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--- ca_guide:driving-in-france [2010/05/24 22:06]
termietermite Added piece on Priorite a Droite. Plus minor grammar and punctuation
+++ ca_guide:driving-in-france [2011/05/21 17:51] (current)
termietermite "Serious bit" updated to reflect new enforcement measures
@@ Line 90: / Line 90: @@
   * All Three Services - 112
-**The Serious Bit** It goes without saying that the Gendarmes have a high profile during race week and whilst a certain amount of good humour and high jinks are tolerated, only a certain amount is accepted.  So beware! Traffic offences are subject to on-the-spot fines, driving license confiscation and worse.  Ensure an official receipt is given by the officer collecting the fine.  The down side is unless you can pay the fine or there is another driver in the vehicle this could be the end of your Le Mans adventure.  Your vehicle may be impounded and sold.  The police may take you to a cash point if you can convince them you have enough funds to meet the fine.  I’ve seen a complete crocodile of Ferrari’s pulled over for speeding and one poor individual taken to the cash point to obtain the money for the fine! Speed limits are implemented rigorously.  Fixed or mobile speed cameras and radar traps are commonplace.  The Gendarmes are creative in road enforcement placement and are not required to be visible, expect speed traps to be in side roads, or hidden by a hedge.  Fines can be imposed at motorway toll booths by the officer looking at the times recorded on the peage toll ticket. There is a reciprocal agreement between all European countries, that points will be applied across borders to licenses from other EU member states.  So be extra vigilant.
+**The Serious Bit** It goes without saying that the Gendarmes have a high profile during race week and whilst a certain amount of good humour and high jinks are tolerated, only a certain amount is accepted.  So beware! Traffic offences are subject to on-the-spot fines, driving license confiscation and worse.  Ensure an official receipt is given by the officer collecting the fine.  The down side is unless you can pay the fine or there is another driver in the vehicle this could be the end of your Le Mans adventure.  Your vehicle may be impounded and sold.  The police may take you to a cash point if you can convince them you have enough funds to meet the fine.  I’ve seen a complete crocodile of Ferrari’s pulled over for speeding and one poor individual taken to the cash point to obtain the money for the fine! Speed limits are implemented rigorously.  Fixed or mobile speed cameras and radar traps are commonplace.  The Gendarmes are creative in road enforcement placement and are not required to be visible, expect speed traps to be in side roads, or hidden by a hedge.  Following a recent increase in the annual road death figures, the government has put extra pressure on the law enforcement agencies to up the ante with regard to catching offenders.  There are many new, and draconian, measures in the pipeline but meantime, the gendarmes are charged with catching those who break the current laws - don't let that be you!
 **Drink Drive Fines** There are strict drink driving laws, blood alcohol levels are lower than the UK (0.5 mg/ml rather than 0.8 mg/ml).  Expect random breath tests during race week.  Penalties range from fines of 135 euros to 4,500 euros, and imprisonment.  If you have caused an accident while drunk, penalties range from 30,000 euros and 2 years imprisonment to 150,000 euros and 10 years imprisonment.