ADVICE
Legal Requirements in France:
* You must bring the originals of your driver’s licence, insurance certificate and registration document. It is a legal requirement in France to carry these papers with your vehicle.
* From 1 July 2012 it is a legal requirement to carry a breathalyser kit (ethylotest) which is certified “NF”. Failure to do so, from 1 November 2012, will result in a fine of 11 euros.
* From 4 January 2012 it is illegal to have any device – including a GPS or mobile phone – that can indicate the presence of a fixed or mobile speed camera. This function, if present, must be disabled. The penalty is a fine of up to 1500 euros, 6 points on your licence and confiscation of the item.
* There is no need to adjust your headlamp, but you must affix a GB sticker to your number plate. Ensure your bike is in a roadworthy condition – minimum tyre tread is 1.6mm in France.
* It has been reported in the UK press that motorcyclists have to wear high visibility vests in France. This is not yet law. It was scheduled to come into effect early in 2013 but following a change in Government in May 2012 this is now under review.
* Information for road-users in France can be found on the Government website www.securite-routiere.gouv.fr
Insurance
* Please check if prior notice to your insurer is required as otherwise your cover may be invalid.
* We recommend that you obtain either an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) or travel insurance – which will be required in the unfortunate event that you need medical treatment. Failure to have either will leave you liable for any medical expenses. Please note that the EHIC card does not cover repatriation or 100% of medical expenses. If you already have your own travel insurance please check that this covers you on a motorcycle over 125cc – as many policies exclude this. If you do require insurance then we have arranged a 10% discount for Gold Cover policies (both travel and breakdown insurance) which are specifically designed for motorcyclists and can be found under ‘bookings’ then ‘insurance’ on our website. Please note that the prices shown already have the discount deducted.
Other
* Bike Normandy will charge for any transportation of you and/or your vehicle which is undertaken by us – please refer to the “What We Charge” page for details.
* A mobile phone enabled for foreign use could be of benefit as would a credit card for use in some petrol stations.
* Although the weather is generally warmer in Normandy than in the UK it has been known to rain & waterproofs might come in handy.
* Make sure you bring some Euro’s.
* Don’t forget your passport!