Headlight reflectors for driving on the continent?

[cookie_monster]

Does anyone know if you still need the headlight redirecting things when you drive on the continent these days? I'm going to France next week and taking the car but I seem to remember someone saying you didn't need them now.

 

Thanks.

[elsiegee40]

The short answer is yes. The longer one is that the headlight s must be redirected, BUT while older style halogen lights can be done using paid for deflectors (or, if you know where to stick it, sticky tape - we keep a roll of electrical tape in our Ford Focus). The newer Xenon bulbs don't work in the same way and you can't use the tape/deflector method. With our volvo, there's a switch on the headlamp units.

 

The AA's advice is great... they've got a country-by-country guide and what you must have in your car:

Driving requirements by country : AA touring tips. Local rules and advice for European countries - The AA

[broc]

Yes you do need them, and the french can be particularly nasty about on the spot fines too. I would buy some self-adhesive beam deflectors.....

 

General tips : European Travel - general advice from the AA - The AA

 

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/touring_tips/compulsory_equipment.pdf

 

You may need hi-viz waistcoats too, not sure if France is one, or one for each occupant. You also need a warning triangle. Some countries in Europe demand a first aid kit too.

Edited May 19, 2010 by broc

[BandyQuill]

yep for france you will need deflectors/spare bulb kit (needs to contain one of each for the car)/high vis on display (saves you being pulled)/and a warning triangle in the boot (to be accessable) just got back a few weeks ago so its still fresh in my mind... first aid kit isnt necesarry but id have one in the car incase tbh

[cookie_monster]

Can you get all of this stuff from Halfords etc? or somewhere near the Dover ferry terminal could be handy

[soveryapt]

Can you get all of this stuff from Halfords etc? or somewhere near the Dover ferry terminal could be handy

 

Halfords used to do a continental driving accessory kit, don't know if they still do or not, but yes, all those items are pretty widely available at Halfords (or any good motor trade retail outlet .. )

[creese]

AA do one for £35 inc. P&P

[elsiegee40]

a roll of tape from, the DIY shop costs about £1 and the internet research to see where you stick it costs nothing.

 

The warning triangle, spare bulbs and yellow vest from Halfords or the port (if you want to pay alot more)

[broc]

a roll of tape from, the DIY shop costs about £1 and the internet research to see where you stick it costs nothing.

 

The warning triangle, spare bulbs and yellow vest from Halfords or the port (if you want to pay alot more)

 

Be careful if using black tape on plastic headlights, I have seen reports that suggest using black tape can cause the plastic to overheat and craze. Admittedly this was on a Ford Transit Motorhome.... the silver beam deflectors sold by Halfords are ok to use on plastic...

[Andrew_C]

One other thing to beware of, the French really DON'T like radar detectors. The Gendarmes confiscate, and stamp on them if they catch you.

[cookie_monster]

One other thing to beware of, the French really DON'T like radar detectors. The Gendarmes confiscate, and stamp on them if they catch you.

 

A military police force acting like that what a surprise!!!

[broc]

Some countries don't like SATNAVs that have speed camera POI enabled either....

[witch]

Halfords is very expensive - we got our stuff from either Asda or Tesco

[elsiegee40]

S*d the tape/deflectors; you need the new Audi A8

 

According to the advert I've just seen the headlamp control unit is networked to with the navigation system and automatically adjusts the headlights!

[Andrew_C]

Run by built in computers that (I read yesterday) are eminently hackable. The only thing stopping the black hats disabling your brakes is the need for physical access. When cars start being networked for charging, or queue control...

[cookie_monster]

Run by built in computers that (I read yesterday) are eminently hackable. The only thing stopping the black hats disabling your brakes is the need for physical access. When cars start being networked for charging, or queue control...

 

 

Yeh I read that but I think I'll notice a laptop hanging out of the service port, did you notice that the report was sponsored by Trend Micro

[DSapseid]

yep for france you will need deflectors/spare bulb kit (needs to contain one of each for the car)/high vis on display (saves you being pulled)/and a warning triangle in the boot (to be accessable) just got back a few weeks ago so its still fresh in my mind... first aid kit isnt necesarry but id have one in the car incase tbh

 

You also need a fire extinguisher and first aid kit (in date!). In the event of a crash the gendarmes can 'commandeer' the first aid kit. You also have to have one high vis jacket per seat in the car, with the drivers accessible without getting out the car! If it is 7 seater you need 7 even if you are the only person in the car!!

 

My mum and stepdad live in france so told me of these new rules that the french snuck in regarding the hi-vis!

[cookie_monster]

You also need a fire extinguisher and first aid kit (in date!). In the event of a crash the gendarmes can 'commandeer' the first aid kit. You also have to have one high vis jacket per seat in the car, with the drivers accessible without getting out the car! If it is 7 seater you need 7 even if you are the only person in the car!!

 

My mum and stepdad live in france so told me of these new rules that the french snuck in regarding the hi-vis!

 

 

Good greif!!!

[DSapseid]

yeh i know!! i went down to the local £1 shop and found some hi-vis vests there

[elsiegee40]

In France (see The AA link on the first page of this thread), only the warning triangle and high vis vest are mandatory equipment.

 

Headlamp beams must be adjusted for driving on the right. Radar detection is banned and satnav should have its speed camera warnings disabled (though how you do this on ours, I don't know... so far we've been fine *fingers crossed*)

 

We drive in France 4 to 5 times a year, but still double-check with the AA to make sure we're OK!

[cookie_monster]

I just picked up a pack from Halfords with first aid kit, high vis vest, triangle, headlamp things, distress flare, food rations, parachute...... that should cover it

 

I’m sure the gendarmerie will still find something if they’re in the wrong mood, inappropriate footwear maybe?

[broc]

I don't know if you or any other driver going with you wears spectacles, but some European Countries expect you to have a spare pair of prescription spectacles with you too......

[kaphc]

On the ferry to France last year (P&O) we bought a rather nifty sticker to put on the windscreen - it reminds you which way to go on roundabouts etc when driving on the "wrong" side of the road.

[cookie_monster]

I don't know if you or any other driver going with you wears spectacles, but some European Countries expect you to have a spare pair of prescription spectacles with you too......

 

 

Check

[cookie_monster]

On the ferry to France last year (P&O) we bought a rather nifty sticker to put on the windscreen - it reminds you which way to go on roundabouts etc when driving on the "wrong" side of the road.

 

 

I've got the sat nav setup to gently croon at me if I wander onto the wrong side