Driving to France from Dover or Folkestone: Car Checks and Rules

Written by Petro Olekhnovych, mobile mechanic in Aylesham, Kent

Before driving to France, check that your car shows the right UK identifier, that you carry your licence, V5C and insurance certificate, and that you have the kit French law requires, including a warning triangle and reflective jackets. Your headlamps also need adjusting for driving on the right. Then give the car a basic health check so it gets through the queues at Dover or Folkestone and the miles beyond.

Documents to take with you

GOV.UK says you need your driving licence, and if it is your own car, your log book (V5C) and your insurance certificate. The RAC also lists your passport and adds that you need the original V5C, not a copy.

A few things worth checking before the day:

• Licence: make sure it is valid and not about to expire. The FCDO says a paper licence may need updating to a photocard, or you may need the right international driving permit.
• Insurance: GOV.UK advises checking that your policy covers the countries you are driving through, and what proof you must carry.
• Tax and MOT: the RAC reminds drivers to make sure both are valid and up to date before travelling.
• Hire or leased car: GOV.UK says you need a VE103 certificate to take it abroad.

The UK sticker: do you need one?

GOV.UK says UK stickers have replaced the old GB stickers. If you still have a GB sticker, cover it or remove it before driving outside the UK.

You do not need a UK sticker if your number plate has the UK identifier with the Union flag. You do need one if your plate has:

• letters and numbers only, with no flag or identifier
• a GB identifier with the Union flag
• a European Union flag
• the national flag of England, Scotland or Wales

The sticker is a white oval and goes on the rear of the car. If you plan to carry on into Spain, GOV.UK says you must display a UK sticker there whatever your plate shows.

Kit France requires

The RAC lists a warning triangle and reflective jackets as mandatory by law in France. It also lists headlamp beam deflectors, and snow chains in signposted snow zones. The RAC says you could be fined up to €530 for not carrying the right kit.

Two other rules to know:

• Crit’Air sticker: some French cities have low emission zones. The FCDO says vehicles in central Paris, Lyon and Grenoble must display a pollution sticker from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday. The RAC says not displaying the correct sticker can mean an on-the-spot fine of €135. Order it well before you go, from the official French government site (certificat-air.gouv.fr). The RAC says the sticker is sent to you within 5 to 10 days.
• Speed camera detectors: these are banned in France. The AA says that if your sat nav can show fixed speed cameras, you must disable the alerts before driving there. Fines go up to €1,500.

The RAC says a breathalyser is not required. It also notes that France’s drink-drive limit is lower than in England and Wales, and lower again for drivers with under three years’ experience.

Headlamp beams for driving on the right

UK headlamps are angled to the left, which can dazzle oncoming drivers in France. GOV.UK says headlight converter stickers may be needed. The RAC says that, depending on your car, you will either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually. The RAC says some cars have a switch for this.

Your handbook will show which type your car has and where the stickers go. If you are not sure, ask before you travel rather than guessing on the dockside.

Car checks before the ferry or tunnel

The RAC recommends checking your tyres, fluids including oil and water, and lights before setting off. It also notes France requires a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm.

Here is what we would look at before a long trip abroad:

• Tyres: tread, cuts, bulges and pressures for a loaded car. Your handbook or door sticker gives the loaded pressures.
• Oil and coolant: check levels when cold. Low oil or coolant on a long motorway run can cause serious damage.
• Brakes: any grinding, squealing or a soft pedal needs looking at before you go. See our guide to brake pad warning signs.
• Lights: all bulbs working. The RAC suggests carrying replacement bulbs.
• Warning lights: do not set off with one showing. Get the cause found first.
• Service: if a service or cambelt change is due soon, do it before the trip, not after.

For a fuller list of general checks, see our guide to car checks before a long journey. If you are worried about sitting in port traffic, our post on Dover port queues and your car covers Operation Brock and what to carry if you get stuck.

Using LeShuttle from Folkestone with LPG or spare fuel

If you are taking the tunnel, LeShuttle’s dangerous goods policy says vehicles powered by LPG, CNG or any other flammable gas are not allowed on passenger shuttles. It also limits spare fuel to 30 litres in total per vehicle, in approved containers. Check the current rules with your operator before you book if your car runs on gas.

How we can help

We are a mobile mechanic based in Aylesham, so we come to your home or workplace before you travel. That includes our mobile mechanic service in Folkestone, Dover, Deal, Canterbury and the villages in between.

Before a trip abroad we can do a pre-travel check, an oil and filter change, a service, brake pads and discs, or find the cause of a warning light. If we find something outside the jobs we do, we will tell you what it needs.

Labour is £30-£50 per hour depending on the job. We agree the price on WhatsApp before any work starts, and parts are extra.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a GB sticker to drive in France?
No. GOV.UK says GB stickers have been replaced by UK stickers. Cover or remove a GB sticker before you go.

Do I need a breathalyser in my car in France?
The RAC says you are not required to carry one.

Do I need a Crit’Air sticker for a short trip?
Only if you drive into a city with a low emission zone that requires one. Check your route before you go. The RAC says the sticker takes 5 to 10 days to arrive.

Can you check my car the week before I travel?
Yes. Message us on WhatsApp with your car and travel date, and we will arrange a time to come to you.

Need help? Send a WhatsApp to 07563 350335 with your car’s make and model and we’ll come to you.

Sources

• Driving abroad - GOV.UK
• Displaying number plates: flags, identifiers and stickers - GOV.UK
• France travel advice: safety and security - GOV.UK (FCDO)
• Driving in France - RAC
• Driving abroad checklist - RAC
• Driving in France - AA
• Crit’Air official site - French Ministry of Ecological Transition
• Carriage of dangerous and hazardous goods - LeShuttle