France - driving and breathalysers

Thans Daved and FQ,

I think now it would be wise to buy them, just in case.

It also seems that they are really going for it with the speed cameras too. :evil:

I used to drive quite fast through the motorways in france when they were clear early in the morning, however, now after reading the AA sie it seems that they now have a purge on "nailing" the heavy footed motorist. :evil:

mmmm, I will probably take my time this time.

TP

Far Queue wrote:

tonypants wrote:
Thanks OH

I will do some research

I suppose if I get pulled over I can say "its ok Old Andy said "

:thumbup:

I can give you his number as well if you think it would help with the Gendarmes :twisted:

TBH if you are likely to drive in France again, I would suggest that it is worth getting some if you can find them. I am pretty sure that when I went to Spa earlier in the year, the ferry had some in the shop. Don't forget your hi-vis jackets as well, and all the other stuff the French require.

The AA seem to back up OA though regarding the delay. AA Website

Agreed mate, if in doubt just carry a couple, just keep an eye on the "Best before dates" normally
about a couple of years 8)

This is a typical piece of French fudge.
You are still required to have 2 testing kits in your car when driving in France, along with all the other stuff.
What has been delayed is the date after which a fine will be levied.
see here: http://www.service-public.fr/actualites/002384.html
French Gov site, in French
BTW its worth remebering that the Hi Viz vest must be accesible from inside the car as you have to put ot on before opening your door. Its a fineable offence if its in the boot.

That is good info re theposition of the Hi viz vest, CD, most people would naturally position it within the boot, along with the triangle, first aid kit, breathalyser kits.

Actually, logic tells me that you would need three breathalyser kits, because if you did use one, you would only have one left, and if........

I returned from my France trip last night and caught up with this thread, breathalysers were bought, so felt very legal from a perspective of french law, however, I am now distraught to find that the hi viz jackets have to be in the car with you ( logical ), mine were lobbed in the boot underneath 3 suitcases ( illogical), which means I actually was illegal. :evil:

Oh well, never got pulled over anyway ( now thinking that should have saved money on the breathalysers -) -)

TP

Tonypants, many drivers in France (and Spain) hang the Hi-Vis vests over the back of the front seats, so they are immediately visible to the Police -)

andymol2 wrote:I remember going to Le Mans one year - apparently the local gendarmes breathalised nearly a thousand drivers - they had about 20 positive breath test - all but one were locals!

Drink driving is more common in France and as I recall has two levels - low level a fine, and the higher level a ban like we do.
Quite how having a breathaliser in the car will help I don't know - perhaps one in the bar and one at home might be better because it's probably too late by the time you're in the car!

Yep typical French but I guess it does focus awareness of drink driving ...... :thumbup:

bandit wrote:Tonypants, many drivers in France (and Spain) hang the Hi-Vis vests over the back of the front seats, so they are immediately visible to the Police -)

In Spain definitely 8)