Tuesday 21st February 2012

In-car breathalysers become compulsory in France

Breath-test kits will be a necessary part of your travel kit from July

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Something to be aware of for the annual pilgrimage to Le Mans (or the biennial one for the Classic): From July 1 all drivers in France will be required to carry a breathalyser in the car.

This applies to all cars - so those travelling to or through France, as well as French-registered vehicles. Single-use kits will satisfy the new rule, however, and these will be available at all channel crossings for around £1-£2.

The measures might seem Draconian, but with 31 per cent of all fatalities on the road in France involve drivers above the legal limit, the French are desperate to cut the number of drink-related deaths on the road.

If you do 'forget' to sort out the single-use breath test kits (and the French government recommends you have at least two in the car), you needn't worry this summer - the authorities will only start handing out fines from November onwards. And even then they'll only be 11 euros.

The idea of getting drink-drivers off the roads is of course a thoroughly commendable one, but these measures do seem a little toothless, affecting only the most responsible drivers. This is especially obvious given the fact that the average blood alcohol level in drivers involved in drink-related fatal accidents is 2.25 grams per litre - four-and-a-half times the legal limit in France. Is this legislation going to stop these people? It seems unlikely...

[XTR2Turbo]

What a strange requirement.

[RVVUNM]

Can someone tell the reason for this. Is it to test yourself before you drive? Is it to test yourself after an accident? I cannot see the point in it.

[Twincam16]

Seems more a case of the Gendermerie trying to save money on kit. Rather than 'can you step out of the car and blow into this bag', it's 'can you blow into your bag and step out of the car'. How on earth it's supposed to reduce the actual act of drinking and driving I haven't a clue.

[Stig]

Channel crossings for £1-£2 - you must be kidding! Ferry operator markup on any motoring 'must have's is extorionate. Read £5 min and more like £10!

You can pick them up on fleabay for about £2.50 - any less than that then don't expect it to work (from experience).

[CraigyMc]

Stig said:

any less than that then don't expect it to work (from experience).

Do they have to be working?

C

[leon9191]

I would imagine it means you have no excuse for being over the limit and as such they can bring in harsher penaltys to go with this new rule. Sounds a good idea to me.

[Church of Noise]

I can kind of see the point: if, after a visit to the pub (or so), you get into your car, having such a device will allow you to check, where today a lot of people just tend to think "they're OK" while in some cases, they're not.

So no, it won't stop drink drivers from being drunk nor will it physically stop them from driving, but it could raise awareness, which is a good idea imho...

[cjb1]

Great cause, poor response.

Whacky Frenchie cheese eating surrender monkies! Hee-haw-hee-haw mon amie!

[cjb1]

Great cause, poor response.

Whacky Frenchie cheese eating surrender monkies! Hee-haw-hee-haw mon amie!

[HonestIago]

Don't see the point in a single-use device, but surely motorists being able to check having had a drink is a good thing rather than chancing it?

[Ex Boy Racer]

Church of Noise said:

I can kind of see the point: if, after a visit to the pub (or so), you get into your car, having such a device will allow you to check, where today a lot of people just tend to think "they're OK" while in some cases, they're not.

So no, it won't stop drink drivers from being drunk nor will it physically stop them from driving, but it could raise awareness, which is a good idea imho...

I agree. One of the difficulties in the current law is knowing whether you are over the limit. 1 pint? 2 pints? Have one of these and you would know.

Even better, connect it up to the car so it won't start if the reading is over the limit - now that would do some good!

[BigTom85]

It could possibly have the reverse effect though. People who perhaps only have one pint to be safe, might have another because they are well under the limit...?

Seems pretty silly to me.

[Hellbound]

Not sure what the drink/drive limit is in France but it should be lowered to allow for any ambiguity surrounding what's a legal level of alcohol with these DIY kits.

I thought the benefits of this new law were obvious. People who test themselves before driving can see if they are over the limit, and then choose not to drive if they are.

People who are involved in a car accident because they were drunk at the wheel can have the book thrown at them. No middle-ground, no excuses and no special/unique circumstances. After handing out a few severe prison sentences over minor collisions, drunk drivers will soon sober up.

The only excuse I can see being used now is 'Sorry officer, I was so drunk I forgot I had a breathalyser in the car'. But in time everyone will assume each car has one, it'll be part of the car almost.

[Wing Commander]

So, with a single use unit, the driver either tests themselves to make sure they are clear and then doesn't have an "active" unit in the car (results in fine), or they have a unit that hasn't been used and they are no more in the know than if they hadn't been forced to carry the unit.

How bizarre

[Riggers]

Hellbound said:

it'll be part of the car almost.

Which is exactly what some sections of the French government is lobbying the car industry for...

[cjb1]

Have you read 1984 by George Orwell? Why not go the whole hog and fit tracker devices to all cars so the fuzz can nick you for speeding without even leaving their nice cozy police stations?

Ex Boy Racer said:

I agree. One of the difficulties in the current law is knowing whether you are over the limit. 1 pint? 2 pints? Have one of these and you would know.

Even better, connect it up to the car so it won't start if the reading is over the limit - now that would do some good!

[Lordglenmorangie]

Why don't they just be honest, if you are not French your done . So bend over and think of England

[Dave Hedgehog]

hic ohhh it sazs im smassshheeed hic

ooh wait hic im smassshheed i doont hic give a fook

broooom

[Decky_Q]

Twincam16 said:

Seems more a case of the Gendermerie trying to save money on kit. Rather than 'can you step out of the car and blow into this bag', it's 'can you blow into your bag and step out of the car'. How on earth it's supposed to reduce the actual act of drinking and driving I haven't a clue.

I think if that was the case then there would be quite a market in inaccurate and under reading devices. Stupid law but its not our culture so, when in rome (le man)...

[MarJay]

So do you have to carry one on your motorcycle? Along with the High Viz vest, and warning triangle?