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If the gross weight of the outfit is over 3500kg you are restricted otherwise not. There were discussions on this on here a while ago.

We think our oufit is just about borderline so we are going to stick to about 60 mph max on autoroutes!! Voila a linky -you don't have to be a member to access it!

http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/media/5582430/french%20speed%20limits.pdf

According to the CC link above we will be restricted to 90kph , but do not need the stickers.

I guess we'll keep around 60 on the autoroute as 90 kph is 56mph, so a speedo reading of 60 won't be too far out!

I thought I understood this but now I'm really confused.

If you take the plated gross vehicle mass of my Zafira (2195kg) and add on the vehicles towing limit (1300kg) you'd get a total gross train mass (using the Caravan Club's example sheet) of 2195+1300=3495 - Yes!! A mere 5kg inside the 3500 limit.

But...

The plated permissable gross train weight is 3570  - ie 70kg OVER the 3500 limit.

How can this be the case and will I be legal at the higher speed or not? (that was a reciprocal question; I'll decide, thanks)

Crazy or what?

tv

Quote: Originally posted by Lassie on 25/5/2010

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So who is right - CC or PC?

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I wouldn't bet on it, but the CC have pretty good advisors and research very well. They are normally on the ball. Also their advice comes from their French opposite numbers.

However, my understanding is that towing a smart car on French roads (perhaps everywhere in mainland Europe?) with a campervan is illegal unless it is on a braked trailer and I am assured that law is not enforced - at least on UK registered vehicles, so - given the complexity of the legislation and the difficulty in ascertaining quickly at a roadside check, the total gross train of a combination, will the police attempt to enforce?  I doubt it very much - especially with Saloon cars/MPV's when the actual weight will, in most cases, be well below 3.5 tonnes.  (I know the actual weight is not what really counts) 

Maybe we will hear during the summer, but if in doubt, drive slowly.

Please, I don't want to start a debate on the campervan towing car issue!

As it is written, (sounds like a sermon) it is the maximum plated train weight when towing, not the actual outfit weight. As before our outfit is around 3000 kg, but our maximum plated weight is 4250 kg. So we have the ridiculus scenario of a small car with a big caravan being OK and not needing to reduce speed limits or have some stickers, such as a Focus with a gross vehicle mass of 1950 kg  towing a max 1500 kg caravan. But a Range Rover with a 500 kg trailer tent being limited and stickered to keep within the law.

And yes, I'm confused too, but I will get my kids to look out for outfits next week when we travel, and try to get some photos, either with or without stickers.

If the maximum recommended gross train weight is less than 3.5 Tonnes then you may drive at up to 130 KPH in dry conditions on the auto routes in France.  If it is wet then you are restricted to 110 KPH.  This is obviously rediculous as a light car with dubious braking can drive at speed where as a 4x4 with good braking cannot!!

Regards Bob

Quote: Originally posted by Dandyman Bob on 25/5/2010

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If the maximum recommended gross train weight is less than 3.5 Tonnes then you may drive at up to 130 KPH in dry conditions on the auto routes in France.  If it is wet then you are restricted to 110 KPH.  This is obviously rediculous as a light car with dubious braking can drive at speed where as a 4x4 with good braking cannot!!

Regards Bob

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Quote: Originally posted by colinlob on 25/5/2010

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So we have the ridiculus scenario of a small car with a big caravan being OK and not needing to reduce speed limits or have some stickers, such as a Focus with a gross vehicle mass of 1950 kg  towing a max 1500 kg caravan. But a Range Rover with a 500 kg trailer tent being limited and stickered to keep within the law.

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