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A reminder:
Things to take when driving in France
Documents for driving in France
Do I need a GB or UK sticker for driving in France?
Vehicles registered in the UK must display the letters “UK” when driven in France. The identifier can be incorporated in vehicle number plates (along with the Union Flag) or as a separate sticker. Note that vehicles featuring the letters GB together with the Council of Europe golden stars are no longer valid for driving abroad.
If your vehicle does not have the UK identifier within the number plate, you will require a UK sticker when driving in France.
Do I need an insurance green card?
No. From 2nd August 2021, drivers will no longer require an insurance green card for taking their vehicles to France.
French 'clean air' stickers (Crit'Air vignettes)
I'm pretty sure we don't need these where we're going, but in case you're interested, you now need a clean air sticker to be displayed on your car when travelling to certain cities.
This six-category sticker system is designed to identify what emissions vehicles produce and are categorised based on your vehicles Euro emissions standard.
Find out when you need a French clean air sticker and how to buy one.
Other items
You are required by law to carry the following items:
Things to take when driving in France
Documents for driving in France
- Full, valid UK driving licence
- Proof of ID (passport)
- Motor insurance certificate
- V5 registration document
Do I need a GB or UK sticker for driving in France?
Vehicles registered in the UK must display the letters “UK” when driven in France. The identifier can be incorporated in vehicle number plates (along with the Union Flag) or as a separate sticker. Note that vehicles featuring the letters GB together with the Council of Europe golden stars are no longer valid for driving abroad.
If your vehicle does not have the UK identifier within the number plate, you will require a UK sticker when driving in France.
Do I need an insurance green card?
No. From 2nd August 2021, drivers will no longer require an insurance green card for taking their vehicles to France.
French 'clean air' stickers (Crit'Air vignettes)
I'm pretty sure we don't need these where we're going, but in case you're interested, you now need a clean air sticker to be displayed on your car when travelling to certain cities.
This six-category sticker system is designed to identify what emissions vehicles produce and are categorised based on your vehicles Euro emissions standard.
Find out when you need a French clean air sticker and how to buy one.
Other items
You are required by law to carry the following items:
- Reflective jackets – One for each occupant, these must be kept inside the vehicle within easy reach
- Warning triangle – Compulsory in every vehicle with four wheels or more
- Headlamp beam deflectors – Depending on your car, you will either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually
- Breathalyser/alcohol test – As of January 2013 the French government announced that the introduction of an €11 fine for not carrying one had been postponed indefinitely. However, law still states that drivers and motorcyclists must have an alcotest ready for use in their vehicle even though no penalty will be imposed if they cannot present one during a police road check. Probably worth getting one just to remove one (more) reason why a gendarme might get the hump or generally consider us to be in some way taking bloody liberties
- Spare bulbs – It is recommended but not mandatory that you carry a spare bulb kit for your vehicle (even if you don't have the tools required to actually change a bulb)
- Inflatable woman.
