Carrying a breathalzer in France

(info from a member)

pparently a new measure will soon require all foreign and local motorists in France to carry £2 breathalyzer kits in their cars!

"French officials supporting the measure, which was passed this week, claim that the new law will make sure that drivers are able to check their blood alcohol level to ensure they’re legally able to operate a vehicle. The requirement will apply to anyone travelling in France by car and is set to go into force in July."

Does anyone know about this? Just heard about it today - I need to look into the details but I have heard something about 2 kits actually being required though the full details havn't been published yet.

Keep us posted on the forum of any developments.

According the the Telegraph Newspaper:

New laws will make the equipment compulsory for all cars on French roads from July 1, with anyone caught without the equipment facing an 11 euro (£9.20) fine.

Around three million Britons a year take their car abroad and the new offence comes into force on July 1 as the holiday season approaches its height.

The kits, costing up to £2 are expected to be available at Channel ports and will enable motorists to see if they are under the French limit of 50 mg per 100ml of blood which is 30 mg lower than in the UK.

Any devices would have to comply with safety standards set by the French authorities.

It is the latest in a series of requirements imposed on drivers by the French Government. Motorists are also legally obliged to carry a warning triangle and fluorescent vest as well as displaying a GB plate and adjusting their headlights to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers.

Typical of the Eurozone to come up with these sort of restrictions and petty rules. I work in a distribution centre where many large lorries arrive daily from the continent, I have worked here for 15 years so at 10 lorries per day times 52 weeks times 15 you can do the maths, but I have yet to see a lorry with anything on its headlights. Also of all the foregn cars I see on our roads where are their deflectors? I am going abroad this year and I will comply with their rules but is that not always the case with us brits.

What an illogical law. I fail to see how carrying a breathalyser makes the roads safer, encouraging people to drink up to their limit. Those that already drink and drive will still carry on if it's in their mindset.
I'm surprised no tee-total group has objected to this on Human Rights grounds, being forced to buy something they will never use.

Hubert K

I've just returned from11 days in Europe, bought breathalyser on the ferry for £5.
I also fitted light beam benders before driving in the dark. Was thinking about trucks as I sat in docks at Calais waiting to load onto return ferry. None of them have anything on their lights & get away with it. When I drove trucks in Europe in 90's we did not bother then.