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

[Hatterlovesbrighton]

Why would the police make you use your breathalyser? Would they not use their own? If not, isn't there a cracking trade to be done in dodgy kits that always show a false reading?

Reckon the reason they've done this is a cultural one. Drinking wine in France isn't really considered to be drinking and is a huge part of the national culture. Maybe this says "have a drink, but don't have too much" and so is acceptable whereas saying " don't drink and drive" would just have been ignored.

Anyone know what the allowed alcohol limit is in France compared to here?

 

[Billy the Fish]

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

 

[vegster]

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

A driving holiday north of the border could, theoretically, be like one of those lovely car adverts on telly if it happens....

 

[Gregory2Smith1]

i've lived here for the last 5 years and the only thing you must really do on the roads is learn how to tailgate and drive even quicker when it starts to rain

i love france and the french people,but unfortunately the first thing they do when they get in there cars isn't put the seat belt on,it's take the brain out of their heads

although that said,we have regional plates here and they do tend to be more patient with foreigners,by that i don't just mean you lot,but other people from different departments

i drive a 32 plate and if i'm driving in my home department (gers) i'm expected to drive like a f***ing lunatic

 

[Cian]

If anyone actually *wants* to argue, once your car is road-legal in the UK, under the Vienna Convention the French cannot force you to have any of their gubbins to drive there. Conversely, Edna could set up a check in Newhaven and fine the French for not having their hi-viz inside the car...


However, its frequently not worth the fight and most of them actually make sense to have anyway. I would imagine you may end up having to pay for an interpreter and lawyer to get off a few quids worth of kit.

 

[Daddies_Sauce]

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.

Not correct - You must have them available and be able to put them on before leaving the car in the event of an incident, you do not have to have the draped over the back of the car seats. The reason that so many people do drape the hi-viz over car seats, is so that the police can see them before they decide to pull you over to check.

And yes you need 2 breathalyser kits – around €2.20 for a pack of 2

 

[pastafarian]

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

presumably this is because they are all drunk.when the breathalyser system kicks in the froggies should sober up enough to start driving on the correct side of the road.

 

[seagullsovergrimsby]

A driving holiday north of the border could, theoretically, be like one of those lovely car adverts on telly if it happens....

Watch out for the patrol cars at Gretna

 

[Thunder Bolt]

If your satnav has speed camera warnings, then deactivate them before going as it's now an offence to use them. If you can't deactivate it then leave them at home.
Radar detectors in France | AA

 

[Arthritic Toe]

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.

Had no idea about that. What a completely ridiculous law. Its like forcing you to carry a metal detector so you can check if you are carrying a gun.

 

[Tim Over Whelmed]

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

FFS I've got to take my own UK side of the road as well?

 

[nordicgod]

They are a euro a pop from French chemists

 

[Jim D]

....It's not compulsory, but it is recommended that you have a fire extinguisher in the car.

Shouldn't be a problem with all the beer & wine you've just consumed at the last motorway service area!