We have been driving in France since 1981 – I use the term ‘we’ but I didn’t start driving until 1984 (to be pedantic). Anyway, we have always been very careful to check the rules and regulations before we left – legal requirements, first aid kit, warning triangle and more recently the compulsory carrying of yellow reflective jackets; the speed limits and other rules of the road. As laws change frequently we made a point of checking with the AA or RAC to make sure we were up-to-date with requirements. Well, in Jon’s previous life, it was almost a busman’s holiday!
So we have always been aware that the French Police would issue on-the-spot fines which could be very heavy. Touching wood very firmly here, I can say that we have never been stopped by the police for any reason, including their now more frequent spot checks, so we cannot speak from personal experience about the way they handle drivers over here. So I was rather interested to read this article in the Daily Telegraph entitled ‘Don’t mess with the French Police’.
I wouldn’t want to run up against Chief Francois Maquinghen thank you very much!
So, if you do, have, or intend to drive in France, this article is well worth reading and inwardly digesting before you set off.
Posted by rosievie 
