Riding Your Motorcycle In France

Many of you will be looking forward to a biking holiday in France this summer. In order to avoid any bad surprises while you are riding in this beautiful country, take a look at this article, where you will find exactly what you have to do to follow the laws in France.

Motorcycle Clothing / Helmet



Hi-Viz Vest

 - In January 2012, riders were required to wear reflective gear while riding in France, but this regulation was abolished a year later in January 2013. However, it is always a good idea to make yourself as visible to other road users as possible while on your bike so a hi-viz jacket worn over your normal bike gear or a jacket with reflective piping is a sensible whether you are riding at home or abroad.
- You do not need to carry, as drivers do, a high-visibility jacket in case of breakdown and you can leave the warning triangle at home too (unless you’re crossing into Spain).
- Your helmet must be fitted with reflective stickers visible from the front, rear and sides.



Accessories
- From 1 July 2012 it is compulsory for drivers of all motor vehicles including motorcyclists, but excluding mopeds, to carry a breathalyser in their vehicle while travelling in France.
The official text states that one unused certified breathalyser must be produced.
We recommend that two single-use breathalysers are carried, so if one is used or damaged you will still have a replacement to produce.

An example of a breathalyser kit

In January 2013, the French Government announced that the implementation of the sanction for those who are not carrying a breathalyser (a fine of £11.00) has been postponed indefinitely. So in other terms, this means that you are still required to carry a breathalyser in France but there is no current legislation demanding a fine for non-compliance.
- Since 3 January 2012, the French Government has prohibited drivers from carrying any device capable of detecting speed cameras. This includes products or devices able to warn or inform of the location of speed cameras (for example satnav or GPS systems) capable of showing speed camera sites as Points of Interest.
Just so you know, the French government is installing around 400 new, unsigned, fixed speed cameras as well as taking down signs indicating the location of existing camera sites.

Your Motorcycle

GB Sticker

- Finding a place for a GB sticker is a legal requirement if you don’t have a GB Euro number plate.

- Headlights are compulsory day and night. It is illegal to ride with faulty lights so you should carry a spare bulb kit with you.

Behaviour

- The drink-driving limit in France is 50mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood – be careful, it is

30mg less than the UK limit.

- Be fully prepared in case you are stopped by the French police. Take both your photocard and

paper licence, your insurance certificate and vehicle registration document with you.

France is an amazing country to visit on your bike. The roads are fantastic and some of the scenery is simply breathtaking. If you've never ridden in Europe before and you are worried about riding on the 'wrong' side of the road then don't panic! You do get used to it very quickly and after a while it will seem natural. If you are taking a trip to France this year then please let us now of any biker friendly accomodation, fabulous roads or exciting places that you have found to visit.