Do I need to carry spare LED bulbs when driving in France?

I travel to France frequently and among the requirements alongside a breathalyser and hi-vis vests is that is that drivers are required to carry a full set of replacement bulbs.

I have just changed my car to one that has LEDs for the headlamps, tail lights, number plate and indicators etc, and am struggling to find a set of LED bulbs as I used to have for my previous incandescent bulb equipped car.

Does the French law regarding spare bulbs still apply to LED equipped cars. And if so where can they be sourced?

Asked on 5 July 2023 by gasengineer

Answered by David Ross

Drivers aren't actually required to carry a full set of replacement bulbs in France (it's a myth that it's the law), but you may be liable to pay an on-the-spot fine if you’re caught driving with a broken bulb, so it’s recommended that drivers carry a spare set of bulbs in their vehicle at all times. You can get replacement LED bulbs from the likes of Halfords but it's not especially cheap for an entire set.

Tags: driving in france european driving laws led headlights replacement bulbs

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