• Make sure you drive on the right.
• You have to come to a complete stop at a stop sign even if the roads are deserted
• Make sure you check the driving rules of the state you are visiting 
• Have your driving license and passport ready, you may also need your booking reference that the travel company gave you.
• Make sure you know the speed limits for the state you are visiting
• Right turns are allowed at red traffic lights, unless there is sign telling you otherwise.
• If you arrive at a crossroad (multiple junction), the driver who arrived first has right of way. If two arrive at the same time, give way to the right at all times
• Only use a carpool or HOV lane in accordance with the laws for it. It’s usually in place to avoid congestion and should be used when you meet the minimum passenger requirements for it
• Stop for school buses when they have their lights flashing and are stationary at the side of the road
• Remember that you must pay for your fuel BEFORE you attempt to refuel
• Cars in the USA don’t have a dedicated indicator light, they have a red flashing indicator that blends in well with their brake lights

Documentation:

I have put together a wallet with all our documentation including driving licence (paper counterpart and picture card), MOT, Proof of ownership (V5 logbook or a VE103 document for rented/hired vehicles), proof of insurance and proof of ID (copies of our passports).

Essential items:

• Reflective jackets (must be kept inside the vehicle, within reach)
• Warning triangle
• Headlamp beam deflectors (Depending on your car, you will either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually)
• Breathalysers/alcohol test
• GB Sticker

Nice to have items:

• First Aid Kit
• Fire extinguisher
• full set of replacement bulbs for cars headlights and brake lights

Car Breakdown Cover

Always check your European breakdown cover to ensure that is covers the country you are travelling to and make sure you have the relevant European phone number and paperwork with you.

Sat Navs

If you have a European sat nav make sure you have disabled camera alerts as French Laws have prohibited drivers from carrying any device capable of detecting speed cameras.  This includes sat navs capable of showing speed camera sites as Points of Interest.

The minimads and their cousin in the back of the Kia Sorento that we borrowed (review to follow)

Car Seats

Unlike the UK the use of child car seats is not determined on height but on weight. Under French law, children up to the age of 10 must travel in an approved child seat or restraint.

• Group 0: < 10 kg  Rear-facing child seat placed either at the front passenger seat or at the back seat (if placed at the front, the airbag must be switched off). Babies can also travel in a carry cot (this can be placed at the rear seat only).
• Group 0+: < 13 kg  Child restraints in this category are slightly bigger versions of those in Group 0. They must be installed under the same conditions as those in Group 0.
• Group 1: 9 – 18 kg  Child seat with a harness or a protection tray.
• Group 2: 15 – 25 kg  Booster seat or cushion with an adult seatbelt.
• Group 3: 22 – 36 kg  Booster seat or cushion with an adult seatbelt

We are not the only ones that prefer to drive to France – check out We are Goin on An Adventure to see why they prefer driving too.