DrivingNew Rules for Vehicles (July 2008)

Starting on July 1, 2008 all vehicles (except those with two or three wheels) on French roads must have one yellow safety jacket (gilet de sécurité) and one warning red triangle (triangle de pré-signalisation).

Whereas this new law goes into effect on July 1, the fines that can be levied for non compliance don’t go into effect until October 1, 2008. After that time if you are driving a car and don’t have both a yellow safety jacket or warning red triangle you could face a fine of up to 135 euros.

The marks EC (for the jacket) E 27R (for the triangle) will tell you if what you are buying conforms to the safety rules. Most supermarket, gas stations and auto supply stores should sell both the jacket and triangle in a kit, for a cost of around 12 euros.

This web site, in French has more information.