Speeding - you have been warned!

[lynxd67]

I've posted this elsewhere but here it is:-

The first 24 hour race of the year is now behind us. 92,000 came for the 24 hour bike race and as usual many problems everywhere. I watched one guy doing a burn and his tyre exploded so he was stuck for the weekend! However, the police were everywhere (including plenty of CRS - the riot police) and in today's paper it was noted that 733 speeding tickets were issued and 82 licences taken off people on the spot. I had a chat and they are now preparing for the GP bikes in May and rubbing their hands with glee thinking of the cars in June. It's up to you but I advise caution! Many stayed overnight so the toll is bound to mount today - if I see it in the paper I'll give you the final toll.

[Radar]

So 91,227 escaped without a fine - pretty good going!

Seriously though, it's worth being aware of the basic criteria used by the French police in dealing with foreign speeders. This used to be - up to 30kph over the limit, relatively low fine (up to E100); up to 50kph over, bigger fine (anecdotally up to E300); more than 50kph over - Instant ban, possible impounding of vehicle (if you don't have a spare driver) and massive fine, i.e E750 (this is technically a court deposit, but I haven't heard of anyone getting money back). I don't know if this is still the case, but I doubt they've got any kinder.

[lynxd67]

I guess it is worth repeating the story of the estate agent (please don't cry) caught at Rouen in a Ferrari on the way down at 235kph. He was fined 1.500€ but unusually allowed to keep his licence. On the way home Monday he was caught by THE SAME TWO ROZZERS at a faster speed. This time he was held overnight and the next day fined 5,000€ and banned from driving in France for two years. They couldn't seize the car because it was one of those rental club thingies. Yes, you might get away with it (tuck in behind the lead car tight) but they are really up for it this year.

[JDS]

Interestingly, I drove up to the UK at Easter and on the Rouen to Calais stretch of the A28 a UK reg'd M5 BMW passed us like we were parked (actually we were doing about 140 kph) - I know there were plod on the road as we passed one of the (sadly far more common) white Focus estates with cameras in parked in the exit of one of the Aires. As we reached the toll booth for the A16 interchange the BMW was there with 4 plod surrounding him before he went through the tolls. No idea what he was fined etc. but he was led off to a police car and driven away, so guess they are getting a little heavier on 'visiting' motorists now ....