allowed to tow trailers with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 3,500kg without the need to take a car and trailer driving test. No vehicle towing a trailer, or no vehicle or combination over 10,000 lbs. In some cases, instead of (or in addition to) a fine or prison sentence, the vehicle can be confiscated. This has recently been extended to include GPS-based systems capable of displaying fixed speed camera locations as points of interest. Check remorquage-mulhouse.fr for more info on the subject. New trailer regulations: your questions answered Overweight trailers can be dangerous to tow and you can get a class 4 fine of EUR130 if you are more than 20% overweight. Vehicles which are being road tested for any maintenance or repair work. of your motorhome, a trip from Northern France to southern will cost around 50. Note that vehicles featuring the letters GB together with the Council of Europe golden stars are no longer valid for driving abroad. It does not mean that he/she can park free of charge in a fee-paying zone. Get the latest news, advice, reviews and offers to help keep your motoring costs down. A continuous yellow line indicates that stopping and parking are prohibited. In addition, those with a full licence are allowed to tow a 900kg trailer or a 950 kg folding camper. Towing courses . As a UK resident, albeit a regular visitor to our house in France, the car is properly registered and insured in the UK. Every country has its own traffic and driving regulations, its always best to know these as best you can before you set off. It's holiday time, so master the small print before you hit the road! Touring caravan insurance quote. Be sure to take off your headphones once you cross the Channel, otherwise you could be fined on the spot. If the test is positive,a blood test follows. Eurolites are suitable for clear lens, projector and xenon headlights. You should be careful not to exceed the limit and be aware of the maximum weight for the trailer. The exact details of your policy will define your legal and contractual obligations. If the offence committed is not likely to entail the suspension of the driving licence or a prison sentence, the motorist can pay a reduced fine within the next threedays. Must comply with the model set by the decree of 5 January 2021. That's lower than the 0.08% in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but the same as Scotland. French law prohibits drivers from devices capable of detecting speed cameras and warning drivers of their location. Speed limits in France vary depending on what type of driving license you have. tow your vehicle. In addition to a fine, you can lose points on your driving license and have your licence revoked if you exceed the limit. Try the Trailers.com free look-up to see what the laws are in your state for trailers. These will probably not be covered by default, but it should be possible to add this to you policy as required. The penalties for infringing these rgulations are heavy and include immobilization of the vehicle. [Caravan Sites & Camping] Tips And Ideas For Doing A Small Bathroom Remodel Pinellas County, Tree Removal How to Get Rid of a Tree in the City of Berkeley, Tips And Tricks On How To Take Better Photos, The Process Of Hiring A Good House Painter Melbourne, Exactly How To Select Wood Countertops That Match Your Kitchen, All You Have Ever Wanted To Know About Business Leadership, Do It Yourself With These Home Improvement Tips. You need to display a UK identifier on the rear of your vehicle when travelling in Europe. Caravans start at around 1,000kg and top out at over 2,500kg so all are braked. This information, combined with the law and your insurance, gives the following combination of requirements: Trailers (remorques) and caravans must always display a number plate. Rear Identification Lamps. Does Carte Gris need to be renewed i.e. France uses the metric system for all road signs, meaning speed limits and other road signs including distance are indicated using kilometres and metres. If youre on a main road outside a built-up area, the speed limit is now 80km/h after the law changed in 2018, and for built-up areas its 50km/h. You will need to display a UK sticker on the rear of your car. Towing a caravan or trailer in France - French Insurance In France (Generali group) Contact us 05 45 82 03 20 Opening times Mon-Fri 9:00 - 12:00 / 14:00 - 17:00 (Phone lines 9:00-13:00) info@frenchinsuranceinfrance.com French Insurance In France (Generali group) Your friendly English speaking insurance agency in France since 1982 Home Stopping and parking are permitted on the right-hand side only of roads with two lanes of traffic; in one-way streets, stopping and parking are allowed on both sides if the street is wide enough. Children under the age of 10 are not allowed to travel in the front seats of vehicles without using a special child restraint, unless there is no rear seat, the rear seat is already occupied with children under 10 or there are no seat belts. Registered in England; Registered Offices: RAC House, Brockhurst Crescent, Walsall WS5 4AW. The weight considerations described on pages 30 and 31 are very important to safe towing.