Heads up for anyone driving in or through France this summer...

[rool]

Was just checking to see what I needed like warning triangle, first aid kits, spare bulbs etc. which I have mostly anyway but a couple of things I did not know.

Hi-Vis vests which need to be in the car as you must wear them when you get out of the car in the case of an accident.

But the real shocker is that you must carry French approved self breathalyser kits just in case you have been drinking. Comes into law on 1st July apparently.

 

[Tricky Dicky]

Yup, certainly the breathlizer - we had a thread on it a while ago.

 

[rool]

Yup, certainly the breathlizer - we had a thread on it a while ago.

whoops, should have searched first. Sorry folks

There is a brand called alcosense which are approved that can be bought on Amazon.

 

[Tricky Dicky]

whoops, should have searched first. Sorry folks

There is a brand called alcosense which are approved that can be bought on Amazon.

Just to hi-jack the thread on his topic - in this country, I always thought that the argument for not having personal breathalizers was that they wanted to disuade people from drinking, rather than encourage people to drink up to the limit. I guess that's a dated view these days.

Also, I wonder where you stand if your own breathalizer says you're just under, but the cops say you're over, I guess the cops and a blood test will trump your machine every day.

 

[rouseytastic]

'The Mrs' works at the Caravan Club and apparently there was a case recently were one of their Members was pulled over and had to use his Breathalizer. Then as he pulled away to enjoy his holiday the police hooked him again and he got a fine for not having a breathalizer.....................because he'd just used it. Motto: carry 2

 

[chimneys]

'The Mrs' works at the Caravan Club and apparently there was a case recently were one of their Members was pulled over and had to use his Breathalizer. Then as he pulled away to enjoy his holiday the police hooked him again and he got a fine for not having a breathalizer.....................because he'd just used it. Motto: carry 2

That's rubbish, as not law until 1st July! Another urban myth borne by the companies that sell the breathalisers?!

From Halfords site- "From July 2012, all motorists driving through France must carry an NF-approved breathalyzer in order to comply with the law. Our Alcosense Single Use Breathalyzer is one of the few products to be approved by the French authorities - so make sure you pick one up before setting off"

 

[chucky1973]

I only have one and for the record they are cheaper t purchase in france than the uk.

 

[Badger]

You also HAVE to carry a packet of crackers in case you happen upon some nice French cheese. They don't accept knock-off own brand ones either, Jacobs is the minimum requirement.

 

[father_and_son]

all motorists driving through France must carry an NF-approved breathalyzer

Wow! The National Front have moved away from Racist Politics and now test and approve breathalyzer equipment! Diversification at its best!

 

[Arthur]

Apparently they drive on the other side of the road as well!?!?!

 

[cloud]

You need two breathalysers as well, one for if you get stopped, and once in case you get stopped again and don't have a spare

 

[Thunder Bolt]

Was just checking to see what I needed like warning triangle, first aid kits, spare bulbs etc. which I have mostly anyway but a couple of things I did not know.

Hi-Vis vests which need to be in the car as you must wear them when you get out of the car in the case of an accident.

But the real shocker is that you must carry French approved self breathalyser kits just in case you have been drinking. Comes into law on 1st July apparently.

The hi-vis vests must be visible in the front two seats, so we have them draped over the back of the seat, so that they can be seen. It's not compulsory, but it is recommended that you have a fire extinguisher in the car.

 

[Shanker45]

My understanding is that the law is effective from 1st July but not enforced until 1st November. That said for the sake of 2 disposable test kits for around £5 it's not worth leaving it.

 

[Shanker45]

I remember sticking on the old light deflectors last year for our hols and didn't drive the car after dusk..........the warning triangle and hi-vis though I do agree with.

 

[Pat McCrotch]

You need two breathalysers as well, one for if you get stopped, and once in case you get stopped again and don't have a spare

and what happens if you get stopped again after that? and after that?

 

[wehatepalace]

I personally think cars, should be like the National Express coaches, where they have a built in breathalyser. You have to blow a negative test before the vehicle will start.

 

[Tricky Dicky]

I personally think cars, should be like the National Express coaches, where they have a built in breathalyser. You have to blow a negative test before the vehicle will start.

Talking of which, I see the scots are reducing the limit from 80 to 50 shortly.

 

[Barrel of Fun]

It is also illegal to carry toothpaste, deoderant and shampoo if they can improve intent to use or supply within the boundaries of France.

 

[wehatepalace]

Talking of which, I see the scots are reducing the limit from 80 to 50 shortly.

Don't think that's a bad thing either.

 

[Lady Whistledown]

Don't think that's a bad thing either.

It's a big ask for the Scottish people...