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Just wanted to know, has anyone had or heard of any problems with the french police pulling over british drivers and giving them a fine for not having any beam deflectors on their headlights even though on some vehicles with zenon lights it can be done electronicaly. Any replies would be great!

James.

I read in Camping magazine last year, that at certain times in the summer months the Gendarmes were doing spot checks at Calais and anyone without deflectors fitted had to make a donation to their Christmas Night Out Fund.

We always put the beam benders on. Our luck, we would be the ones to get stopped and fined. And seem to find all the police.

Quote: Originally posted by Karim on 11/5/2009

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Ive never used beam deflectors or tape since Ive had cars with modern plastic headlights they have a wide flat dipped beam..........

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Have you had your beam pattern checked then - as a wide flat beam is the symetric pattern used used in most EU countries.  GB pattern should be asymetric. 

I wouldn't dream of going abroad and not respecting their rules (of the road or otherwise).  I always have headlights adjusted either by benders or as with my present car by elecronic adjustment. 

I've not been pulled over in 35 years of driving in France but maybe this year will be the first - no you don't see many police around but boy do they appear quickly if there is an incident - and you wouldn't want to argue with them.  They'll march you off at the drop of a hat.  French friends have always said adopt a yes sir no sir attitude with the gendarmerie/CRS (motards) and I believe them having seen them in action in Paris and on the autoroutes approaching the Spanish border. 

"Its not a good idea sticking anything on them anyway as they overheat if the headlights are on for long periods & when you remove the deflectors you may see hairline cracks where they have been."  

Bit of an urban myth that one - Genuine Beambenders guarantee no damage.

"Theres no legal requirement to have deflectors in France, the only requirement is that you dont dazzle oncoming traffic"  

Try telling that to the nice policemen!

Quote: Originally posted by Karim on 12/5/2009

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The cracks wernt an urban myth on my old Berlingo headlamps, they were actually there, thats why I tried not using deflectors & found I wasnt actually dazzling anybody.

I notice you say you dont use deflectors on yours, how will you explain that to the 'nice policeman' If French coppers are as thick as you imply they are hardly likely to understand electronic adjustment on UK zenon headlamps, any more than my explaination(in reasonable French)for not having deflectors are they?

I suggest you stick some deflectors on to make it look good.

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As I speak French - quite easily!  You need to seek out genuine Beambenders - not the ones form Halfords and the cheapo shops!!!!!!!!!!!

PS I'm getting bored now, seems you're always right.

Quote: Originally posted by Karim on 11/5/2009

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Ive never used beam deflectors or tape since Ive had cars with modern plastic headlights they have a wide flat dipped beam unlike the old glass headlamps that went sharply to the left. I drive on unlit 'N' roads & never get flashed so presumabley I'm not dazzling anybody.

Ive never been pulled by a French copper, you rarely see them.

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 Ah you must be one of the small and growing minority of British drivers who feel the motoring law's in Europe do not apply to them . Every time i cross the channel i see cars without beambenders or GB signs

And conterary to what you have said about beambenders having little or no effect on clear  plastic headlamps your wrong . My car to has clear plastic headlamps and i have clip on stone chip protectors with clearly defined markings for beambenders when in Europe  which when fitted DO alter the beam pattern and they are also available for the berlingo

Quote: Originally posted by jaiash on 13/5/2009

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You need to seek out genuine Beambenders - not the ones form Halfords and the cheapo shops!!!!!!!!!!!

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