An expert has revealed the French laws that could add see you heavily fined while on holiday.
The cost of living crisis means people are already feeling the pinch this summer with holidays up to 70% more expensive. No-fly holidays are becoming increasingly popular this year with search interest increasing by 24% over the past three months
Now, France's new ULEZ charges are adding to the financial pressure. To minimise the amount of CO2 emissions in French cities, certain urban areas known as Low Emission Mobility Zones (ZFE-m) have now prohibited the use of vehicles that are highly environmentally harmful.
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The highest fine you can incur driving in France is €1,500 (almost £1,300) for using or carrying speed camera detection devices. A driver can be fined if the device is in use or in the car.
It's worth noting that banned GPS systems can include sat navs and other navigation devices that show you where fixed speed cameras are. If you have an accident or need to stop your vehicle because of a breakdown, having a safety vest and warning triangle is crucial.
Not having these items in your car could result in fines of €135 (£115) or more. Make sure to keep them in your car, with your vest easily accessible to reach for both the driver and passenger.
Lastly, to help minimise the CO2 emissions, cities such as Paris, Lille and Lyon have low emission zones. Driving tourists visiting these areas must now also have a Crit'Air sticker displayed on their windscreen or motorcycle – failure to do so can result in a €68 (£58) fine.
The ecological zones include:
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Grenoble
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Chambery
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Lille
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Lyon
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Marseille
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Paris
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Grand Paris
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Strasbourg
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Toulouse
Ferry operator and travel expert DFDS has put together the tips you need for your next trip and created the ultimate French driving guide.
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