Depends where you're going, but always worth checking the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), becuse you'll get the very latest information (there's everything from documents, medicine & health, problems and threats, as well as more general information about the country, also importantly where the consulate is and phone numbers, in case of any problems. (oh and don't forget to make a note of the emergency services numbers...most of europe 911 will do, but that's not always the case...and sometimes its different for different emergency services)
see FOC Site (Home Page)
see here for FRANCE
See here for Europe (then select your country)
From FCO on France...
Local Travel
Road Travel
Advice on driving outside the UK can be obtained from motoring organisations such as the AA and RAC.
Information on safety and potential traffic black spots is available on the French government website: http://www.bison-fute.equipement.gouv.fr. This website is only available in French.
To drive in France you must be 18 years old and have a valid UK driving licence, insurance and vehicle documents. Failure to comply may lead to a fine and/or your vehicle being impounded. You are not permitted to drive at 17 even if you hold a valid licence. If you do not own the vehicle you are driving, you are advised to obtain written permission from the registered owner.
It is obligatory to carry a warning triangle and reflective jacket. The reflective jacket must be stored inside the vehicle itself. Non-compliance is a fineable offence.
Driving regulations in France are different from those in the UK. Speeding can result in heavy, on the spot fines and potentially immediate confiscation of your vehicle and licence.
In 2007 there were 4,620 road deaths in France (source: DfT). This equates to 7.3 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2007. Many drivers undertake long journeys in, or through, France. Care should be taken to plan journeys and take regular breaks.
In-car radar detectors are illegal in France whether in use or not. If caught with one, you are liable to fines and/or, confiscation of the device and the vehicle.
see FOC Site (Home Page)
see here for FRANCE
See here for Europe (then select your country)
From FCO on France...
Local Travel
Road Travel
Advice on driving outside the UK can be obtained from motoring organisations such as the AA and RAC.
Information on safety and potential traffic black spots is available on the French government website: http://www.bison-fute.equipement.gouv.fr. This website is only available in French.
To drive in France you must be 18 years old and have a valid UK driving licence, insurance and vehicle documents. Failure to comply may lead to a fine and/or your vehicle being impounded. You are not permitted to drive at 17 even if you hold a valid licence. If you do not own the vehicle you are driving, you are advised to obtain written permission from the registered owner.
It is obligatory to carry a warning triangle and reflective jacket. The reflective jacket must be stored inside the vehicle itself. Non-compliance is a fineable offence.
Driving regulations in France are different from those in the UK. Speeding can result in heavy, on the spot fines and potentially immediate confiscation of your vehicle and licence.
In 2007 there were 4,620 road deaths in France (source: DfT). This equates to 7.3 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2007. Many drivers undertake long journeys in, or through, France. Care should be taken to plan journeys and take regular breaks.
In-car radar detectors are illegal in France whether in use or not. If caught with one, you are liable to fines and/or, confiscation of the device and the vehicle.