Off to france Tuesday

[Cam_73]

Can anyone tell me if I need those headlight reflectors like a car?

Cheers.

Got my bulbs, firstaid and all the rest of it.

[Dangerous Dave]

Can anyone tell me if I need those headlight reflectors like a car?
No, they are not a legal requirement for a car either.

Ps. Enjoy the trip.

[Cam_73]

Thanks Dave!

[Luckypants]

No, they are not a legal requirement for a car either.

Yes they are. See here (http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/touring_tips/compulsory_equipment.pdf) for an example, look on the section on about headlamp adjustment. It is LAW in most European countries, along with a warning triangle (yes for the bike!), spare bulbs etc.

[Nobbylad]

But it says that two-wheeled vehicles should not need adjustment as their beams are more symmetrical?

So presumably just the usual checks for any additional loading on the bike not making the headlights tip up more?

[embee]

Be aware of the new regs about reflective jacket (specifically for cars, not sure how it applies to bikes in France but it certainly does in other EU countries like Spain, Austria).
http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/countrybycountry.html

I wear hi-vis anyway, but it might be worth having one with you if it does apply to bikes, they might be sharp on checking since it is recently introduced.

The French police don't bother you much unless you fall foul of something, then it can get sticky! Remember, in France a Stop sign means Stop, not just slow down a bit. Always put a foot down to be sure, it is taken seriously and there are on-the-spot fines.

They do have random speed traps too, keep an eye out for them. Also if there is a warning sign for a speed camera, then there is a speed camera..........

Bikes definitely didn't need to have a headlamp mask (unless it's changed), but I usually stick a piece of insulation tape on the lens anyway (the area is typically around 8 to 9 o'clock as you look at it, but this doesn't work with projector lamps). I reckon it will look like you've made the effort if there's any question...........it doesn't cost anything.

Generally very easy going though, I've never had any issues in nearly 30yrs of touring abroad. Just be sensible and enjoy things.

[Mogs]

How about vehicles emerging from the right have priority, its supposed to apply to roundabouts too (unless signposted to the contrary). Is this common?

[Warthog]

How about vehicles emerging from the right have priority, its supposed to apply to roundabouts too (unless signposted to the contrary). Is this common?

In Belgium, for smaller junctions, priority to the right is still the case. It used to be so for roundabouts, but they realised that it waould often lead to a traffic jam on the roundabout so now almost every roundabout is like in the UK, with signs to tell you so. Most major roads are also signed as a priority road as it would just be stupid to have to stop for a tiny side road. But beware on a seemingly largish road with small side roads, they WILL come shooting out at you without even looking!

[embee]

Check out the description here (http://www.bwam.org.uk/articles/in_france.php)

Basically watch out for the diamond sign with the black bar, then be extra careful!
The triangle junction sign with the X is still relatively common in rural areas, so be aware.

[Dangerous Dave]

Yes they are.
Its not enforced and I can bet that more than 90% of people going abroad in cars or on bikes don't do it, I never have!

[Woz]

Remember, in France a Stop sign means Stop, not just slow down a bit.


That is the case here too. And everywhere for that matter.

[embee]

That is the case here too. And everywhere for that matter.

A minor difference is that here you don't get an on-the-spot fine or the bike impounded until you pay it.

Similarly it's an offence here to write a bouncy cheque, but a lot of people do it with little consequence. Try it with a French bank.................