As the topic says, I'm off to sunny Spain with a friend this May, and we have stupidly decided to drive instead of flying there and having the whole hideous airport experience again this year.
The furthest I've driven my Zed is from Birmingham to Isle of Wight via the Cotswolds on the A roads and I loved it. I have also been part of a four person band driving from UK to Paris-Luxembourg-Trier- Amsterdam-UK in five days in a battered 800cc Ford escort with no fifth gear but that was less fun...
The Spain jaunt should be mostly motorways, aside from the Pyrenees where we might decide to mess about on smaller roads. anyway, nooby advice needed, viz:
Its about 1400 miles door to door, and we will take the ferry, which looks cheaper than Eurostar. We will be sharing the driving, and are looking at various routes etc. we have both made enquiries with our Insurance companies and the Zed has its Inspection 2 and Suspension changed before then, its got new tyres all round and has only 60k miles on the clock, so I'm hopeful the car will be legal and last the journey!
Anyone here ever driven this sort of journey before? What should I watch out for? Am I going to be able to travel at 80-90mph all the way, or is it speed trap country through France and East Spain? We reckon if we left at 8am we could be in Calais by 2pm (GMT+1) and hopefully make it down to Montpelier by 9pm. Sharing the driving will be the key, but is that realistic? Will the car be OK travelling for that long in May heat? Should I take a bottle of BMW Coolant with me just in case? Would Zroadster.net want photos of this ridiculous folly?
Driving to Spain, advice please
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oakley6691
- Joined: Tue 25 Apr, 2006 13:33
- Posts: 257
- Location: Abercrave
Driving instead of flying is definitly my favorite option, we drive to the alps once or twice every year for snowboarding trips(never taken the Z3), it's not quite as far as your journey but it's always a good trip and more of a laugh. I think you might want to give yourselves a bit more time to get to Montpellier as you'll be driving through the day when the traffic is busiest, we tend to do the trip through the night when u can get away with a bit more speed and hardly any traffic. Two sharing the driving should be fine, i once did the trip as the only driver in my car door to door (20 hours with no sleep (not the safest option).
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tim.cullis
- Joined: Sat 08 Mar, 2008 10:46
- Posts: 21
- Location: Putney
The motorway tolls can add up so ideally you want to keep to the free sections of motorways and the motorway-standard dual carriageways.
The A16 motorway from Calais as far as Boulogne is free. To avoid going miles on really slow roads--there's nothing worse than getting bogged down at the beginning of a long day--you might then want to take the pay section of the A16 between Boulogne and Abbeville.
Then from Abbeville you are on to free motorways and motorway-standard dual carriageways to Rouen and south via Evreux and Dreux to Chartres.
Chartres to Orleans is single carriageway but straight with overtaking opportunities. From Orleans to Clermont-Ferrand about 40% of the route is dual carriageway.
At Clermont-Ferrand you join the A75 which is free all the way to Montpellier apart from the small section over the Millau Bridge--which you mustn't miss!
In Spain use the Autovia (Axx) rather than the pay-for Autopistes (APxx) or Rxx roads.
The A16 motorway from Calais as far as Boulogne is free. To avoid going miles on really slow roads--there's nothing worse than getting bogged down at the beginning of a long day--you might then want to take the pay section of the A16 between Boulogne and Abbeville.
Then from Abbeville you are on to free motorways and motorway-standard dual carriageways to Rouen and south via Evreux and Dreux to Chartres.
Chartres to Orleans is single carriageway but straight with overtaking opportunities. From Orleans to Clermont-Ferrand about 40% of the route is dual carriageway.
At Clermont-Ferrand you join the A75 which is free all the way to Montpellier apart from the small section over the Millau Bridge--which you mustn't miss!
In Spain use the Autovia (Axx) rather than the pay-for Autopistes (APxx) or Rxx roads.
I drove to the German Alps in my 2.2 Z3 last September and enjoyed every moment. Just a personal opinion, but I would factor in a stop somewhere in France. It's a big country and takes some crossing non stop even if you are sharing the driving. I think you will enjoy the journey more that way and it will be a little more relaxing. The Z will cope with it better than you believe me! I have driven from France to Spain and there are some wonderful roads over the mountains all very much quieter and much more fun than those you are used to in the UK. Yes there are plenty of speed traps as you travel across France, try not to use the motorways all the way, you will miss out on some wonderful driving roads if you do. Another reason to take your time, see a bit of France and have a stop en route. My car used about 1 pint of coolant and a litre of oil over our last 2000 mile epic journey! Good luck with the trip, I'm sure you will love it.
We've done UK to Spain several times and used both the eastern and western channel crossings. Last summer we did 2,500 round western France and the Dordogne and only paid 2.80€ in tolls! They will add a significant cost to your trip without necessarily saving much time. I also found driving on the atuoroutes/peages boring in comparison to taking the alternative national road network. They are also very noisy with the roof down.
How you do it is your choice, and there's nothing to stop you changing your mind! Get a channel crossing booked and take it from there.
If courageous reads this thread he may reply having just bought a Z in th UK and driven it straight home to Rosas in Spain
How you do it is your choice, and there's nothing to stop you changing your mind! Get a channel crossing booked and take it from there.
If courageous reads this thread he may reply having just bought a Z in th UK and driven it straight home to Rosas in Spain
I've just left Spain, Marbella and drove to my parents in France at least 4 times and from Marbella to Santander a fair few times!
If you aren't in a rush then stay away from the AP peage in Spain they are very boring, but good for making up time...
Depending on where you are crossing the French- Spanish border you could try the Bielsa Tunnel - some awesome roads there going from Aragnouet to Barbastro - http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&sourc ... 77&t=h&z=9
From Barbastro you can either head North or South....
Any more questions just shout...
Oh and generally the spanish toll roads are Police free... I think on the drive from marbella to the border there are about 5 speed cameras in total!
If you aren't in a rush then stay away from the AP peage in Spain they are very boring, but good for making up time...
Depending on where you are crossing the French- Spanish border you could try the Bielsa Tunnel - some awesome roads there going from Aragnouet to Barbastro - http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&sourc ... 77&t=h&z=9
From Barbastro you can either head North or South....
Any more questions just shout...
Oh and generally the spanish toll roads are Police free... I think on the drive from marbella to the border there are about 5 speed cameras in total!
france speed limits
As you enter french villages and see a red outlined village or town name plate , be aware that means 30 mph. The maximum speeding fine possible in france was 40,000 euros last time I looked. Plus your licence of course. Great driving though. If you have not seen the millau bridge, its worth taking a detour.
I'm taking my Z through France in May. Wonderful!
I'm taking my Z through France in May. Wonderful!
Thankyou one and all for the advice coming up so quickly!
Just to clarify: I mentioned getting to Montpelier (or maybe Beziers) by a certain time so that we could stop off there overnight to do the last few hundred miles the next day!
Also, with reference to the coolant and oil, what should I carry with me, and how much? Its only a small boot with two suitcases plus food and drink for two people driving with the roof down in glorious Mediterreanean sunshine! How can I fit a hideous straw donkey and oversized sombrero with all the car stuff in the boot?!
Just to clarify: I mentioned getting to Montpelier (or maybe Beziers) by a certain time so that we could stop off there overnight to do the last few hundred miles the next day!
Also, with reference to the coolant and oil, what should I carry with me, and how much? Its only a small boot with two suitcases plus food and drink for two people driving with the roof down in glorious Mediterreanean sunshine! How can I fit a hideous straw donkey and oversized sombrero with all the car stuff in the boot?!
What to take - as little as possible 
Where to put it - see here
Mandatories - Spare bulbs, triangle, reflective waistcoats (driver & passenger)
Recommended
- Hope the weather is better than when we were there
Where to put it - see here
Mandatories - Spare bulbs, triangle, reflective waistcoats (driver & passenger)
Recommended
- 1litre oil
Hats
Sun tan cream - esp for your nose!
Lipsyl or equivalent
Camera
- Hope the weather is better than when we were there
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Michael McGovern
- Joined: Mon 30 Mar, 2009 21:56
- Posts: 194
- Location: East Sussex
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Mike Fishwick
- Joined: Fri 19 Jun, 2009 10:27
- Posts: 2093
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- Location: Daglan, France
Time
Forget about the Millau Bridge - it's frankly over-rated, unless you can syop in the nearby service area and walk back to see the bridge. You will not have time anyway, and are better advised to use the A20 from Vierzon, south of Orleans. It's free until a bit after Brive-le-Gaillard, and a lot shorter route to reach Spain than going further east, via Clermont-Ferrand and Montpelier.
Also forget about doing the run from Calais to Montpelier in seven hours! I have done the trip from Calais to the Dordogne many times, and find that it is unusual to do the trip to Brive in less than nine hours, with a few short breaks. That is about the same distance as Calais to St-Flour (south of Clermont -F) and you will need about another 2-3 hours to reach Montpelier - remember that by then you willbe travelling with lots of other traffic on a 2-lane road.
France is mercifully free of speed cameras, and the few arounf have large warning signs before you reach them. They are big enough to climb inside, so there is no excuse for being snapped - bu at the moment youwill not be troubled by them.
However, if you want to cruise at 90 mph expect to be stopped by the gendarmes at the toll booths, wherer your average speed is calculated! Even on the toll-free sections, les gendarmes tend to hang around in emergency entrances and do things in the old-fashioned way, with a bit of a chase. Expect to lose about £60 each time - on the spot and in cash!
They tend to see breaking their speed limit by tourists as a gross lack of courtesy, and treat it accordingly, stopping foreigh-registered cars before locals. you can get away with it but don't rely on it - France has laws like any other country.
However - if you still want to drive from Calais to Montpelier, Don't underestimate the size of France, and allow 12 hours for it, including a few fuel/food/comfort stops.
Also forget about doing the run from Calais to Montpelier in seven hours! I have done the trip from Calais to the Dordogne many times, and find that it is unusual to do the trip to Brive in less than nine hours, with a few short breaks. That is about the same distance as Calais to St-Flour (south of Clermont -F) and you will need about another 2-3 hours to reach Montpelier - remember that by then you willbe travelling with lots of other traffic on a 2-lane road.
France is mercifully free of speed cameras, and the few arounf have large warning signs before you reach them. They are big enough to climb inside, so there is no excuse for being snapped - bu at the moment youwill not be troubled by them.
However, if you want to cruise at 90 mph expect to be stopped by the gendarmes at the toll booths, wherer your average speed is calculated! Even on the toll-free sections, les gendarmes tend to hang around in emergency entrances and do things in the old-fashioned way, with a bit of a chase. Expect to lose about £60 each time - on the spot and in cash!
They tend to see breaking their speed limit by tourists as a gross lack of courtesy, and treat it accordingly, stopping foreigh-registered cars before locals. you can get away with it but don't rely on it - France has laws like any other country.
However - if you still want to drive from Calais to Montpelier, Don't underestimate the size of France, and allow 12 hours for it, including a few fuel/food/comfort stops.
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Michael McGovern
- Joined: Mon 30 Mar, 2009 21:56
- Posts: 194
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- Location: East Sussex
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Mike Fishwick
- Joined: Fri 19 Jun, 2009 10:27
- Posts: 2093
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- Location: Daglan, France
Fines
At the moment, the Brits are in a good position, as the poor exchange rate opens a loophole in the legislation, to the effect that the normal speeding fine value prevents the offence being sent to a UK court. They just fine you in Euros instead!
However, if you are breaking le loi by more than 30 mph, the fines become dramatic, and if that speed also involves an accident with personal injury preventing someone fom working for 3 months, a 30,000 Euro fine - and 6 months jail - can be imposed.
Also remember that your driving licence is an EU document.
They don't mind you bending the law a bit, but don't totally destroy it.
Also remember that the maximum alcohol limit is only 50 mG/Litre, so you can be prosecuted for a level which would not be noticed in the UK. Above the UK limit of 80 Mg the punicsment becomes severe.
However, if you are breaking le loi by more than 30 mph, the fines become dramatic, and if that speed also involves an accident with personal injury preventing someone fom working for 3 months, a 30,000 Euro fine - and 6 months jail - can be imposed.
Also remember that your driving licence is an EU document.
They don't mind you bending the law a bit, but don't totally destroy it.
Also remember that the maximum alcohol limit is only 50 mG/Litre, so you can be prosecuted for a level which would not be noticed in the UK. Above the UK limit of 80 Mg the punicsment becomes severe.
Last I heard is that they couldn't give you points (or take them away as is the norm in France - I've heard a lot of french ex-pats try to keep their UK licences) but instead do load the fines up...
Echo'ing Mike's comments - I did the Millau bridge in September and felt quite an anti-climax once there - think I may have over-hyped it after watching too much Top Gear! However there are some great driving roads in that are - Gorge Du Tarn being one...
Echo'ing Mike's comments - I did the Millau bridge in September and felt quite an anti-climax once there - think I may have over-hyped it after watching too much Top Gear! However there are some great driving roads in that are - Gorge Du Tarn being one...
points
Points can be added, as can bans, When I lived in france up to quite recently the police knock on your door if you have a Brit licence and get points and "help" you to the office where you can apply for a european one...
If you get spotted on a camera (Fixed ones have BIG warnings so it will be a mobile one) I have seen people lose their vehicles.
Also seen police at the ferry terminal checking noise levels.
It is really worth driving through France but you have to keep to the rules or pay the price, and never bad mouth a French cop, the French do not appreciate a lack of manners. In many parts of France a GB sticker is translated as Grand Bouche .
Do not be at fault or speeding if you cause an accident resulting in injury, as penalties are much more severe severe than in the uK. Do not forgat your high visability jacket for you and all passengers. Its a favourite fine.
If you get spotted on a camera (Fixed ones have BIG warnings so it will be a mobile one) I have seen people lose their vehicles.
Also seen police at the ferry terminal checking noise levels.
It is really worth driving through France but you have to keep to the rules or pay the price, and never bad mouth a French cop, the French do not appreciate a lack of manners. In many parts of France a GB sticker is translated as Grand Bouche .
Do not be at fault or speeding if you cause an accident resulting in injury, as penalties are much more severe severe than in the uK. Do not forgat your high visability jacket for you and all passengers. Its a favourite fine.
What to take?
May I suggest a plane?
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Mike Fishwick
- Joined: Fri 19 Jun, 2009 10:27
- Posts: 2093
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- Location: Daglan, France
Millau Bridge
The Millau Viaduct is a great bit of work, but your eye is drawn to the roadway, which is only half way up. You don't have any real view while crossing it, due to the wind shields at each side. The best view is from below it, on the side of the river Tarn, where there is a visitor centre, or park in the service area on the north side, and walk along the well-trodden path to the edge of the valley.
I would reckon on abouit 650 miles from Calais to Montpelier, and it takes some going to maintain an overall average speed of 60 mph - more like 55 mph - so the trip will take between 11 and 12 hours.
Even with two drivers - swap over every 2 hours tops - you need food, and a good lunch is a definite aid to safe driving, as is plenty of water to fight dehydration. Don't try to drive for ever with only a Mars bar for sustenance, as all you will get out of it is fatigue and slow reflexes.
Remember that even in May, in the Pyrenees you may find snow and closed roads - check before you decide on your route.
I would reckon on abouit 650 miles from Calais to Montpelier, and it takes some going to maintain an overall average speed of 60 mph - more like 55 mph - so the trip will take between 11 and 12 hours.
Even with two drivers - swap over every 2 hours tops - you need food, and a good lunch is a definite aid to safe driving, as is plenty of water to fight dehydration. Don't try to drive for ever with only a Mars bar for sustenance, as all you will get out of it is fatigue and slow reflexes.
Remember that even in May, in the Pyrenees you may find snow and closed roads - check before you decide on your route.
Last edited by Mike Fishwick on Tue 02 Feb, 2010 13:18, edited 1 time in total.
Take to the roads and enjoy 
Just dont be in too much of a rush some wonderful scenery in France and the roads are much better than in the UK but it is a big country.....
I agree with Mike F on timeing though, we travel most years from Calais to Sarlat via Brive a good run you can do calais to Brive in 6 - 7 hours hit traffic and add a couple hours more. I drove Costa Brava - Calais a few years back and had good run both ways but took 12 hours driving going down via A75 and returned VIA A7 Lyon route which took nearly 13 hours actual driving.
Beware motorway speed limits in France vary either 130kmh in dry conditions or 110kmh if its raining. Tolls will add about £75.00 each way if you want to take the quickest route.
Just dont be in too much of a rush some wonderful scenery in France and the roads are much better than in the UK but it is a big country.....I agree with Mike F on timeing though, we travel most years from Calais to Sarlat via Brive a good run you can do calais to Brive in 6 - 7 hours hit traffic and add a couple hours more. I drove Costa Brava - Calais a few years back and had good run both ways but took 12 hours driving going down via A75 and returned VIA A7 Lyon route which took nearly 13 hours actual driving.
Beware motorway speed limits in France vary either 130kmh in dry conditions or 110kmh if its raining. Tolls will add about £75.00 each way if you want to take the quickest route.
Remember "To become old and wise - First you need to be young and stupid"
Titanium Silver 2.0
Titanium Silver 2.0
Above a certain limit (I think 50kph over) they get very draconian, which can mean an on-the-spot fine (car impounded until paid) of €750, or a ban from driving in France, effective immediately. The practicalities of extracting yourself from either situation is left as an exercise for the speeder.Titan wrote:How about a large fine for startersMichael McGovern wrote:if you get caught speeding in France what can they actually do? I am certain they can't touch your licence.
And I think they can pursue your licence .....
Does anyone know for certain?
My observation is that 90mph on the autoroute would not make you stand out, but anything much above will. There are occasional static cameras on the autoroutes, but as far as I can tell, these are always preceded by a sign warning of their use, and I don't know what they could do to you if you were caught.
Paul
Done the trip down to Cartegena and Gaudix quite a few times sharing the driving and keeping on going you can do it in the day but it's knackering. We've triggered quite a few speed cameras and never heard a thing from either French or Spanish authorities. Roadworks and delays are almost non-existant and you can always gain on the satnav's eta. Buffalo Grill do great burgers in a faux western ranch-house setting. We're not doing it this year and i'm really gonna miss the adventure. I have some friends who have reached Torreviecha (sp?) in 18 hours from Shropshire by just stopping for splash and dash fill ups!
I'm doing much the same in March but in the 118d not the 'Z' 
, wife says the 'Z' cant hold enough luggage for 7 weeks.
You can get a good idea of times and costs by doing a route in viamichelin. http://www.viamichelin.co.uk/web/Itineraires
It allows you to choose type of car, fuel and tolls or no tolls etc, do the same route with different options and see the difference, might surprise you. For instance I put a simple route in from Calais to Malaga and it came up with 1313m - 20h 4m - 94.10EUR using recommended route with tolls. 1284m - 24h 41m - 0.90EUR recommended route without tolls.
Good advise given already so wont repeat other than to say when I travel outside the UK I observe speed limits and traffic laws. There is enough to keep busy without worrying about being pulled. Dont know about your French/Spanish but mine is almost non-existent and pissing the local constabulary off ain't a good idea if you cant even try and wangle your way out of trouble with a bit of banter.
One last thing, you need two triangles in Spain and make sure you have headlight beam correctors on.
, wife says the 'Z' cant hold enough luggage for 7 weeks.You can get a good idea of times and costs by doing a route in viamichelin. http://www.viamichelin.co.uk/web/Itineraires
It allows you to choose type of car, fuel and tolls or no tolls etc, do the same route with different options and see the difference, might surprise you. For instance I put a simple route in from Calais to Malaga and it came up with 1313m - 20h 4m - 94.10EUR using recommended route with tolls. 1284m - 24h 41m - 0.90EUR recommended route without tolls.
Good advise given already so wont repeat other than to say when I travel outside the UK I observe speed limits and traffic laws. There is enough to keep busy without worrying about being pulled. Dont know about your French/Spanish but mine is almost non-existent and pissing the local constabulary off ain't a good idea if you cant even try and wangle your way out of trouble with a bit of banter.
One last thing, you need two triangles in Spain and make sure you have headlight beam correctors on.
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Courageous
- Joined: Wed 13 Jan, 2010 19:22
- Posts: 352
- Location: Rosas, Spain
- Contact:
Not much to add to the above really - you will always get contrasting opinions regarding type of road and actual route to take. I have done this whole thing several times now by motorbike, van and car. I personally have ditched the thought of EVER going via Calais again as it was by far the most painful for me.........
I don't know your point of origin but a fair option (and my absolute standard) is to pick up the ferry from Pompey and travel LD lines to LeHavre.
It leaves at 11pm and arrives 8am setting you up nicely for the day ahead. You rest overnight (Cabin or sleeper seat).
For me its a motorway fest interrupted by splash and dash and generally I am home in Rosas (about 30 km into Spain on the north east) 12 hours later.
As Titan mentioned I did this last week in my 2 ltr at speeds of 70 to 90mph and arrived home at 2000hrs.
I'd love to take up Titan's romantic route but a desire to get home to the family asap generally wins.
In any event, whatever you choose enjoy it and if you have time to swing by my gaff there's a bottle of irish and a warm welcome for any zedders that chooses to partake!
I don't know your point of origin but a fair option (and my absolute standard) is to pick up the ferry from Pompey and travel LD lines to LeHavre.
It leaves at 11pm and arrives 8am setting you up nicely for the day ahead. You rest overnight (Cabin or sleeper seat).
For me its a motorway fest interrupted by splash and dash and generally I am home in Rosas (about 30 km into Spain on the north east) 12 hours later.
As Titan mentioned I did this last week in my 2 ltr at speeds of 70 to 90mph and arrived home at 2000hrs.
I'd love to take up Titan's romantic route but a desire to get home to the family asap generally wins.
In any event, whatever you choose enjoy it and if you have time to swing by my gaff there's a bottle of irish and a warm welcome for any zedders that chooses to partake!
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Mike Fishwick
- Joined: Fri 19 Jun, 2009 10:27
- Posts: 2093
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- Location: Daglan, France
French Fines
A friend was recently caught by a static speed camera on an autoroute - he must have missed the warning sign by overtaking a truck where the sign was!
For doing just over 90 mph in a 80 mph limit he was fined about £10 with one point off his licence, and they gave a £2 discount if he paid up within two weeks. Quite lenient, really, but don't expect such sympathy to be extended to tourists!
The French make the punishment fit the crime - for every 10 mph over the limit (I think the cameras are set to 90 mph) by taking one point off your license and fining you about £10 for every 10 mph over the limit. Compare that with the UK, where the fine etc for doing 35 mph in a 30 mph zone is thesame as someone doing 54 mph - you are treated like public enemy number one.
Speed limit areas throghout France have also been recently revised and rationalised, in terms of the length of the speed limit zone and the speed itself. Some limnits have been raised, others have been shortened.
One area near us, with a restaurant and a couple of houses, was 30 mph, but everyone drove throughit at 45 mph. It is now a 45 mph zone - but people do not drive at 60 mph in it - they still do 45 mph. The Brits could not handle that - they would feel honour bound to still do 15 mph over the new limit.
For doing just over 90 mph in a 80 mph limit he was fined about £10 with one point off his licence, and they gave a £2 discount if he paid up within two weeks. Quite lenient, really, but don't expect such sympathy to be extended to tourists!
The French make the punishment fit the crime - for every 10 mph over the limit (I think the cameras are set to 90 mph) by taking one point off your license and fining you about £10 for every 10 mph over the limit. Compare that with the UK, where the fine etc for doing 35 mph in a 30 mph zone is thesame as someone doing 54 mph - you are treated like public enemy number one.
Speed limit areas throghout France have also been recently revised and rationalised, in terms of the length of the speed limit zone and the speed itself. Some limnits have been raised, others have been shortened.
One area near us, with a restaurant and a couple of houses, was 30 mph, but everyone drove throughit at 45 mph. It is now a 45 mph zone - but people do not drive at 60 mph in it - they still do 45 mph. The Brits could not handle that - they would feel honour bound to still do 15 mph over the new limit.
Re: French Fines
...................Mike Fishwick wrote:The Brits could not handle that - they would feel honour bound to still do 15 mph over the new limit.
Thanks all for the help and ideas, I think the main points I will take on board:
1) 120kph or 130kph and *NO MORE* depending upon speed limits. I haven't got 60Euro a time and kind of need my licence!
2) All the bits of kit required for 'random' inspections
3) oil and coolant for the poor Zed
4) Sun lotion. Lots.
5) Viamichelin route (sorry Mike, I will definitely be going over that bridge!)
6) An overnight stop a bit further north than Montpelier
7) My European maps satnav and a good old fashioned road atlas.
Thanks again, the advice is invaluable, there are so many things to consider that would have otherwise put me back a fair few quid. Lets face it a shiny black sports car with the roof down and a GB plate on the back is bound to get noticed by the powers that be, especially if Le Grand Bouche is driving it.
1) 120kph or 130kph and *NO MORE* depending upon speed limits. I haven't got 60Euro a time and kind of need my licence!
2) All the bits of kit required for 'random' inspections
3) oil and coolant for the poor Zed
4) Sun lotion. Lots.
5) Viamichelin route (sorry Mike, I will definitely be going over that bridge!)
6) An overnight stop a bit further north than Montpelier
7) My European maps satnav and a good old fashioned road atlas.
Thanks again, the advice is invaluable, there are so many things to consider that would have otherwise put me back a fair few quid. Lets face it a shiny black sports car with the roof down and a GB plate on the back is bound to get noticed by the powers that be, especially if Le Grand Bouche is driving it.
You might find this linkuseful.
The alternative to a GB sticker is a single europlate on the rear.
Much less obtrusive, no damage to the paintwork, and you can swap it back when you get home.
The alternative to a GB sticker is a single europlate on the rear.
Much less obtrusive, no damage to the paintwork, and you can swap it back when you get home.
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Courageous
- Joined: Wed 13 Jan, 2010 19:22
- Posts: 352
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- Location: Rosas, Spain
- Contact:
If ya has the top down then damn the plates and stickers. Give ya'self a treat and get a bloody great Union Jack on a staff out the back!
ps: I just got a fine thru the post here for 720 euro (600 fine plus 120 non payment penalty). Don't yet know what speed I was doing but was in a megane diesel so can't have been too much. THATS why I'm hanging onto my uk plates as long as I can..........
ps: I just got a fine thru the post here for 720 euro (600 fine plus 120 non payment penalty). Don't yet know what speed I was doing but was in a megane diesel so can't have been too much. THATS why I'm hanging onto my uk plates as long as I can..........
In the land of the pigs the butcher is king.
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Mike Fishwick
- Joined: Fri 19 Jun, 2009 10:27
- Posts: 2093
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- Location: Daglan, France
'If ya has?' 'Ya'self?' Maybe I was fortunate in being taught English at school . . .
You obviously have no regard for any law except those you feel like obeying, and seem to regard your non-EU number plates as some kind of protective force field against the dastardly French! Has it never occurred to you that your UK driving license is an EU document?
A 600 Euro speeding fine is the type of punishment handed out for those who exceed a speed limit by over 30 mph, non-payment of which usually results in jail.
For the French to bother pursuing you to the UK they must have been annoyed, and feel you are in need of a lesson, so I advise you to pay up soon, or there will be a knock on the door and an arrest warrant. At the very best you will be fined even more heavily, and banned from driving in France.
I bet you didn't bother about your left-hand dipping headlights before going to France either.
You obviously have no regard for any law except those you feel like obeying, and seem to regard your non-EU number plates as some kind of protective force field against the dastardly French! Has it never occurred to you that your UK driving license is an EU document?
A 600 Euro speeding fine is the type of punishment handed out for those who exceed a speed limit by over 30 mph, non-payment of which usually results in jail.
For the French to bother pursuing you to the UK they must have been annoyed, and feel you are in need of a lesson, so I advise you to pay up soon, or there will be a knock on the door and an arrest warrant. At the very best you will be fined even more heavily, and banned from driving in France.
I bet you didn't bother about your left-hand dipping headlights before going to France either.
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Courageous
- Joined: Wed 13 Jan, 2010 19:22
- Posts: 352
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- Location: Rosas, Spain
- Contact:
I was under the impression Courageous was in SPAIN and I was assuming that it was the Spanish authorities imposing the fine. His car(s) may well still be on UK plates if it has been kept there less than 12 months. And it didn't sound like bragging either. Must be those melancholy tinted specs again, Mike. 
Cheers R.
Cheers R.
Arctic Silver '99 Z3 1.9 & Black '59 Frogeye 1275cc
expats living in euroland and driving on gb plates
If you live/drive in the eurozone for more than six months then that makes you a resident. Your car should therefore be re registered in your new home country, with local mot where needed. You should be registered for healthcare, tax and with the social services, but where you fail to do this, you can be told to leave. The usual time that expatts realise this is when the police knock on the door with a car related fine.
They then dig a little deeper, find you are breaking loads of laws and another expat bites the dust.
Sloppy/arrogant attitudes to being an immigrant will land you in trouble, eventually. Its the lack of manners and politeness that really upsets our european neighbours, and rightly too. Ever wondered why your car insurance will only cover you a max of 6 months in europe? Its because that is how long you can stay without reregistering your car. Enjoy your drive through europe, I absolutely love it, but google the laws first. Take responsibility for yourself. Rant over.
They then dig a little deeper, find you are breaking loads of laws and another expat bites the dust.
Sloppy/arrogant attitudes to being an immigrant will land you in trouble, eventually. Its the lack of manners and politeness that really upsets our european neighbours, and rightly too. Ever wondered why your car insurance will only cover you a max of 6 months in europe? Its because that is how long you can stay without reregistering your car. Enjoy your drive through europe, I absolutely love it, but google the laws first. Take responsibility for yourself. Rant over.
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Courageous
- Joined: Wed 13 Jan, 2010 19:22
- Posts: 352
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- Location: Rosas, Spain
- Contact:
Robert - Thanx for your support. Nice to see someone with a calm and balanced attitude.
Chas - rant with pleasure but not at MY cost. My car is SPANISH registered having been purchased from here brand new from a renault dealer. My story (for those that wish to know or care) is not exactly straight forward but who cares about that? For your information I also have other vehicles and they are insured with an internet based company (egroup). Take a look at their website and "wonder" why THEY offer 365 DAYS PER YEAR EUROPEAN COVER.
Jesus christ some forums really get my goat! Last time I got such rapid treatment from a forum was from a septuagenarian on BRITISHEXPATS.COM. You weren't that holier than thou Pr!ck mike were you????
Mods please feel free to step in whenever you like to prevent another "prangster" situation.........
Chas - rant with pleasure but not at MY cost. My car is SPANISH registered having been purchased from here brand new from a renault dealer. My story (for those that wish to know or care) is not exactly straight forward but who cares about that? For your information I also have other vehicles and they are insured with an internet based company (egroup). Take a look at their website and "wonder" why THEY offer 365 DAYS PER YEAR EUROPEAN COVER.
Jesus christ some forums really get my goat! Last time I got such rapid treatment from a forum was from a septuagenarian on BRITISHEXPATS.COM. You weren't that holier than thou Pr!ck mike were you????
Mods please feel free to step in whenever you like to prevent another "prangster" situation.........
In the land of the pigs the butcher is king.
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Mike Fishwick
- Joined: Fri 19 Jun, 2009 10:27
- Posts: 2093
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- Location: Daglan, France
Attitude
Ok - I assumed it was a case of a Little Englander on hols in France - but what an attitude for an expat! It gets worse - no wonder Brits have a bad name in Europe.
Enough said - but I always become annoyed at those who affect a form of English appropriate to an immigrant from the slums of South Africa. Try to do better next time please.
Enough said - but I always become annoyed at those who affect a form of English appropriate to an immigrant from the slums of South Africa. Try to do better next time please.
Re: Attitude
Mike Fishwick wrote:Ok - I assumed it was a case of a Little Englander on hols in France - but what an attitude for an expat! It gets worse - no wonder Brits have a bad name in Europe.
Enough said - but I always become annoyed at those who affect a form of English appropriate to an immigrant from the slums of South Africa. Try to do better next time please.
Got to love your posts Mike, glad I got up this morning Tim.
2001 Z3 1.9 Roadster Sport - 2012 Z4 sDrive 2.0 M Sport
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Courageous
- Joined: Wed 13 Jan, 2010 19:22
- Posts: 352
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- Location: Rosas, Spain
- Contact:
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Courageous
- Joined: Wed 13 Jan, 2010 19:22
- Posts: 352
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- Location: Rosas, Spain
- Contact:
Oh dear oh dear
Driving in France is fantastic compared to our overcrowded roads here in the Uk. I cannot wait to be back in France and enjoying driving on smooth, and comparatively empty roads again, and for those who take offence at my rant, then I apologise.
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Michael McGovern
- Joined: Mon 30 Mar, 2009 21:56
- Posts: 194
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- Location: East Sussex
Agreed - I was there for 4 years and knew quite a few people who were/are still on UK plates - some even without tax/insurance! You can legally stay in Spain on a UK plate for 6 months before you should re-register it - the reason a lot of peope don't like to is due to the ridiculous import tax - I was quoted €4,500 for my 99 2.8! That's why I didn't and went a different route...
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Courageous
- Joined: Wed 13 Jan, 2010 19:22
- Posts: 352
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- Location: Rosas, Spain
- Contact:
Yep - you're absolutely correct. Its down by the head with cars that haven't seen an MOT tester in years. Some people even delude themselves that an ITV (Spanish version of the MOT) will cover them but of course it doesn't.
Interestingly enough, a little puzzle for you - the Swedish authorities (I am reliably informed by my Swedish colleagues) send down an MOT tester, I think, twice per year to "Test" any Swedish cars that are here.
Chas - there's a way of putting a point across without it being a "rant" and therefore avoiding upsetting anybody. I think you are quite correct in what you say. I have discussed this very point with my insurer who "claim" to provide 365 days per year European cover and of course they say that the car has to be at the main UK address for over half of the time. Its a con I know but there we go.......
Interestingly enough, a little puzzle for you - the Swedish authorities (I am reliably informed by my Swedish colleagues) send down an MOT tester, I think, twice per year to "Test" any Swedish cars that are here.
Chas - there's a way of putting a point across without it being a "rant" and therefore avoiding upsetting anybody. I think you are quite correct in what you say. I have discussed this very point with my insurer who "claim" to provide 365 days per year European cover and of course they say that the car has to be at the main UK address for over half of the time. Its a con I know but there we go.......
In the land of the pigs the butcher is king.
yep, you're right until they have an accident and then the roof caves in. Insurers want to know the date you travelled from the UK and to prove it.Michael McGovern wrote:tell that to all the people who live in Spain and buy there mot's from England, without there cars actually being here for years, it happens more than you think.
When I was in Spain most of the people (who I knew) who owned cars there would come back to UK once or twice a year and get the car tested and taxed, etc.
Even though the car was in Spain for 11 months out of 12, there was evidence to show that it had been out of UK for less than 6 months.
They also had UK addresses (usually their kid's) for Sky, insurance, Xmas winter payments, etc.
Cars of people that I didn't know were clearly being driven on UK plates without valid tax discs (and presumably not insured). Puerto Banus was full of Ferraris and Bentleys like this
Even though the car was in Spain for 11 months out of 12, there was evidence to show that it had been out of UK for less than 6 months.
They also had UK addresses (usually their kid's) for Sky, insurance, Xmas winter payments, etc.
Cars of people that I didn't know were clearly being driven on UK plates without valid tax discs (and presumably not insured). Puerto Banus was full of Ferraris and Bentleys like this
Pingu
