DRIVING IN FRANCE

New rules for motorists in France this year:-  It has become French Law that cars must carry a breathalyser on board from 1st July. There are two versions allowed, a digital unit that is reuseable at around £100 and the more usual small plastic non-reuseable one at a few Euros. These will be available eventually at all sorts of outlets including pharmacies and supermarkets.  Due to lack of supply (as only two firms are making them!) the date has been extended to 1st November. After this date there are liable to be Police checks and it is reported that the fine for not having a kit on board will be 11 Euros.  Please note that breathalyser (alcotest) kits muct be marked with the French Standard kitemark 'NF'. Posted by Nickalvis 16/07/2012 19:03:08

Also they have a 2 year operating life and are dated. The most remarkable thing about the law is that you should carry 2, because if you use one and then drive you haven't got one. Also if you use it ,you must keep it to show the police. If you're breathaliser is clear and you are stopped and retested and over the limit---well nobody seems to know the answer to that one. Finally although by law you have to carry them, there is no provision in the law to use them-----only in France.Ps The French drink drive limit is lower than the UK. Posted by colinnewby 29/07/2012 16:37:04

Sat Navs--------if driving in France(also Switzerland and probably Germany) you must turn off the warning system for speed cameras, this applies to visitors as well as residents. Be warned the fine is potentially painful, ie into 4 figures. Posted by colinnewby 29/07/2012 16:43:37