Travelling in France.

[Ade52]

I could not see an answer to this question in search so here goes. I have not toured on a bike abroad since 2005 (I bought a Motorhome in my 40's and stopped biking for a while and then biking but not aboard) I know I should not have.          I have toured a lot abroad until then and also in Motorhome (in 2008) So in 2005 I did my last bike tour from Bilbo and did the Pyrenees and Andorra (loved it). From various sources on the internet, I now notice a few changes. Helmet stickers (good idea), would like some discreet ones, which do you use, Breathalyser's (good idea) but which type are good on a budget, Hi-vis vest (had before), Bulb pack (had always common sense) and speed detectors not allowed even in a Satnav I know about UK sticker (I have UK and GB and still have Euro passport which is OK until out of date (my understanding). Have I missed anything else. Any other advise would be good to know to bring me up to date. Thanking all in advance. 

[Coconut]

In France you may also need a "Crit'Air" Sticker -
This classifies your vehicle according to the levels
of Nitrous Oxide emitted !

They are mandatory for driving in some Low Emissions Zones.

I got one for my Trophy last time I went to France ( 2019 )
as they are relatively cheap, ( GBP £3.60 ) and have no expiry date,
so I knew that I wouldn't be caught out, wherever I decided to roam !

Web site here : The official Website for the Crit'Air sticker ( air quality certificate )

The Breathalyser thing is a strange one :
As of January 2013 the French government announced that the introduction
of an €11 fine for not carrying one had been postponed indefinitely.
However, the law still states that drivers and motorcyclists must have an alcotest
ready for use in their vehicle even though no penalty will be imposed
if they cannot present one during a police road check ! 

They are widely available through eBay / Amazon etc -
Just make sure they are advertised as acceptable to French authorities,
and check the packaging as they usually have an expiry date.

Don't forget your Headlamps ! - they may need "Beam Deflectors" fitting
to them if your vehicle headlights are designed for driving on the Left.
Consult your vehicle handbook.
( Not applicable to the Trophy which has an asymmetrical dipping headlamp ! )

In some areas in Winter, it is compulsory to carry Snow Chains in the vehicle.

I don't think it is a legal requirement, but it makes sense to carry your :
Driving Licence,
Vehicle Registration Certificate,
Insurance Certificate,
Annual Test Certificate if your vehicle requires it in your Country
( Known as the "MOT" Certificate in the UK for vehicles 3 or more years old )

Cheers 

[Pipwidge]

You need to take (and carry with you    )  original of the V5, printout of MOT, and insurance, licence and i think - passport.
You "must" have a high vis for yourself and any passenger (for use in the event of a breakdown  accident)
Warning triangle is not needed for bikes.
Forget the breath test thing.. no penalty for not having one.
Forget helmet stickers..only needed for helmets bought in France.
If you need glasses for driving.  You need to take a spare pair,
Spare bulbs are not required but if you are stopped because of a faulty light they can prevent you from moving off if you can't repair the faulty light!!
speed warning on sat nav.. are not permitted.
You must wear Gloves(supposed to be CE marked).
..if you venture to Switzerland DON'T Speed...
I am sure there is more (happy to be corrected)
but this is what I Do!
 been stopped a couple of times and is all been ok

Have a Good trip,,

[Novocastrian]

Originally Posted by Ade52

...... still have Euro passport which is OK until out of date (my understanding). Have I missed anything else. Any other advise would be good to know to bring me up to date. Thanking all in advance.

There's been trouble lately with passports being unexpired but issued more than 10 years ago.  If there's a way for some Jobsworths to have a go at the Brits, they will.  The official EU statement is passports older than 10 years are OK but remember the mentality of some border control folk....

[Ade52]

Thanks for the replies, I looked up the Euro sticker in January then forgot about it, so thanks Coconut for the reminder now ordered. Thanks  Pipwidge, I read so much daft stuff about breathalysers and helmet stickers (neither of which I wanted to do), is the reason I posted for real life information. Novocastrian My passport is 3+ years in date so that should not be an issue. I think  I'm there now, I just have to decide which work related hi-vis will clean up best (hiab driver working for lots of builders merchants) or maybe I might get a new Jewsons one as it is a french company. If there's anything else please let me know.   

[1675]

You want to be careful getting a Jewsons HiVis, Ade. They might give you a job!

[Ade52]

    I could not handle a job at my time of life, part time hobby if the money is right.

[MrB1967]

Good to hear the helmet stickers can be swerved. I'd already decided I wasn't going to do that and chance a fine. Ours have reflective areas on already as part of the design, as does our clothing.. and I never ride at night abroad anyway!! Ridiculous overreaching requirement IMHO.