riding laws in France

[2kwacks]

Can anyone educate me on HI-VIZ DECALS requirement when riding through France..  after hearing the french have been clamping down on the ridiculous law of having front/back/sides reflective stickers on helmets. I've done some research and can't seem to find a definitive answer if we need them or not. surely riding with a "HI-VIZ waist over coat" should be ample. also do we need these stickers on a yellow HI-VIZ helmet with all of the mad laws that the french come up with and tolls every where and the fact they eat frog legs sometimes I ask my-self why I bother spending my hard earned cash with them.

[shaggs147]

I'm in France now but not on a bike. I can categorically say that I haven't seen any bikers with hi viz of any sort on. Also, I am reliably informed by my mate who has a house here that if there is a toll road then there also has to be a national (free) road, although it will be slower and go through some towns and villages... The scenic route so to speak. Hope that helps.

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[beegee]

https://www.drive-france.com/faqs/motorcycling-france/

Most important to have a hi-viz jacket in case of emergency it seems... We also need that in belgium (car or bike)
Good luck

[nightrider]

You only need a hi viz if you break down .then put it on at the side of the road .  Stick to the speed limits in the towns and you will be lucky if you even see any police unlike the uk now where every village there's a copper with a speed gun . France is easy and relaxed to ride about in . traffic free and better roads go have fun . The minute you come back into the uk it's nose to tail traffic and bloody cameras everywhere . That's why so many go France or Scotland .

[mikeyw64]

Regarding Tolls it all depends what you're trying to achieve.


Couple of years back I just wanted to get down to Monaco as quick as possible (was there for the F1 before continuing down into Italy for a week), it that case using the tolls made it doable in one long day(from Calais) and saved 6 hours riding , although at a cost


https://en.mappy.com/#/5/M2/TItinerary/IFRCalais%2062100%20(France)|TOMonaco%2098000%20(Monaco)|MOmotorbike|PRmotorbike/N0,0,4.63574,47.46924/Z6/

[wildybeast]

went this time last  year.I only took a bulb kit and breathalyser kit.I got pulled over for speeding which landed me with a £80 fine.No points. Police never checked any of the above and were ok to deal with.Had all my docs ect on hand to show.The toll roads were great to ride on.Off again in a couple of weeks 

[2kwacks]

Thanks for the replies like most of you.. I've toured France on bike and in car many times and I'm familiar what's needed to keep on the right side of the law but recently heard that the french police are cracking down on reflective stickers on helmets. as you know reflective stickers on helmets as been a legal requirement for French nationals for years but very rarely enforced. can't see how they can fine us.. but is it worth the 135 euro fine that I've heard they are starting to hand out to bikers with out reflective stickers on helmets for French riders it is mandatory but European law states.. motorcycle helmets must comply with the European country were they were purchased and the UK government dose not require motorcycle helmets to have reflective stickers. so one law says you do and one law says you don't just wish they would make their bloody minds up and give us a definitive answer if you are unlucky to be tug by a keen French copper and you try to educate him on what European law states for that countries motorcycle helmet safety laws then this is going to make him very and he's got more time than us to waist at the side of the road so the sensible option would be spend a few pounds and apply some reflective stickers after all they don't need to be boring round or square stickers providing they are reflective you can choose your design which should do the job and keep you rolling and give you more beer tokens

[Lonewolf]

If high viz was compulsory and everyone had to wear high viz arm bands and jackets, gloves etc this wouldn't be  problem would it Dave? 

[Boomer]

The problem with everyone wearing hi viz is that it then becomes part of the scenery and is no longer seen.

Why does everyone think that legislation is the solution to everything?
Reminds me of incompetent managers who bring in new rules because one person is taking the piss.

Education, not Legislation!

[2kwacks]

If high viz was compulsory and everyone had to wear high viz arm bands and jackets, gloves etc this wouldn't be  problem would it Dave? 

Steve.. We seem to be going of topic here and I'm no exception but I do like a discussion so here is my thoughts Boomer as a good point.. if all bikers start wearing HI-VIZ this and HI-VIZ that! then us bikers will become less visible as it will become the norm making us less noticeable to other vehicles. most cars now have running lights which I believe Volvo started the trend off so vehicles now are use to seeing vehicles lights on in the day time which as done us bikers favours. but bikers like to look cool and HI-VIZ dose not fit into that category. I do wear a HI-VIZ sleeveless light jacket and recently replaced my Aria helmet with a b.m.w system 6 HI=VIZ fluro helmet I also ride with led running lights and spotlights day and night will that prompt the driver to take the time to have a second look..  your guess is as good as mine but I would rather look less cool than look even less cooler as a ornament on a vehicles bonnet at the end of the day it makes sense to look as visible as possible to other vehicles.

[nobody]

.

[Lonewolf]

Going off topic.....on THIS forum? Never, I can't believe that would ever happen. 


My comments Dave were very tongue in cheek!! I was not being serious. 

[Robbieben]

I have a good friend who spent 30 years as a police rider and he will testify that High Vis has little or no benefit these days as everyone sees it all the time and no one really associates it with danger or a warning. As a road user it's better to be more aware of what's going on and what other people are doing as a life saving measure.

Back on topic....High Vis stickers on helmets are not compulsory for other nationals, the law is a French law and only applies to French nationals. Though for £1 you can get 3 or 4 stickers which are easily removed after a trip. I personally have toured with and without stickers on my helmet, never wear anything High Vis and have never had a problem in France, I've had 5 or 6 routine stop checks of documentation over the years but that is all.

[mikeyw64]

TBH  Hi Viz is probably more useful off the bike at the side of tha road than when you''re on it given screns & top boxes etc obscure most of the vest.

That said I do have one, handy clear pocket on the front I keep my driving licence in, little pocket for keeping spare ear plugs in, an inside pocket for my ecig and a bum pocket thats handy for keeping some spare gloves in.

[PRD]

The problem with everyone wearing hi viz is that it then becomes part of the scenery and is no longer seen.

Why does everyone think that legislation is the solution to everything?
Reminds me of incompetent managers who bring in new rules because one person is taking the piss.

Education, not Legislation!