French Breathalyser rules

D

DR-Z

Member
 Ashbourne (Derbyshire) and Aberdovey
Will be driving over to France fo a ski trip in a few weeks' time, so as I am in France this week on business I thought I'd check the realities of having to carry two breathalysers. Am told that this law failed in France, mainly because they ran out of breathalysers in the shops, and so they are about to chuck the law out. Also, they've passed a ruling that forbids the police from fining people in the few months that the law remains in place.

Not that I drink and drive, you understand, but don't want to have to buy these things when I don't need them.

Any French member like to comment on this?
:D
 
In theory, it's mandatory, but then they've decided that they won't do anything to those who don't have it... So...French law at its finest!

If you understand french : http://www.franceinfo.fr/decryptage/il-s-est-leve-du-mauvais-pied/exigible-mais-pas-sanctionnable-909741-2013-03-04
 
If it's true French law it probably means they won't fine French people without them but they'll throw the book at the Brits ;)
 
Also you'll need to take a trailer with you for the HiViz vest, Fire Extinguisher, Spare bulbs, First Aid kit, GB plate or Europlate, Headlamp beam adjusters, Warning Triangle and spare Euros for Bribes....... I mean on the spot fines for playing non-French music in your motor.
:driving:
 
sp3ctre said:
If it's true French law it probably means they won't fine French people without them but they'll throw the book at the Brits ;)
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Sadly as an ex resident and regular driver it's true. Try telling them what the law is as they escort you to an ATM to withdraw money to pay a fine and go over your car with a fine tooth comb checking everything else is being carried, lights adjusted, and on and on.
 
I bought the kits on ebay, costed next to nothing and I dont want to give them any excuses.
 
Where you going skiing?
Hope your not taking the Z...you wouldn't want to go all that way with top down just to accommodate your skis


I'm of to Sestriere on the 15th Dec.....there seems to be some good snow in the alps at the moment
 
Captainken said:
Where you going skiing?
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I'm off to Morillon, skiing the Grand Massif area over new year. Flew over the alps yesterday and there's loads of snow, even on lower ground. Will fit the winter tyres, just in case, and no, I'm not going in the Z4 - nowhere for the skis!

I won't bother with the breathaliser, as you can no longer be fined...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/road-safety/9880120/France-breathalyser-fine-dropped.html
 
Don,t worry about fixed speed cameras though 8) i was flashed in June & again 3 weeks ago & nothing in the post :wink:
 
Yeah, I've been flashed a few times in the past with no follow-up.

Funny thing, I was pulled over by a police range rover just as I pulled in to the multi-storey at Birmingham airport yesterday. He followed me in and put his blues on as I approach the barrier. Told me he couldn't read my rear plate and to get it cleaned! I did wash the car a couple of months ago, but I must admit it's a bit shitty again now!
 
I got stopped to do breath test in France this summer, I had my 2 breath test with me but the French police used their own, never even asked me for mine
 
I'm off to france in the morning, went halfords tonight, 2 breathalisers were less than £6... Doesn't seem worth the risk not taking them.
 
Grizzly9 said:
Also you'll need to take a trailer with you for the HiViz vest, Fire Extinguisher, Spare bulbs, First Aid kit, GB plate or Europlate, Headlamp beam adjusters, Warning Triangle and spare Euros for Bribes....... I mean on the spot fines for playing non-French music in your motor.
:driving:
Click to expand...

Don't need the bulbs, first aid kit or fire extinguisher.
 
When I went to France earlier this year I asked my ex pat friend what the rules were on breathalysers and he said don't bother as the law was being thrown out cos the mp (or French equivalent) who introduced it had connections with the company who makes the kits :rofl:
 
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