hot tubs are much more exciting… 
Mmm… we tried one on holiday… best bit was the champagne 
Not wanting to be the one blamed for thread drift, we have found this stuff to be superb:
Polycell Wallpaper Stripper, 500 ml https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000TAY0XY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5oBwDbVZ4C4DD
1 Like
And you can get it gift-wrapped for the lads’ and lasses’ special day! “Don’t let Darren/Gaynor in on this, but we’re getting a stripper for his stag night/her hen party!!”
Getting back to the original theme… we have thrashed this about quite a bit and I reckon the outcome is roughly this:
At a STOP sign one is meant to STOP absolutely at the sign/white line.
The French Code says stop, absolutely … look left-right and then left-right again and only then if there is no traffic circulating on the “major” road (if all clear) restart… and away you go.
It is a very different procedure to the Cede le Passage (Give-way ) where the driver is eagerly prepared to slip the vehicle (safely) into the traffic.
Interpretation of the written word can differ from person to person (regardless of nationality) … and arguing with Traffic Police/Gendarmes (call them what you will) is a dodgy pass-time.
So by getting into the good habit of doing a best STOP whenever necessary, one has a better than even chance of escaping a fine or worse.
Just keep safe everyone … one crocodile… two crocodiles…
Incidentally - many modern vehicles do physically “switch-off” when the vehicule comes to a Stop. 
@cmartin perhaps your OH deserves a “new car” 
I’m amazed. Who would have believed such an apparently simple question could generate 85 (now 86) replies.
1 Like
Why amazed?
Everyone is convinced that they drive faultlessly and with consummate skill. And what’s more with flair, panache and derring-do.
Everyone else is a flat-footed doddering creep who should never have got behind the wheel. 
I think you will find it is the same all over Europe except Irland (where you can drive however you like) and in the UK (ie the last one doesnt apply in the UK or ROI).
Everyone else is a flat-footed doddering creep who should never have got behind the wheel. 
Jeez i meet more of them on the road on Sundays than i care too. Now where did i put the .50 cal.
1 Like
The problem is that no matter how sane the driver, it is the word of the gendarmerie that counts, and there seems to be no hard and fast rule, just how many times they can get away with fining people.
1 Like
Jane, I’m wondering if the actual position of the vehicle was “incorrect” - seems it has to be exactly at the line/stop not behind, not infront…
just wondering…
If driving standards are not seen to be monitored by responsible agents, and if infractions are not seen to be sanctioned by the same, it’s inevitable that standards will be degraded.
People will be 'a law unto themselves" as this thread illustrates. Everybody becomes an expert. And the agents of law and order are seen as vindictive and mercenary.
It’ s the role of the police to prevent people from becoming complacent about road safety.
Alongside the sapeurs-pompiers, they are the most familiar with the tragedy of death and grievous injury on the roads. Thay have to hose the blood and gristle off the tarmac. Give them a break.
2 Likes
They also have some of the best Motorcyclist Patrolmen i have seen in many a decade.
1 Like
And increase the contributions to the local police christmas party. ROFL
2 Likes
To which I expect to be invited, again, dressed up as Père Noël, liberally toasted, and driven home, with blues flashing and siren blaring joyfully, to my bed. 
1 Like
Excellent public relations to the fore.
Naughty, naughty… 
they don’t profit like that…
The majority whom I have met over the years - have been nice “lads” and they have treated this particular lady (of a certain age) very kindly - even when upholding the Law and almost turning me to a quaking jelly…
1 Like
Stella, my neighbour is a member of the “lads” and he and his collegues are an absolute scream for whom i have the utmost respect.
Glad to hear it.
Some time ago, we had a lovely weekend at a seaside “holiday camp” specially for “policemen” and their families. Had the time of our lives.
1 Like
No I know I am just a very average probably rather plodding driver, alas no derring-do (but if d-d is what puts you upside down in the vines then I am happy to do without).
Mind you my daily commute is littered with d-d drivers or rather their crashed vehicles and AUDI DRIVERS for whom a special place in hell is reserved: they will be obliged to drive a really knackered voiture sans permis behind a tractor on a narrow winding road for all eternity.
3 Likes