Speed camera detectors are illegal, and the fines for using one can be severe – up to €1,500. You can also have the radar detector taken away and possibly your car confiscated too. This legislation includes satnav or GPS systems that show speed camera information so if you’re a company car driver, make sure this function is disabled.

You must also carry certain safety equipment. It is essential to have a warning triangle, reflective jacket, and spare light bulbs as well as your breathalyser kit. You need to have the reflective jacket at hand in the car – because you must put it on before you get out of your car.

And then there’s coping with snow

• It goes without saying that your car should be ready for the 2000 mile return journey. So we’ll say it anyway. If a service is looming, get it done.
• Don’t rely on one driver. People get hurt on skiing holidays, so you need someone else with a licence to bring you home. Just in case.
• Be prepared for -20C. Make sure the anti-freeze in your car is up to it (a garage can easily check). Get proper de-icer and a scraper.
• In the Alps ‘waxing’ will happen with ordinary diesel. Once you’re in the mountains the diesel is usually the special winter stuff but it’s easy to fill up on the regular fuel during your journey then wonder why the car won’t start the following morning. Draining and changing your diesel is an expensive hassle.
• If it snows during your journey, you may well get stuck for a few hours. Keep the tank topped up so you can stay warm, and have water and a picnic with you.

Snow chains

• These are a requirement, regardless of whether you’ve got a 4×4.
  

  

• You can hire or buy them but particularly if you’re in a 2WD car, don’t penny pinch because if you need them, you want them to work.
• If you risk going without, and get in an accident, expect to carry the blame.
• If you get stuck without chains, it’s a hefty on-the-spot fine.
• Whatever you do, practice putting chains on before you go because struggling to fit them for the first time in the dark, when it’s snowing, and particularly if you are holding up the traffic, is not recommended.

Winter tyres

• Also a requirement in many places (check for your destination) during winter months.
• To be legal they have to carry the ‘snowflake’ symbol.
• Mud and slush tyres may do the job, but they won’t satisfy the letter of the law and again you can be held liable if you’re involved in an accident and don’t have them fitted.
• If you’ve got winter tyres you may never need the chains, but you still have to carry them.

The company car paperwork

• If your company car is leased, or contract hired, you’ll need to get a form VE103 to take with you. Read more here.
• Make sure that your business car insurance covers your company car while driving in France.