Paris Around

Posts Tagged ‘Driving’

In France people always drive in the right lane.
Driving without a driver’s license is against the law, make sure that all the documents and insurance papers are always with you. The international driver’s license in France is valid in the age of 18 and for a period of 12 months.

Speed limits on roads in France do not depend on the type of road and sometimes the speed can be lower in case of rainy weather.
Urban area – 50 mph

Major roads outside cities – 90 mph in dry weather and 80 mph in rain.
Speedway – 110-130 mph in dry weather and 100 miles per hour in the rain.

You should also pay attention to the Police that sometimes ambushes and use laser gun, especially in the most touristic places like when you rent a car in Paris. Please notice that the alcohol limit in France is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood.                                                 You must remember that when you get to a traffic light, the light changes from red to green without a yellow light in between, the yellow light appears only when the light changes from green to red, so do not be surprised.

Mobile phones are forbidden while driving at all times!
It is also forbidden for children under the age of 10 to sit in the passenger seat. It is possible to put babies under the age of 9 months in the passenger seat, if they are sitting in a safety seat especially for infants facing the back seat.  Read more...

Travel Tips For Driving in Mexico

Why do I need Mexican Automobile Insurance?

The Mexican coastline is so beautiful & close to the Southern California border that  Southern Californians often take day trips or weekend trips into Mexico. It is suggested that you ALWAYS obtain Mexican automobile insurance prior to crossing the border. Mexican authorities do NOT recognize American or Canadian issued auto insurance as valid, regardless that the American policy has “Mexican” coverage. If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident in Mexico, it is likely that you will be detained until the local authorities can determine who is at fault. Even if you are not at fault, under Mexican law, motorists are required to have Mexican auto insurance, or officials will want proof of financial responsibility and will expect you to post a bond to cover estimated costs before you will be released. Financial responsibility can be demonstrated either by possession of cash, approximately $5,000.00-$10,000.00, or by possession of Mexican auto insurance through an authorized company.

Renting a Car in Mexico                                                                                                      If you are renting a car in Mexico, your credit card company may provide insurance, to be safe, buy the Mexican car insurance as well. In the event of an accident your credit card company may reimburse you when you get home.

Before you sign the rental agreement, be sure to look the car over, and have the agent write down every scratch or non-working part or you’ll have to pay for those scratches and parts when you return the car.  Read more...

Finding a car rental abroad is not a problem. Major tourist destinations have a wide selection of car rental companies that you can choose from. A more crucial question is, whether or not you are allowed to drive in the place of your destination.

If you are contemplating on driving abroad, it is worthwhile to find out the driving requirements in your place of destination. This shouldn\’t be a problem as this information is readily available online or in your travel guide book. Check if you can drive with just your home country’s driver’s license.

Most countries allow this for a limited period, usually 30 – 90 days from arrival. Some countries, however, require that you secure an International Driving Permit before you are qualified to drive in their jurisdiction. This permit may be obtained from your home country or country of destination.

Be familiar with the traffic rules and road conditions of the place where you are going. You want a smooth ride to your destination and you definitely do not want to be flagged down by a police officer for a traffic violation. When driving on the opposite side of the road, go easy on the gas pedal for a few days. Get used to the experience first before you fully trust your feet to step hard on it.