Has anyone ever had their license taken in France?

[TwoTrips]

Hi all,

New member, hope I am posting in the right place.

Recently acquired my RS6 and took it Skiing in Chamonix. Not far out of the town on motorway I was zapped by an unmarked police car and pulled. Because it was raining the speed limit was reduced and I was more than 40 kph over the limit. It is hard to take being told you are driving dangerously (I was on cruise) when the car that has pulled you over is a Citroen but that’s another story. Anyway they took my license and banned me from driving in France for 45 days. They told me I would receive my license in the post to my address, or as best they could with my French and their English. However I have actually only received notice of my ban and been told my license has been sent with notification of my ban to the DVLA.

I can’t seem to find any info on what the ramifications of this are. I don’t really want to phone up the DVLA and ask them for licence back (and it’s been over a month now and they have not sent it) without knowing the form.

Can anyone help me?

Much apprciated in advance.

Tim

[Ian_C]

If you only handed over your photocard, and have 'received notice of my ban' via post from France (ie not from UK DVLA) I'd personally just apply for a new one to replace a 'lost' photocard.

How did you drive the car out of France?

[TwoTrips]

Thanks Ian,

To answer your question my wife drove it - even though she shouldn't have for a number of reasons. They made us go to the police station and I had to sign various stuff I didn't understand. I might have accpeted more than I should to get out of there to be honest but what do you do?

I don't think I can do that as they clearly state my license has been sent to the DVLA in Swansea. I fear that may get me in more trouble as I can't believe it has not been logged somewhere against my name and I would presumable have to sign some kind of statement of loss. I would have thought I would have heard something by now. I can't believe that I am the only person out there this has happened too. I know a few people who have been banned in France for speeding but none who have ever had their license sent to the DVLA. My notice from the French authorities clearly states mine has (to the foreign license department). I may have to phone them up but I just feel relectant to call them and say "hello, I got banned in France, can I have my license backl!

Tim

[Steve_C]

Do you have to have your licence with you when you drive in France?

[Billiemapped]

Do you have to have your licence with you when you drive in France?

Yes..

[PJC]

both parts, registration document and certificate of insurance

[Steve_C]

Bloody nanny-state bureaucracy - always gets in the way of a bit of fun.

[TwoTrips]

I didn't. At least I didn't have my paper part. They just took the photo card.

[PJC]

Makes driving over there a real pain the arse.

[Golfather]

Declare your license as lost and apply for a new one from the DVLA

[dazzer]

So the police really have the power to ban you for 45 days without some court process - particulalry for so called 'dangerous driving'?

[sonny]

Something to be aware of when drivng to Le Man!

[Billiemapped]

Something to be aware of when drivng to Le Man!

Indeed!!

I frequently drive the route down to Le Mans and beyond, I've found the Gendarmerie around Rouen are always on the lookout for the speeding motorist
and welcome them with open arms while your opening your wallet..

Bonne route

[Plodwyn]

I had my licence taken off me a few years ago was only 30KPH over the limit, they took licence and photocard and lots of Euros. As I got in to drive away they said no driving so my mate drove away until we were out of sight. Never had my licence returned so applied for lost licence. And no they dont endorse your licence in any way so uk authorities are non the wiser. Driving in France is now a total PITA!

[Ian_C]

So the moral of the story is to hide the paper part in the car somewhere and try giving them just the photocard?