FrenchItalian Trip GB Stickers

[politeperson]

Heading out to the continent shortly in the E.

Anyone got any good pictures of GB stickers/badges for inspiration please?

Are these still a legal requirement?

James

[Marcus2571]

I'd just risk it & make sure you have them in the boot if you get stopped. You can get the classic RAC style ones on EBay

I've driven (non E-type) on the continent without GB plates no problem at all. Just don't forget the spare bulbs, high-vis etc etc and that each country has differing requirements.

[malcolm]

I just use a small rubber-backed metallic sticker which I put on the boot lid. Can buy them on the ferry or at Halfords. Don't mark the car, and don't fall off. Usually it doesn't matter, but if you ARE stopped for any other reason, they might latch on to a lack of GB plate.

[chrisfell]

My choice was this.

[Heuer]

This is mine:

Discrete and with a period look, bought off eBay.

[Herzeg]

Don't forget your breathalyser in France, on the spot fine if you don't carry one!

John

[1954Etype]

Is that right john? I thought that it wasn't law.

[chrisfell]

Don't forget your breathalyser in France, on the spot fine if you don't carry one!

John

Not quite. They are officially required but there's currently no fine for not having one. (Something about them not actually working when tried.) There are fines, however, for no GB plate, no headlamp converter, no hiviz vests (one for each occupant), no warning triangle, and no spare bulbs. If stopped you'll need to show all of these are available without rummaging through cases or in the boot. Some of the fines can be eye watering. And you may be marched to a cash point if you don't have the cash.

You must also have spare glasses (if you wear them) and certain documents including the car's V5, valid insurance, MOT, plus of course your passport and driving licence. I also recall having to have spare keys cut, but I don't know if that was for France or another European country.

One final thing, If someone flashes their lights at you while you are driving your E-Type in France, they are not telling you they think you have a wonderful car. The Flic like to hide behind bushes with speed detectors, so if someone flashes you they are warning you of trouble ahead.

[Heuer]

Also bear in mind that since April this year the UK will provide owner details to other EU countries so if flashed by a camera you will get fined, eventually. Also it is illegal in France to have a speed camera detector switched on and that includes SatNav's with speed camera location. You must disable the feature as soon as you get there. Be aware that Tuscany has thousands of speed cameras; Tutor on the Autostrada's (their version of SPECS) and grey cabinets on any straight stretch of rural road, on all of which the speed limit is 50kph. In towns the speed cameras are blue or orange oval cabinets and can easily be mistaken for advertising boards or information points. Italy has a policy of using debt recovery agencies to collect fines from foreigners so a €148 fine becomes €500 with costs. Speed camera detectors are legal so make sure you have up to date location information on your SatNav. Get a Michelin motoring Atlas as they have the cameras marked. Umbria take a different approach to speed limit enforcement - badly kept roads which make speeds above 30mph uncomfortable.

Fuel in France is difficult to find in rural areas especially at lunch time or on Sunday's. Best bet are the big Supermarkets but one chain only accepts their own credit card. Sometimes they have a cashier but usually the pumps are automated - make sure you have at least a couple of different cards as they can be picky!

Fuel in Italy can be of the lowest possible quality away from the Autostrada so ignore any pumps which claim to be Super unless they are at a branded service area because it will be the same stuff regardless which nozzle it comes out of. If your car requires high octane fuel take a bottle of RON enhancer.

Have a look at this interactive touring map produced by one of the Forum Members Hubert Dallard and bookmark the link: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mi ... bUx0kO1wNE Routes, Hotels, Museums, places of interest, fuel stations, restaurants, vignerons, Classic Car Garages etc. Phenomenal resource for anyone touring Europe in a Classic Car.

Also check out our Touring essential spares list: viewtopic.php?f=13&t=150

[politeperson]

Thanks team. Very helpful.
James

[JoeLondon]

I know this is an old thread, I'm doing some research ahead of Le Mans..

Just wondered, do you think this would cover the GB sticker issue.....

[dal2.0litrefrogeye]

Here's mine ha ha ha harr