Spare Bulbs for France?

[Taylors1960]

Firstly apologies if this has been answered before (I've seen a couple of posts saying don't bother) so I guess it has, but do I need an LED bulb kit for France? I can't seem to find a kit that has spare LED bulbs and I imagine they rarely, if ever, need replacing anyway. But I think they're a requirement for France and a possible fine for not having them?

 

[273Kelvin]

Hi,

I'm pretty sure you don't need to for LED. The LED headlight is approx £900 and comes as a single unit, so I don't think you will be taking one of those anyway!
If you are worried about being stopped and not being able to explain the LEDs try taking a normal set just to show if asked.

I don't carry spares with the LEDs but I used to when I had a bike with conventional bulbs.

Steve

 

[Taylors1960]

Many thanks Steve, I'd thought of taking a cheap set of standard bulbs so your suggestion is spot on. Ian

 

[Wapping]

Nobody is going to ask you to produce bulbs, a first aid kit, a warning triangle or fifteen doves from up your sleeve. Enjoy your awesome steed's full potential in France; it's the law!

 

[Rockred]

For traveling through France it has to be garlic bulbs, but for Holland it has to be tulip bulbs......Don't get caught out......

 

[ChazzyB]

FWIW, I take an old Halfords emergency bulb set to France in my car (HIDs and LED all round) on the premise I can wave them around if challenged.

 

[Fat Biker 66]

For traveling through France it has to be garlic bulbs, but for Holland it has to be tulip bulbs......Don't get caught out......

+1. I done + 50 trips through France in last 3 years for work both bike and car. Even when stopped for 162kph in 130kph never asked. If really worried buy an fleabay cheap bulb kit. If you look hard enough you find. I bet if you surveyed the site you find maybe one or two who have been asked. There is probably a tens of thousands of France riding days experience on the site and not been asked.

Its criminal not to ride and enjoy France

 

[Tinytim]

Nobody is going to ask you to produce bulbs, a first aid kit, a warning triangle or fifteen doves from up your sleeve. Enjoy your awesome steed's full potential in France; it's the law!

I did think of you as soon as I read the beginning of the OP. Thank you for not disappointing me. LOL

 

[Taylors1960]

Many thanks for all the replies, practical and/or amusing. All appreciated. Consensus seems to be don't worry but take any old set for peace of mind. Oh and also that the Freanch roads are definitely worth the trip.

For info we're doing Cherbourg to Honfleur down to Angers then St Nazareth then Roskoff, with stop offs at WW2 sites, submarine base etc.

Thanks again folks!
Ian

 

[stolzy]

You don't need spare bulbs. The law says you can't continue your journey if you don't have lights.

In any event, Wapping speaketh sense.

 

[Alex B]

Several websites also mention that you must switch off the LED daytime running light (the "horseshoe") and ride only on dipped lights. For those of you who go to France regularly or live in France (very nice), can anyone confirm this ?

 

[J biker]

Breathalyser, not needed
Helmet stickers, not needed
Warning triangle, not needed....

See a pattern emerging?

Been pulled for slight speeding, got a lecture and told to drive steady. Just enjoy.

 

[leadfarmer]

I've lived in France for 19 years now and toured it extensively on 2 wheels and on 4

In that time I have been stopped once, on a Saturday night for a breath test, about 15 years ago

I don't have spare bulbs or helmet stickers or a breathalyzer and although I always wear gloves I don't think mine have a CE label 'cos they are at least 10 years old

Having said that I do have 2 yellow vests in my top box though, so I'm not a complete wild man

Oh and the DRL thing is bollocks too

Enjoy France, and the rest of Europe, its fantastic for biking

 

[Deleted account 210604001]

Flouro vests ? (goin next month, so interested).

R.

 

[leadfarmer]

Flouro vests ? (goin next month, so interested).

R.

Latest new laws, from 01/01/2016 you must wear gloves (CE approved) and must have a fluo vest if you break down

As usual with French laws it's a bit convoluted

You must have a yellow vest with you, you're not obliged to wear it, if you are stopped by plod the fine for not having one is 11 euros
But, if you break down or stop in an emergency situation and you don't have one the max fine is 135 euros
But, only the rider needs one by law, if you have a passenger they don't need to have one

Clear as ever

But as others have reiterated, if by some bizarre alignment of planets or similar fluke you get stopped, just smile like Forest Gump and say bonjour and you'll be fine

 

[Micky]

I did think of you as soon as I read the beginning of the OP. Thank you for not disappointing me. LOL

+1

 

[Bendy toy]

Get a cheap set of bulbs and a vest from Aldi. The bulbs won't fit but you'll be legal.
Job done.


Sent somehow.