Holiday in France? Pack these driving essentials.
Planning a campervan adventure in France requires more preparation than domestic UK trips. French law mandates specific safety equipment, and being caught without these items can result in on-the-spot fines. This guide covers everything you need for legal, stress-free driving in France.
Legal Requirements
1. UK Car Stickers (GB/UK Identifier)
Legal Requirement: Yes Why You Need It: Identifies your vehicle's country of registration
Post-Brexit, UK vehicles require a UK identifier sticker (replacing the old GB sticker). Position it on the rear of your vehicle, clearly visible. Magnetic versions offer convenience for temporary trips, while adhesive stickers provide permanent solutions.
2. High Visibility Jackets
Legal Requirement: Yes (one per person) Why You Need It: Must be worn if exiting vehicle on roadway
French law requires all vehicle occupants to have access to a high-vis jacket, and you must wear one when exiting your vehicle on the roadway (breakdown, emergency stop, etc.). Keep these accessible inside the vehicle—storing them in the boot doesn't comply with regulations.
Tip: Buy quality jackets meeting EN471 or EN ISO 20471 standards. Cheap versions often lack proper reflectivity.
3. Warning Triangle
Legal Requirement: Yes Why You Need It: Alerts other drivers to breakdown/emergency
A reflective warning triangle must be deployed if you break down or stop on the roadway. Position it 30 meters behind your vehicle on single carriageways, 100 meters on motorways.
Quality matters: Invest in a robust triangle that won't blow over in passing traffic.
4. Spare Bulb Kit
Legal Requirement: Recommended (varies by vehicle type) Why You Need It: Enables immediate headlight/indicator repair
While not universally mandated for all vehicles, carrying spare bulbs demonstrates preparedness and avoids potential fines. Modern vehicles with sealed LED units are exempt.
5. Headlight Beam Deflectors
Legal Requirement: Yes Why You Need It: Adjusts UK beam pattern for right-side driving
UK headlights project left to illuminate the nearside (driving on the left). When driving on the right in France, this pattern dazzles oncoming traffic. Beam deflector stickers redirect your lights appropriately.
Application: Clean headlight surface, apply deflectors following manufacturer's pattern for your vehicle type.
Highly Recommended Extras
6. French Phrase Book
While not legally required, basic French phrases improve your experience enormously. Campsite staff and locals appreciate any attempt to communicate in French, even if your accent struggles.
Essential phrases:
- "Bonjour" (Hello)
- "Merci" (Thank you)
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" (Do you speak English?)
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" (The bill, please)
- "Où sont les toilettes?" (Where are the toilets?)
7. Road Map of France
GPS and smartphone navigation dominate, but paper maps provide essential backup when technology fails (signal loss, battery death). Michelin road maps offer excellent detail and route planning capability.
Pro tip: Review routes beforehand, identifying rest stops, aires (free overnight parking), and fuel stations.
8. TomTom GO or Quality GPS
While smartphone apps work, dedicated GPS units offer advantages:
- Larger displays
- Traffic updates via built-in SIM
- Speed camera warnings
- No data charges
- Reliable in areas with poor mobile coverage
The TomTom GO series provides lifetime map updates and European coverage.
9. European Hookup Adapter
Essential for campsite stays
French campsites use different electrical hookup systems than UK sites. A European hookup adapter (blue 3-pin to UK socket) enables you to connect your campervan to site electricity.
Check your requirements: Most modern vans use the European blue connector, but older conversions may need specific adapters.
Additional Considerations
Breathalyzers: Previously mandatory, no longer required but recommended.
Insurance: Ensure your policy covers European travel. Carry your certificate and breakdown cover documentation.
Tolls: French autoroutes (motorways) charge tolls. Carry cash or a credit card. Consider a télépéage electronic tag for frequent visitors.
Fuel: LPG (GPL) availability varies. Plan refueling stops if your van runs on gas.
Pre-Departure Checklist
✅ UK identifier sticker affixed ✅ High-vis jackets (one per person) accessible inside vehicle ✅ Warning triangle stored accessibly ✅ Spare bulbs (if applicable to vehicle) ✅ Headlight deflectors applied ✅ Valid insurance and breakdown cover ✅ European hookup adapter ✅ GPS/maps ✅ Basic French phrases learned
Conclusion
Proper preparation transforms your French campervan adventure from potentially stressful to genuinely enjoyable. These essential items cost relatively little but save considerable hassle and potential fines.
Have a fantastic trip, and enjoy the incredible diversity France offers campervan travelers!
Bon voyage!
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