towing a trailer in france regulations 2021

The first rule is to never drive your car in the middle of the road without a towing sticker. The Lighting board and the marker board are both needed for Spain and Italy. The regulations regarding towing vehicles and trailers in France are different. Trailers. Your licence is recognised in France for as long as it is valid. It will give youa wide range of benefits should you break down in France to make sure you stay safe. Trailer/Car Weights Above & Below 750kg. You should be careful not to exceed the limit and be aware of the maximum weight for the trailer. the towing vehicle The trailer is provided with a certificate d`immatriculation (carte grise) which carries the identification and load capacity of the trailer together with it own individual registration number. Ford Mondeo) will have a GTM in EXCESS of 3.5 tonnes. 32-9-5. Its never a good idea to exceed a limit of 80kg, as this can make towing a heavy trailer very dangerous. There are no height restrictions. An EU cross-border directive came into effect in the UK in May 2017. This fuel can be used in 60% of petrol-driven cars, especially in recent models. Moreover, your car and trailer should be insured with a high-quality insurance policy. trailers and France UKCampsite.co.uk Caravanning and Camping Abroad Forum Messages Advertisement Message Forums Welcome Guest Reception - All Forums Caravanning and Camping Abroad Print Topic: trailers and France Page: 1 2 3 4 Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited! Depending on your route and size (height!) Towing a caravan or trailer in France - French Insurance In France (Generali group) Contact us 05 45 82 03 20 Opening times Mon-Fri 9:00 - 12:00 / 14:00 - 17:00 (Phone lines 9:00-13:00) info@frenchinsuranceinfrance.com French Insurance In France (Generali group) Your friendly English speaking insurance agency in France since 1982 Home if it is: Abandoned. If your car and trailer weigh over three thousand kilograms, then you can tow a 2,000-kilogram trailer. Fines can be as much as 25,000 if you are caught using one. The maximum speedfora motorhome, minibus or any other vehicle used for the transport of people only also depends on their total weight: The standard fine for breaking the speed limit in France is 135, with points added to your licence depending on how much the limit is exceeded by. Trailers and caravans of more than 750 kg have to be declared to your insurance and have to have their own registration document. Class B: Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR. Alternatively, if no orange telephone is available, you should call the emergency services by dialling 112. The following vehicles are the only vehicles that are exempt from the LCV tachograph rules: Vehicles which cannot exceed 40km/h. New trailer regulations: your questions answered Do I need a fire extinguisher to drive in France? If youre camping, it may also be worth carrying aCamping Card Internationalto give you additional proof of identity, third party liability insurance, plus discounts at a wide range of campsites and tourist attractions. Breakdown cover arranged and administered by RAC Financial Services Limited (Registered No 05171817) and provided by RAC Motoring Services (Registered No 01424399) and/or RAC Insurance Ltd (Registered No 2355834). apart. Cars with caravans are not allowed to exceed a combined 18.75 metres in length, and 2.55 metres in width. 01422 396 769 . Average Fuel Economy Standards, Passenger Cars and Light Trucks, Model Year 2011. This information can normally be found in your vehicle handbook. Tolls can be paid in cash or with a Mastercard orVisa card (Maestro and Electron debit cardsare not accepted). Towing courses . The regulations limiting weights and dimensions on public highways are established through the The Vehicle Weight and Dimension Regulations, 2010. We bring you the latest. Be sure to take off your headphones once you cross the Channel, otherwise you could be fined on the spot. Driving licence covering the motorcycle you're riding**. This is aimed at tracking down people who commit traffic offences in cars that are registered in an EU member state different to where the offence was committed. This means if you commit a driving offence abroad, the crime will effectively follow you back home to the UK where you can still be prosecuted. When one vehicle is towing another, the connecting device shall not exceed 15 feet. Touring caravan insurance quote. Note that if you are now resident in France you should re-register the car here. CI-117B: Tilt tray vehicles (Circular to Industry) 558 Kb. tow your vehicle. Ces informations sont donnes titre indicatif. Courts having jurisdiction. Need insurance for your road trip? To drive in certain cities, you will need to display a vehicle emissions sticker on your windscreen, known as a CritAir vignette. Tow a trailer over 750kg MAM as long as the combined MAM of the trailer and . the towing vehicle. Red. If you're thinking of driving in the UK, get complete peace of mind at home or at the roadside with RAC breakdown cover today. In addition should you be involved in an accident even if it is not your fault your insurance will be invalid. Towing speed limits in France Up to a train weight of 3500 KG the speed limits for towing remain the same as for a normal vehicle except where specific limits are indicated (usually on steep declines) Above this weight a limit of 110KPH applies on autoroutes. A French driving license will allow you to tow up to 750kg, but you may need to pay an extra premium to make sure. On the subject of trailers, does anyone know the latest stance regarding "Tow a Car". Towing Regulations in Colorado and Front Range Communities HindmanSanchez P.C. Find out when you need a French clean air sticker and how to buy one. Address:Caravan and Motorhome Club, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 1UA.Need help? French law prohibits drivers from using devices capable of detecting speed cameras and warning drivers of their location. It is forbidden to carry people in a moving caravan. March 21, 2021. Another regulation that can vary wildly by state is the maximum allowable weight for what you're towing -- be it a car or a trailer. Must be visible from the sides and rear of the vehicle, and at a height between 0.90 and 1.50 meters from the ground. Eurolites are suitable for clear lens, projector and xenon headlights. RAC Motoring Services and RAC Financial Services Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of insurance mediation activities. Impedes or obstructs the normal movement of pedestrian or vehicular traffic. That's lower than the 0.08% in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but the same as Scotland. In Paris and some other large towns, illegally parked vehicles are immobilised by wheel clamps. Brakes :Trailers of up to 750 kilogrammes PTAC are not required to have a braking system as long as the PTAC of the trailer is less than the weight of the vehicle Trailers with a PTAC of less than 3500Kg can be equipped with an over run braking system to all wheels it is also obligatory to have a safety cble which will apply the brake in the event of the trailer accidentaly parting from. Remember to double check the weight of your car and trailer before setting off, otherwise you could get penalized. If you are in doubt, contact the Commissariat of the arrondissement or arrondisement where the car was removed. 32-9-4. This is because French Law stipulates that they are required to drive at the lower speed limits of: The 80 sticker must be applied to the back of the caravan or trailer in the bottom Left Hand corner, with the 90 sticker either placed above or to it's right. There are a number of countries that have introduced low emission zones in towns and cities, including; Germany; Italy; Denmark; Czech Republic; France; and Portugal. It could save you a heap of money and hassle if you are travelling on the autoroute and are unlucky enough to have a puncture. Fire extinguishersFire extinguishers are not compulsory but are recommended in the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Otherwise, you risk getting into trouble with the police if you do not obey the rules. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. In France, you must also be aware of French laws. This is so you dont dazzle oncoming traffic when driving on the right side of the road at night. Trailer registration - all trailers over 3,500kg and commercial trailers over 750kg must be registered before being towed through countries that have ratified the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. A reversing light is not obligatory. Your insurance will not be valid if you are over the allowed weight limit. (Failure to do so is a criminal offence. Visit us online at Trailers.com or call today toll free 855-887-2453. Overweight trailers can be dangerous to tow and you can get a class 4 fine of EUR130 if you are more than 20% overweight. As with many aspects of. You may sometimes see the word rappel under a speed limit sign on French roads. In France, you must have a valid driving license. You need to display a UK identifier on the rear of your vehicle when travelling in Europe. DVLA will attempt to retrieve the photo and signature from your passport for use on your driving licence. To recap: trailers display this information on their plaque de tare, cars and caravans show this information on their respective carte grises. When towing a trailer in France, it is important to check the weight limit for your car and trailer. There is no legal requirement to carry a spare wheel as most cars no longer have them. If you are towing a trailer that weighs more than this, you should contact your insurance provider to discuss the rules and regulations. As a guide, most family sized cars (e.g. However, just in case, notify your insurer that you plan to tow a small trailer or caravan. If travelling through Portugal, make sure your bikes are carried at the rear of your caravan or motorhome and not your car. French law prohibits drivers from devices capable of detecting speed cameras and warning drivers of their location. DVLA will attempt to retrieve the photo and signature from your passport for use on your driving licence. You can get cover for asingle trip abroad or throughout the year if you travel to France on a regular basis. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). *Based on UK resident buying a single trip policy to cover 10 days car rental in Europe. When towing a trailer in France, youll need to know the maximum weight limit for your car and the trailer. Towing in France is a common practice, so long as you have the appropriate license. Enforcement of chapter. Additional security obligations when towing Trailers over 750 kg must have a parking brakeand its own braking system. All caravans or trailers have to display a number plate. Using a trailer on a road in France is not illegal, but its still important to be aware of these laws. The tow ball load is the trailer weight which applies vertically to the rear of your vehicle. The identifier can be incorporated in vehicle number plates (along with the Union Flag) or as a separate sticker. Some machines take debit/credit cards stationnement la carte. The fine for failing to wear a seat belt is set at 135, reduced to 90 if paid within 15 days. As a UK resident, albeit a regular visitor to our house in France, the car is properly registered and insured in the UK. Depending on your car, you will either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually. Can I drive in France with a paper UK licence, speed limit on many A and B roads in France has been reduced, Find out when you need a French clean air sticker and how to buy one, speed limit on many A and B roads in France have been reduced, lesser-known aspects of driving in France, Rear-facing child seat placed either at front passenger seat (airbag switched off) or back seat. The type of insurance you need will depend on the weight of what you plan on towing. The rules apply to you if you use: vans with a maximum authorised mass ( MAM) over 2,500kg (2.5 tonnes) and up to and including 3,500kg (3.5 tonnes) vans towing a trailer with a gross train. There are now many automated petrol pumps operated by credit or debit card. The DVLA will automatically update your driving licence record so there is no need to take any further action. Speed limits in France vary depending on what type of driving license you have. The regulations for towing in France depend on your driving license and the type of vehicle youre towing. Towing cotton wagons and module-movers. To make your trip to mainland Europe as safe and stress-free as possible, weve put together a guide to everything you need to know before you go, from required documents to rules of the road. 8. Paper licences are usually valid until you are 70. If your vehicle is too heavy, youll be penalized with a class four fine. Do I need a GB/Uk sticker to drive in France? All vehicles driving in France that are towing a caravan or trailer, where the vehicle has a GTM over 3.5 tonnes ( *see below) MUST display 80 and 90 'speed limit' stickers. These professionals can also help you with a variety of other legal issues. I have seen many confusing posts on French sites saying that it isn't legal over here - and others saying that it is as the car is deemed to be the trailer! You should make sure your vehicle is under 3.5 tons to avoid any penalties. Children under the age of 12 must wear a helmet when cycling both when riding themselves or as a passenger. - le dispositif de freinage prvu au I ci-dessus n'est, Building Services, Sandblasting & Plant Hire, Controle Technique, Vehicle Testing (MOT), PC, Mac & Computer Shops, Sales & Repairs, Gyms, Personal Trainers & Fitness Classes, Solar, Wind, Renewable Energy & Resources, Holiday Cottages and Gites: Agencies and Marketing, http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do?cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006074228&dateTexte=20090729, Chapitre VII : Dispositifs et amnagements particulier. The maximum gross weight you can tow in France is determined by the manufacturer of the trailer. Must be placed so as to be visible at all times. The regulations are simple and straightforward. This means that vehicles registered in the UK must display the letters UK when driven in France. Learn more about ETIAS here. If your car and trailer weigh over three thousand kilograms, then you can tow a 2,000-kilogram trailer. Trailers over 750 kg must have a parking brake and its own braking system. To renew the photo on your driving licence (online) you must provide your UK passport number, which must have been issued within the last five years. If passed, the proposed Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act, 2021, would improve provincial oversight of the towing industry by requiring tow operators, tow . Important advice - Please read below about NEW LAWS in France for Caravans and Trailers. Most of these details are covered by French law, but some are mentioned specifically in your auto insurance policy the details of which, as ever, we encourage you to check from time to time (and most certainly at each renewal). Assuming that it is a French registered campervan and runaround, then I suspect the problem will be that the car is registered as a car, not as a trailer. It is illegal to tow a heavy trailer if you are not insured. If your trailer is over 20kg, it is a class 5 infringement with a EUR1500 fine. All motorhomes and caravans (not combined with towing vehicle) with a total weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes must have a sticker showing the position of the blind spots, visible on the sides and at the rear of the vehicle. 2 Length may not be increase with a permit 6. Strictly speaking, youre required to have a breathalyser kit in your vehicle when driving in France, but the reality is that no penalty will be imposed if you cant present one during a police road check. Weight 4. Towing 101 is the ultimate trailer towing guide. Alaska regulations regarding towing 2 trailers. V5 log book or a VE103 document for rented/hired vehicles. Towing a trailer in France is legal in all but the smallest cities. Towing in France On a standard driving licence, motorists are allowed to tow a trailer with a maximum authorised mass of 750kg, including the trailer and its load. [Company Listings] You will need a separate UK sticker displayed on the rear of your vehicle if your number plate has a Euro symbol, a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales or no flag or identifier. If youre towing a trailer with more than this, youll have to pay a higher class five fine. Use These Tips! [Contact Us] Visiting motorists should be warned that some French police authorities are authorised to impose and collect fines on the spot up to 750from drivers who violate traffic regulations. Vehicles from the UK can be temporarily imported into France for up to six months in any period of 12 months. Generally, trailers under 750 kg will not have brakes fitted. A test is compulsory after an accident that has caused injury or when a driver has committed a serious motoring offence. Carriage of, passengers It is illegal to carry any passengers in a trailer. Eurolites are available from most motor accessory shops or on-line at www.travelspot.co.uk. The amount you pay will depend on the autoroutes you take and how long you stay on them. New member personal based prices from 16 a month. All motor vehicles and their trailers must have tyres with a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm. Vehicles which are being road tested for any maintenance or repair work. The horn may be used only in cases of absolute necessity. While you dont need to follow a reduced speed limit in France, its best to pay attention to the weight of the trailer in case of a speed violation. - Are required to have Insurance separate to the towing vehicle. No matter where your vehicle is registered, you must obey the towing laws in the state you are traveling to or through. Trailer Towing FAQ (PDF - May 2008) Information about licensing, commercial vs utility trailer plates, brake/equipment requirements and weight limits. Various conditions are attached to these, as follows: Contravening these rules could cost you between 135 and 1,500 euros. This means that you can tow a small trailer if your car is not more than 8.250kg. Lord alone knows how you would check. The exact details of your policy will define your legal and contractual obligations. All trailers must be fitted with their own lights. This information, combined with the law and your insurance, gives the following combination of requirements: Trailers (remorques) and caravans must always display a number plate. The international three-colour traffic light system is used France. In this case, ask your insurer for adequate insurance cover. 2023 RAC Motoring Services. You will need to renew the photo on your photocard licence at least every 10 years to keep your photo up to date. Stopping and parking are permitted on the right-hand side only of roads with two lanes of traffic; in one-way streets, stopping and parking are allowed on both sides if the street is wide enough. Public transport vehicles with more than nine seats must have at least one on board though. 32-9-6. . An additional premium will probably not be demanded of you. may be driven in the left-hand lane of a limited-access roadway having three or more lanes for traffic moving in one direction, except when preparing for a left turn. If the weight is more than 200% above the limit, youll be subject to a class five infringement of EUR1500. Whether you are interested in towing a trailer behind your motorhome or a car via an A-frame, both are treated as a trailer with regard to rules and regulations. These headlight converters come with a list of over 600 different vehicle types, with corresponding diagrams showing you how to position them. You will also be impounded or confiscated if your vehicle is over the limit, even if you are not at fault. The maximum legal level of alcohol in the blood for drivers of private vehicles is0.05%blood alcohol content. All rights reserved. Regulations relating to driving licences and towing for holders of a French driving licence. The following rules - for both immatriculation and for insurance - need to be read in conjunction with the weight of the rig that you are towing. Please can you help me, the more I read the more I'm getting confused!! ), A different plaque d'immatriculation (than that of the towing vehicle) will be required for the trailer or caravan. Minimum age: The minimum age for driving a car in France is 18; thus no-one under the age of 18 can drive a car in France, even if he or she holds a valid licence in another country. For units over 3. 17 See notes 1 and 6 Automatic cars As category B with automatic transmission. All vehicles driving in France that are towing a caravan or trailer, where the vehicle has a GTM over 3.5 tonnes (*see below) MUST display 80 and 90 'speed limit' stickers. People who tow trailers share the same safety concerns as other RV drivers. You should also ensure the weight of your car and the weight of the trailer before towing. The Club's first time abroad section explains everything you need to know about going on your first overseas touring holiday. Make sure your insurance covers you for pulling a trailer. Some states require that you have a special endorsement on your driver's license to operate a large RV or a vehicle towing a trailer. Youll have to prove that you are liable for the accident, or the insurer will cancel your insurance. Horns may only be used to give necessary warning to other road users. If this is not possible, or you do not want DVLA to use the photo on your passport, you cannot renew the photo on your licence online.. If you exceed it, youll have to pay a fine of more than 100 euros. A trailer over 750kg as long as the combined weight of the trailer and towing vehicle is no more than 3,500kg MAM Towing while supervised Until the law changes, you must follow the terms of your licence entitlements. They range from the cleanest (CritAir 1) for electric vehicles to the most polluting (CritAir 6). In Italy as per Article 3 of EU Directive 96/53/CE, caravans and camper vans registered in another EU country can be used in Italy provided they do not exceed 12 m in length, 4 m in height and 2.55 m in width. Can be glued, painted on the bodywork or affixed by riveting or any other means of fixing. Copyright 2023 Caravan and Motorhome Club. . If you are towing a small trailer, you need to be aware of the regulations. Trailers and caravans of more than 500kg and less than 750 kg have to be declared to the insurer and will automatically be covered for 3rd party liability. All trailers must be equipped with lights: a white pair at the front, an orange pair on the sides, and a red pair at the rear. The tow vehicle must be a proper match for the trailer. These regulations apply to trailers being towed with a French registered vehicle regardless of what nationality of licence is held by the driver. Youll be fined for this infringement if the weight of your vehicle and trailer combined is greater than this limit. In the absence of a sign, the rule of priority for vehicles coming from the right applies. Find out more about driving offences in Europe here. In France, you are allowed to tow a 2,500-kg trailer or a 5,000-kilogram train. However, its important to check your French driving licence for restrictions. In France, you must have a valid driving license. Drivers have to be at least 18 years of age Moped and Motorcycle (up to 125cc) riders need to be at least 16 years of age Your vehicle should be taxed in the UK Your dipped headlamps must be adjusted so as not to dazzle oncoming traffic All occupants must wear a seat-belt at all times whilst in the vehicle There are six categories of sticker, which are colour-coded according to how much vehicles pollute. If your number plate includes UK on its own or UK with the Union flag then you do not need a separate UK sticker, unless you are travelling in Spain in which case a separate UK sticker is also required. 5 tonnes, you will be restricted to a maximum of 90kph (about 56mph) on the French 'A' roads. To hold a class E/B a medical is required every five years under age 60 every two years over age sixty and annually after age 70 These medical certificates are issued at a current cost. Your passport (needs 3 months left on date of return) 7. There are spaces reserved for the disabled. What a lot of information - we are bringing a trailer over for the first time in mid August, which will be towed behind our UK registered van. . If youre not in the country for a specific reason, you can get a refund of the towing fee. Riders of mopeds or motorcycles up to 125cc must be aged 16 or over. Triple towing is allowed. To legally drive in France, you must be 18 years or older and in possession of a full valid driving licence. Fuel prices in France can be found in our up-to-date European fuel prices page. Otherwise the trailer or caravan can use a matching number plate to the one on the towing vehicle. have your driving licence (if you do not have your driving licence you must indicate why as part of your application). PERMISSIBLE MAXIMUM DIMENSIONS OF LORRIES IN EUROPE (in metres) Country Height Width Length Lorry or Trailer Road Train Articulated Vehicle *PTAC manufacturers certificated gross weight of trailer plus load or gross weight of vehicle including load, driver and any passengers *PTRA maximum manufacturers certificated train weight of the vehicle including load and passengers Example if the PTRA of your vehicle is 3000 Kg and the PTAC is 2010Kg you are permitted to tow a total weight of 990 Kg (3000 - 2100 = 990) This total weight is that of your trailer plus any load. If you do break down, you shoulduse the orange emergency telephones that are situated every 2km along main roads and motorways to call the police or the official breakdown service operating in that area. [Features / Advice] Towing speed limits in France Up to a train weight of 3500 KG the speed limits for towing remain the same as for a normal vehicle except where specific limits are indicated (usually on steep declines) Above this weight a limit of 110KPH applies on autoroutes. Tow a bigger trailer, you'll have to pay a class 5 infringement of EUR1500. Cooking Ready to Eat Meals Fromractor at Home, You Can Sell Your House Fast in Houston Texas. If travelling through France, make sure you have a breathalyser to hand. In France, the speed limits for towing a motorhome or trailer vary. In other states, you may not need an endorsement but must be over a certain age (either 18 or 21) to drive a car that's towing a trailer or other vehicle. They may not be driven in the fast lane of a 3 lane motorway. Noncommercial License Classes: License classes are based on the size of the vehicle you wish to drive or the weight of the trailer you wish to tow. It offers some of the most helpful information about trailering because . For a vehicle up to 4 years old. In addition, your cars insurance may not cover the contents of the trailer, so you should check if you have to pay extra. If youre on a main road outside a built-up area, the speed limit is now 80km/h after the law changed in 2018, and for built-up areas its 50km/h. Holders of EU driving licences exceeding the speed limit by more than 40 km/h will have their licences confiscated on the spot by the police. Vehicles exceeding 3,500kg in France All motorhomes and caravans (not combined with towing vehicle) with a total weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes must have a sticker showing the position of the blind spots, visible on the sides and at the rear of the vehicle. Take a look at more useful information before travelling abroad in your caravan or motorhome. The information provided here is for general guidance. The weight limits for towing a trailer in France differ from the UK. Note: There are no specific blind spot stickers for motorhomes or caravans so you can use either of the stickers listed on the link above. If you are not prepared to pay the penalty, youll be able to tow a trailer in France without any problems. If you're planning on towing in Europe with your caravan, trailer tent or fifth wheeler you'll need extra documents. There is a minimum speed limit of 80 km/h on motorways for vehicles travelling in the outside lane. The police have the power to carry out random breath tests. This permits you to tow a trailer with a maximum weight of 750kg. These regulations are in force since 1 January 2021. According to Good Life RV, "Triple towing is when you are towing a trailer (like a fifth wheel) behind a towing vehicle and then attach another trailer to the fifth wheel for a third vehicle. In some cases, instead of (or in addition to) a fine or prison sentence, the vehicle can be confiscated. Emergency service and armed forces vehicles. This is because French vehicles cant pull a trailer with a heavy load. Your vehicle's carte grise will specify a PTAC, the maximum total weight of your car when laden. Trailers without brakes may tow a maximum of 750kg or half the kerbside weight of the towing vehicle - whichever is the lower. Maine RV Speed Limit: Speed limits for cars and trucks vary between 65 mph and 75 mph on rural interstates and 50 mph to 70 mph on urban interstates. Recreational Vehicle Towing in British Columbia Fact Sheet (PDF - May 2007) Check remorquage-mulhouse.fr for more info on the subject. Winter tyres arent required by law in France, but snow chains must be fitted to vehicles using snow-covered roads in mountainous regions in compliance with local road signs or conditions. No, its not compulsory to carry a fire extinguisher in private cars in France. Try the Trailers.com free look-up to see what the laws are in your state for trailers. The new laws have been set out to simplify the rules regarding towing.