Interesting about no white to the rear..........
All helmets sold here in France have four white reflective stickers which are supposed to be stuck on both sides, front and REAR of the helmet by the purchaser to comply with European directive(s). I believe the directive was proposed to all European countries but only France transformed it to Law. It is not persued by the police or Gendarme.
You'll probably all know of failed attempts here to impose other safety regulations: breathalysers for all and day glow reflective material on motorcycle jackets are the most recent.
Emergency hi-viz vests must be carried here by riders from January 2016, there are tests for checking HP of motorbikes above 100BHP and a general 80kph speed limit being proposed, some areas are already located.
Bear in mind also that you can drink and drive here (not my recommendation) as there is a sliding scale of limits/penalties that fines you, removes licence points before banning you!