European Towing regulations

[captainalex]

Does anyone know the european, although mainly interested in the French towing regulations?. Dimensions etc.. . Has anyone had any experience of towing to the south of France?.

Your help would be much appreciated,

Thanks.

 

[IzzyC]

We got our info from the local motor factors. We are towing a boat down through Portugal (not sure on the differences in the legislation compared with France). In Portugal we needed to get 2 emergency triangles, 2 GB stickers, headlight stickers, a spare set of light bulbs & a luminescent waistcoat/ jacket (whatever they are called!) Driving in Europe you are supposed to always carry ID, driving licence & insurance documents. Hope this helps. You could always try & ask at Halfords, they may have some info.

 

[hlb]

Oh!! I thort you were towing a boat, I mean on the sea!! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[TigaWave]

We had help from the AA, they even provide a route as we were quite big. France needed convoi exceptional stuff, flashing amber lights not allowed on motorway as we were to wide for toll booths. Italy wanted a police escort, but we chanced it. But I've towed smaller stuff, double stacked 18' boats without thinking much about it.

I'm sure the AA/RAC are your best bet, check your breakdown cover as some will not recover trailers.

 

[BrendanS]

Check the small print on the trailer recovery too. Some are quite restrive on height overall, weight, length etc. Most exlude largish boats one way or another. Horse trailer insurance well worth looking into from previous experience, as height, length, weight is within many boat trailers.

 

[Tekkie]

[ QUOTE ]
We got our info from the local motor factors. We are towing a boat down through Portugal (not sure on the differences in the legislation compared with France). In Portugal we needed to get 2 emergency triangles, 2 GB stickers, headlight stickers, a spare set of light bulbs & a luminescent waistcoat/ jacket (whatever they are called!) Driving in Europe you are supposed to always carry ID, driving licence & insurance documents. Hope this helps. You could always try & ask at Halfords, they may have some info.

[/ QUOTE ] Spot on, + if you wear specs you must carry a spare pair!!

Brian
No serious not flippant!!

 

[Lakesailor]

I think the 1998 regulations were European in scope. In France carrying a red warning triangle is compulsory for vehicles towing.
Another thing of general interest is that in order to help raise fine revenue (deja vue) I quote from a web site.......
" Do not move your vehicle AT ALL when collecting or paying at toll boths untill you ALL have your seat belt fastened,
Two of my friends were caught by the passenger undoing her belt to reach for the ticket and the driver pulling away before she had it back on, They did not move more than one wheel rotation when out stepped the cop, The fine £68. no argument."

 

[gwennols]

i towed a 24ft sailing yacht 2.35 metres wide to croatia in 2004
no problems whats so ever even got the boat trailler on the ferry as a caravan which was free at that time. travelled most of the way on motorways.l
pm me if can be of any help

 

[neale]

Biggest and most obvious difference is the width. In the uk you can tow a boat with 9' 6" beam on a trailer no wider than 7' 6". In France the max width of boat is 2.5m (8' 2.5").