7 Seater Cars 2012 
7 Seater Driving in France
If you live in Great Britain and are planning a driving holiday to France in your 7 seater you need to put aside some time to look at the driving in France rules before setting off. Driving to France can be an enjoyable and wonderful experience and hopefully with the tips below your French Holiday will run smoothly.
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Car Dimensions
When booking with your Ferry Company make sure you know the dimensions of your car. If your 7 seater is longer than 5 metres then you will have to pay more. You will also have to specify whether or not you have a roof box and tow bar. Most Ferry booking companies will know the make of your car from the number plate that you enter, however not all of them do.
Driving in France Rules
When you drive in France there are extra French driving laws that you must abide to so that you avoid being fined. You will need the following:-
- GB sticker showing on the rear of your 7 seater
- High visibility jacket in the main part of your car so that if there is an accident and you need to get out of the car on a busy road the jacket is easily accessible. So don't put the jacket in the boot of your car. Many foreign travellers in France put the jacket on the back of the driver's seat. This is so that the French Police can see the jacket and don't stop the vehicle unnecessarily.
- Warning Triangle - It is a requirement in France that in the event of an emergency a warning triangle can be used easily to warn other road users of the potential obstruction in the road.
- First Aid Kit - I bought one from Amazon for £9.63. It has over 70 items and is in a very neat and tidy Green bag.
- Fire extinguisher - Yes this is true in France you nee to have a Fire Extinguisher in your boot. Even if you borrow the one from your kitchen for the journey, but make sure you have one.
- Sun visors - it is very hot when driving through France during the summer. If you have small children you would be wise investing in sun visors to protect them.
- Travel sickness tablets: Vital if you have little ones that might get car sick. Especially the children sitting in the third row of seats of the 7 seater.
- Green Card - this is a car insurance document provided by your UK car insurance provider that confirms that you are insured to drive in France.
- Satellite Navigation is one of the most important items for me. Without satellite navigation my marriage would probably be over because I can't read maps and my husband requires detailed and accurate driving instructions when in an unfamiliar area. Therefore if you are no good at reading maps and can afford a satellite navigation system I would highly recommend purchasing one in readiness of your French driving trip. Make sure you're your satellite navigation is fully up to date with the French roads. Updates occur periodically and you can usually update these easily via your computer at home.
European Breakdown Cover
Very cheap Car Breakdown Cover can be purchased at the same time that you are booking your Ferry ticket. This seems to be standard procedure for ferry companies. You will be covered for the period of travel between your leaving and return dates. This also applies to driving through Eurotunnel. Your current breakdown cover company may already include European driving.
Travel Insurance
There are many benefits of travel insurance however you do know that the French Health service is better than the UK's and you can be treated for free provided you have your EHIC card. The European Health Insurance Card gives you access to reduced-cost or free medical treatment. To get your EHIC you need to apply through the post office or apply online: http://www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/Healthcareabroad/pages/Healthcareabroad.aspx
Foreign Currency
You will need change so that you can pay for any tolls during your journey. You should get an idea of what tolls you will come across with your satellite navigation system or an up to date French driving map.
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Catching your Ferry
You need to be fully aware of how much time you will be driving before catching your Ferry or Eurotunnel. I say this because the majority of you will be going from Dover or Folkstone due to the cheaper rates that this crossing offers. Travelling to these ports will involve going through the M25. The M25 is well known for its delays. Only last week my sister took eight hours to travel from Basingstoke to Southend. Beware and consider how much time you will really need to catch your Ferry. You will need to check in at least 60 minutes before departure. We are travelling to Maidstone the night before to avoid any traffic delays and then catching the Ferry in the morning because we didn't want to run the risk of missing our Ferry due to the M25!
