Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
12 points have been lost. People with foreign licences
should understand that, although their licences cannot be
taken away, information is computerised and shared. If a
licence has become invalid in France, the information will
show up on the system of the authorities in other countries.
This includes British drivers, for the French system contacts
British authorities for points to be subtracted.
For non-injury traffic offences, the police may require an
on-the-spot
consignation
(deposit) on the fine. The matter
is decided by the Tribunal de Police (traffic court). Police
occasionally stop cars to check identity papers, so make
sure you are carrying a valid driver's licence, along with the
carte grise
(vehicle registration document) and the
certificat
d'assurance
described below.
Parking
With some 1.3 million cars in circulation each day, parking
is at a premium. Fortunately, there are parking garages at
the major entrances into the city, in the city centre, at most
shopping centres and at numerous underground parking
garages. In total, there are some 65,000 spaces and more
garages are being built. Garages and parking meters are
marked with a blue sign with a large white 'P' and indicated
on city maps. Most ticket machines in the garages accept
credit cards. Parking spaces in these garages may be
available by the month—helpful if your apartment building
does not have parking facilities. See
Parkings: exploitation
in the
Yellow Pages
or
Parking
in the
White Pages
.
Many city streets have areas marked
payant
(paying).
The
horodateurs
(parking meters) operate from 9:00 am to
7:00 pm every day but Sunday; in August some do not
require payment. Purchase a ticket from the nearest meter
for the length of time you intend to park and place it on the
dashboard. The time of expiration should be clearly visible
to any meter reader. You can also get a parking ticket that
is good all day. Meters accept the
Paris Carte
, a prepaid card
that is sold at bar/tobacco (
bar/tabac)
shops.
Residents may apply to the Service Stationnement at
15 boulevard Carnot, 75012 for a
vignette de stationnement
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