[eurajohn]

Hi P&L that's a good idea and I'm amazed the blue tack holds so well. I am also in total agreement with you ref the Gendarme some are very "French" and with such a clever idea it's no real problem to "comply".

 

[pete4x4]

If towing with a Motorhome surely the trailer needs the stickers not the motorhome?
As the motorhome when not towing doesn't require them.

 

[cater_racer]

Interesting point here, we are 4500kgs fully loaded, what if I put a 110 sticker on the back? But not obviously so, only 4 wheels.

Less chance of being pulled at 100kph?

 

[Yaxley]

MH over 3500kg speed limits in France

Thank you everyone for responding.
I think that we are all agreed that the speed limits quoted are the correct ones and must be adhered to.
The issue of speed stickers has attracted a lot of comment and a number of differing views. The Caravan Club on their website under " French Speed Limits" have covered the subject fairly comprehensively. They say that the French Ministry of Transport have changed their minds three times. C.C. say that the final reply was received with the help of the Directorate General for Mobility and Transport Road Safety of the European Commission ....... ...... we have checked with several Government Departments and Ministries (Interior, Gendarmerie, Industry and Transport) and we have concluded that the stickers are not mandatory but the speed limits are applicable.
I think that the 'Legal Requirements Abroad' section in the 'Members Motorhoming Guides' needs to be reviewed and updated.
Thank you again to those members who got involved in the discussion. Regards.
Ian

 

[aguilas389]

MH over 3500kg speed limits in France


Stickers or not, anyone driving over 90kph whilst on holiday must (a) have shares in a petroleum company (b) just had an argument with the wife (c) be late for the ferry (d) oh you could go on forever........

 

[PF13]

Hello!

Just jump starting an old thread here...

Has the situation changed since 2011? Do I still need speed stickers?

Going to France for the first time in the van in about a months time. Van is 3850kg plated but doesn't look it. Won't be towing.

 

[PF13]

Anyone?

 

[cabby]

I think you will find that for UK vehicles the stickers are not needed, however you will have to conform to the speed limits laid down for your weight, pretending to be under 3500kg will not work when they look at the VIN plate. They might seem stupid, but the French Gendarme are far from it.
Do have a great trip, but be sensible.

cabby

ps.have you checked if you need a spare wheel.:wink2:

 

[Landyman]

As far as I'm aware Cabby is spot on.

We spend several weeks in France every year and rarely see a van with speed stickers on.

Just go, watch your speed when you enter towns and villages (have seen a few cops with speed guns lurking in the hedge just inside built up areas) and enjoy your trip.

Richard.

 

[PF13]

Thanks both. I have a spare, triangle, hivizes, breathalyser, v5, insurance cert, breakdown cover, ehics, travel insurance, driving licences and a whole lot of other stuff. Hopefully not forgotten anything as first trip abroad in van.....

Our van is not towing and is 3850kg gross so just to confirm the cc says on their website 110 kmh on motorway 100 on dual carriageways and 80 on other roads. Obviously slower limits might apply and 50 or 30 in villages is common. This is correct isnt it?

We should be class 3 on motorways due to weight but at just 2.8m high we might get away with class 2 if we ask?

Think i am prepared but any final hints most appreciated.

 

[Penquin]

PeteandMe, if you're in France in a legal UK vehicle under or over 3500Kgs. the answer is no, you need no speed limit stickers.

Totally agree - we LIVE in France, our MH (Swift Kontiki 615) is registered at 3.85t (although rarely weighs more than 3.5t. We are checked to have stickers attached each year as part of our Controle Technique (MoT equivalent) which is annual for >3.5t and every two years for <3.5t.

The speed restrictions for us are;

110kph on autoroutes where the normal speed limit is 130kph,

100kph on roads where the normal limit is 110kph,

80kph where the normal speed limit is 90kph (the majority of roads).

Those figures apply to us as we display the stickers, BUT if registered OUTSIDE France then the Gendarme have no way of knowing the weight so normal limits would apply.

GPS systems are not allowed to display speed camera positions but ARE allowed to display"Safety warnings" which includes steep hills, sharp bends, speed camera locations (historical not necessarily present day) and other specific warnings such as avalanche warnings.

So these displays are totally legal in France and the Gendarme have no way of checking the instrument according to French Law.

So if you are clearly from outside France as shown by your registration plate - a GB sign is NOT mandatory as long as your country of registration IS clear - and UK plates are unique - as are Dutch German, Belgian and of course French, you may drive to the limits described.

MH are generally ONLY stopped (like in the UK) if they are being driven aggressively, dangerously or a an outrageous speed and are likely to cause others to have to take particular care. MOST MH are driven well within the law, few drivers want to do 130kph on autoroutes as it costs more in fuel since MH are NOT the most aerodynamic.......

I know atleast one MHF member who puts his stickers on a board in the rear window before the Controle Technique - the risk of being stopped if driving sensibly is minuscule IMO.....