10-01-2018, 11:25 AM
(This post was last modified: 10-01-2018, 11:36 AM by Reckless Rat.)
For those of you looking to travel on the continent there are a couple of changes in French Traffic Regulation worth noting.
The first relates to a reduction in the speed limit on all rural two-way roads without central reservation, which were nominally restricted to 90kph. With effect from 1st July this year (2018) the limit will be reduced nationally to 80kph, unless there is already a lower limit already in force. Whilst it may not be too relevant to those of you touring in your Austin, it will be relevant if you're using your modern. The "end of village" sign, with a red diagonal normally indicates the change from 50kph to the national speed limit:
![[Image: th?id=OIP.gGaWaxg0JrqReO7kyiV2AwHaFy&pid...=224&h=176]](https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.gGaWaxg0JrqReO7kyiV2AwHaFy&pid=15.1&P=0&w=224&h=176)
It is customary to have advance warning of fixed roadside cameras, with a reminder of the speed limit in force:
![[Image: th?id=OIP.YXRL77Cz_0VhTxXB_F3n8wHaFN&pid...=250&h=177]](https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.YXRL77Cz_0VhTxXB_F3n8wHaFN&pid=15.1&P=0&w=250&h=177)
However, I have noticed that there are more and more traffic light cameras being introduced, without advance warning, and "average speed" camera systems are becoming more prevalent.
In addition, currently the penalty for using a hand held mobile phone , headphones, or ear buds or other devices is 135€ plus three penalty points. With effect from 1st January 2019 this will change to a larger fine and IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION.
How the Forces of Order intend to police this is anyone's guess because police road checks are as rare as rocking horse poo at the best of times. You have to try particularly hard to attract their attention. However, if you are successful it's almost guaranteed that they will make the experience a memorable one...
Bear in mind that roadside cameras in France are set very close to the posted limit, so more than a couple of kph above the limit will involve activation.
Be careful!
The first relates to a reduction in the speed limit on all rural two-way roads without central reservation, which were nominally restricted to 90kph. With effect from 1st July this year (2018) the limit will be reduced nationally to 80kph, unless there is already a lower limit already in force. Whilst it may not be too relevant to those of you touring in your Austin, it will be relevant if you're using your modern. The "end of village" sign, with a red diagonal normally indicates the change from 50kph to the national speed limit:
It is customary to have advance warning of fixed roadside cameras, with a reminder of the speed limit in force:
However, I have noticed that there are more and more traffic light cameras being introduced, without advance warning, and "average speed" camera systems are becoming more prevalent.
In addition, currently the penalty for using a hand held mobile phone , headphones, or ear buds or other devices is 135€ plus three penalty points. With effect from 1st January 2019 this will change to a larger fine and IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION.
How the Forces of Order intend to police this is anyone's guess because police road checks are as rare as rocking horse poo at the best of times. You have to try particularly hard to attract their attention. However, if you are successful it's almost guaranteed that they will make the experience a memorable one...
Bear in mind that roadside cameras in France are set very close to the posted limit, so more than a couple of kph above the limit will involve activation.
Be careful!