Where to Place Blind Spot Warning Signs on Your Campervan or Motorhome for Traveling Abroad November 06 2024, 0 Comments
When traveling abroad, especially in Europe, it’s important to be aware of specific road regulations that might differ from those in your home country. One crucial requirement in certain countries, particularly France, is the mandatory display of "angles morts" (blind spot) warning signs on larger vehicles, including camper vans. These signs are intended to protect vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists by alerting them to areas where the driver might not see them.
In this guide, we'll cover:
- Where to Place Blind Spot Warning Signs on Your Camper Van
- Which Countries Require These Signs
- How to Properly Apply the Signs using Gripper Mats so you can remove them easily after your trip
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1. Where to Place Blind Spot Warning Signs on Your Camper Van
Blind spot warning signs, or "angles morts" stickers, must be positioned on both sides of the vehicle and at the rear to ensure maximum visibility for other road users. The French government has set specific guidelines for where these signs should go:
- On Both Sides: The stickers should be placed toward the front of the camper van on both the driver’s and passenger’s side. The best location is typically below the side mirrors, where pedestrians and cyclists are most likely to see them as they approach.
- At the Rear: Place one sign on the back of the vehicle, ideally on the left or right side at a visible height. Ensure that it’s not too low, as it should be easily noticeable by anyone driving or standing behind the vehicle.
Height and Placement Tips:
- Height: Ideally, the stickers should be mounted between 0.9 and 1.5 meters from the ground. This ensures they are at eye level for cyclists and pedestrians.
- Avoid Obstructions: Make sure that the signs aren’t covered by doors, accessories, or other stickers. They need to be clearly visible at all times.
2. Which Countries Require These Signs
France is currently one of the few European countries that legally require angles morts signs for certain vehicles, including motorhomes and camper vans over 3.5 tons. Failing to comply with this rule in France could lead to fines.
However, it’s always best to check the latest regulations before you set off, as other countries may introduce similar requirements over time.
3. How to Properly Apply the Signs Using Gripper Mats for Easy Removal
If you want to avoid permanently attaching angles morts stickers to your camper van, consider using Gripper Mats as a better alternative. Gripper Mats are non-adhesive, non-slip mats that hold items securely without requiring any glue or adhesive. Here’s why using gripper mats is a far better solution for applying your angles morts signs:
- Protects Paintwork: By using Gripper Mats, you can avoid the risk of adhesive damage to your vehicle’s paintwork. Traditional sticker adhesives can be difficult to remove and might leave residue or even peel away paint, particularly on older vehicles. Gripper Mats prevent this by providing a secure hold without any sticky residue.
- Easy to Remove and Reuse: Gripper Mats make it simple to remove the angles morts signs whenever you’re done traveling abroad. The mats hold the signs in place during your trip, and once you’re back home, you can easily take them off without the need for special cleaning solutions. This also makes the signs reusable, allowing you to store them and use them for future trips without hassle.
- Ideal for Temporary Compliance: Since the angles morts signs are only required in certain countries, using a Gripper Mats allows you to apply them temporarily and reuse the Gripper Mat and attached angles morts signs again on your next trip. In fact Gripper Mats never run out! This flexibility is especially useful if you frequently travel across borders with varying requirements.
How to Apply Angles Morts Signs with Gripper Mats
- Choose the right number of packs of Gripper Mats: The Gripper Mats are slightly larger than the angles morts sign so that the mat can fully grip the vehicle’s surface. There are 2 Gripper Mats in each pack.
- Clean and fully dry the vehicles surface: Wipe down the application area to ensure the mat can hold securely. Any dust, grime or moisture will stop the Gripper Mat sticking with its full strength.
- Position the Gripper Mat and Sign: Place the gripper mat on the designated area and press the angles morts sign onto it. Ensure everything is smooth and free of bubbles.
- Check the Hold: Test the hold of the mat before driving to ensure the sign stays in place.
Using gripper mats to apply angles morts signs is a practical, cost-effective way to meet safety regulations while protecting your vehicle’s appearance. So before you set off, consider packing a few Gripper Mats to make your journey smoother and worry-free.