Going to France - a word of caution

Boris

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Have just got back from the over the channel, mostly riding through France, which I have done for many many years.

Today, 3 out of a group of 7 bikes and one car, have received speeding fines through the post, two the same spot and the car in a different area.

Fines range from €45 to €90 if paid promptly. No points are applicable.

Not a whinge, just advice that these matters now follow back to the UK.
 

Longdog Cymru

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I am in France as I type this and this year, French roads which previously had a 90kph speed limit now have an 80kph speed limit. Now there are signs to notify drivers of this but it is easy, especially if you have been travelling in France for many years, to simply take this for granted.

Other points to note are the French motorcycle police always travel and work in pairs, not necessarily close together but always in pairs.

One last thing is that French speed cameras are usually, (but not always), forward facing, that is they take your picture as you approach. This year I have noticed rearward facing cameras and also a new type of camera which get a picture of your number plate.
 

Sierra1

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....This year I have noticed rearward facing cameras and also a new type of camera which get a picture of your number plate.
Also, like Texas, this is used on our toll roads; and likely other states as well. Higher percentage of vehicles with rear plates, since ALL states require a rear plate; with the possible exception of Missouri. Side note, when you trade in, or sell a car, make sure YOU remove the license plates. I've a had a few friends that get toll bills for cars they don't own anymore.
 

AVGeek

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Also, like Texas, this is used on our toll roads; and likely other states as well. Higher percentage of vehicles with rear plates, since ALL states require a rear plate; with the possible exception of Missouri. Side note, when you trade in, or sell a car, make sure YOU remove the license plates. I've a had a few friends that get toll bills for cars they don't own anymore.
Depends on the stage in which you reside. In California, the plate stays with the car...
 

Sierra1

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Depends on the stage in which you reside. In California, the plate stays with the car...
Is that state mandated? Because the dealer IS supposed to dispose of the plates, but around here, I KNOW it doesn't happen every time. In the past, I used to leave it on the car; I can't use it again. But, if you sell to an individual, and they don't register it in their name like THEY are supposed to, YOU will still receive any camera initiated fines or tolls. When I take them off, I know I don't have to worry.
 

WJBertrand

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In California, as a seller, you need to file a transfer of ownership / title interest form with the DMV. A car I once sold was involved in a drunk driving case and a lawyer for the other side called me in threatening manner. Evidently whomever was driving the car was not easily placed at the scene. He told me I had to stay in town until they received confirmation that I’d filed the form. I told him to pound sand and take it up with the DMV. Never heard anything more about it. Obviously they obtained the records and dropped it.


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Squibb

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The French certainly didn't permit much over-speed with one of those fines Boris - 2 Kph! One guy I know racked up 5 fines in France during a one way trip to Spain from the Channel Ports earlier this year, so now avoids the N roads. I gather some of the old 90 Kph signage was still in place in the Spring, although the ludicrous 80 Kph limit was being enforced, supposedly in an effort to reduce the road death toll. In my experience over many years driving/riding in France suggests the problem is drink drivers, phone zombies, crazy careless press on regardless folk. tailgaters & blind overtakers trying to reach the undertaker early. All particularly prevalent when Paris empties in July for the mad holiday getaway.

Still most S10s have a speedo that reads about 8-10 Kph over true speed, so shouldn't be a problem with compliance unless you are using a SatNav to correct.
 

Longdog Cymru

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I agree Squibb, I have been driving in France since 1976 and I used to think they were pretty reasonable drivers, ( with the exceptions you have mentioned already), but recently, I have revised my opinions and now I reckon most are incompetent lunatics when they are behind the wheel, almost as bad as the Dutch who have yet to find rear view mirrors and indicators!
 

ord13

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I live in France, and my S10 has its 6th speed gears completely unused in the gearbox :(
Be careful about cops and cash-machines, and avoid big roads when possible.
 

twinrider

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You still have it good in France compared to other places.

A French guy who lived in Japan for a couple years complained incessantly about the ridiculously low back road speed limits, 50 kph max, often 40 kph. Luckily there's not much enforcement in the countryside so you can often speed without penalty.
 

Grumpy

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This is the main reason that I now only have the S10. I sold my FJR and XJR as the lowering of speed limits and cameras, both fixed and mobile, now make a powerfull bike a waste of money and bhp. I know I can get done on the S10, but it's a bike that's a more relaxing ride at todays' slow speed.
 

Boris

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Am going to Spain next summer, to the Picos, but riding down through France. Ferry back from Santander though.

Will be extra careful with speed cameras in France though.
 

RIVA

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It is not just France who have clamped down on exceeding speed limits. Here in Éire most secondary roads have a speed limit of 80km. with the N class roads at 100km. Motorways are 120km. On 19th of this month we had figures released for speed detections for the previous day. The figures showed that 0.14% drivers were detected speeding in that 24 hour period (286 detected from 205,000 checked) On a recent trip to The UK I have noticed a lot of 40 and 50mph speed limits in areas where a higher speed limit would be more suited. Speed detection cameras seem to be everywhere and average speed cameras are on the increase.. It is nothing more than a revenue gathering exercise and all countries are on the band wagon. Again this year I have been to Europe and managed not to collect any speeding tickets. Do not blame the particular country. Each of us is responsible for our own actions. Do the crime and pay the fine ;)
 
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