Personal Breathalyzers

[Molpluck]

When does the law enforcing all motorists to carry personal breathalyzers come into force in France ?

[Buenchico]

It will be an offence not to carry a single-use breathalyser from 1st July, but you can't actually be fined for failing to do so until 1st November.

In the meantime it's far more important to remember the existing legislation about carrying hi-vis vests, which must be readily accessible (i.e. NOT in the boot):
http://blog.drive-ali...be-compulsory-in.html

Chris

[JonnyBoy12]

Sorry, Chris, is that in France or in the United Kingdom?

[shoota]

So - you have an 'apero' or trois and think you'll test yourself, you are OK so drive home but get knicked because you no longer have a kit......
Best carry a dozen - that should last a week or so.
Also see on the link that you should have a hi-vis vest PER OCCUPANT. Is that right? I thought the requirement was just for one to be carried.

[Buenchico]

JB12:
That's in France, but good driving practice (worldwide!) suggests that keeping a hi-vis vest immediately to hand is a sensible idea. (I certainly do).

Shoota:
I was also surprised to read the 'per occupant' wording on that website. I also believe it to be that only one vest is required. Our (joint) view appears to be supported by the AA:
http://www.theaa.com/...ips/france-monaco.pdf

Chris

[shoota]

Further, I have also noticed that the link states that you should carry a fire extinguisher.
The AA say one triangle and one vest and don't mention fire extinguishers at all.
I drive to France at least 4/5 times a year - can anyone suggest a location that will have a definitive list please?

[Buenchico]

Shoota:
The official French tourism website refers only to a single hi-vis vest and a reflective triangle:
http://uk.franceguide...eID=133&EditoID=12001

[shoota]

That's always been my understanding, plus bulbs and documents, but I've been caught out by laws changing whilst I've been back in England before. Having been stopped by the Gendarmes before I'm anxious to be 100% correct......

[owdhamer]

Should have come in yers ago,they are bigger pi__heads than us.

[Buenchico]

If in doubt, carry it!

I've always got a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, spare bulbs and several hi-vis vests in my car. I've not currently got a reflective triangle but that's only because I went to help an elderly lady whose campervan had broken down, just over a the top of a hill. I placed my warning triangle on the other side of the hill, to warn drivers of an obstruction ahead. When I went to retrieve it I found that a lorry had run over it, smashing it into many pieces!

[craft1948]

If I kept all that in my Smart Car there would be no room for a passenger......

[coccinelle]

It isn't law to carry fire extinguishers in France.

[shoota]

Merci Coccinelle, the information on the Drive Alive site is very confusing - I think they are getting confused with Spain and what is best practice rather than what is obligatory.

[coccinelle]

Hi shoota
The ethylotest is a right con as you will have to have one in the car. Doesn't state that you have to use it! 38 million cars on the French roads at 1€ a test that'll bring in some VAT money... On top of that, no date given just 'printemps'