Breathalyser required?
Discussion
The AA said:
Driving in France? Know the latest rules before you go to Europe
Even if you regularly drive to Europe, the AA is here to help you check the latest rules and requirements.
There were several legal changes in 2012 affecting drivers in France though two of those new laws have subsequently been either abolished or postponed.
Early in 2015 the French Government announced a road safety action plan with 26 measures and some new laws have been introduced effective from 1 July 2015.
Latest
The drink drive limit for novice drivers (less than three years driving experience) has been reduced to 0.02%, the same level as that applied to bus/coach drivers.
Drivers are prohibited from using headphones and headsets (any device attached to the ear) when driving. This regulation applies to all drivers and riders and covers devices used for phone calls as well as for listening to music/radio etc. Bluetooth or integrated systems in a motorcycle helmet are still permitted.
From January 2016 it will be compulsory for all motorcyclists (two or three wheels) to carry reflective jackets and wear them in the event of an emergency/breakdown.
A Low Emission Zone has been introduced in Paris, initially affecting only older (Euro 1) trucks and buses. Restrictions will be extended to all older vehicles from 1 July 2016 and tightened progressively between 2017 and 2020. More information can be found on www.urbanaccessregulations.eu
Eating at the wheel
There have been reports of a new law specifically prohibiting drivers from eating or applying make-up at the wheel. In fact this is not new, and there is no specific law to this effect. Eating/drinking etc. at the wheel is already covered under the more general French equivalent of our 'Driving without due care and attention' (article R.412-6 of the Code de la Route).
[July 2015]
Breathalysers
1 March 2012 - the French government confirmed that from 1 July 2012 drivers of all motor vehicles and motorcycles (excluding mopeds) must carry a breathalyser. The regulation will be enforced from 1 November 2012 and anyone stopped after that date who fails to produce a breathalyser when requested will receive an on the spot fine of €11.
October 2012 - the French government announced that the implementation of the sanction for drivers not carrying a breathalyser – a fine of €11 – has been postponed from 1 November 2012 to 1 March 2013.
January 2013 - the French government announced that the implementation of the sanction for drivers not carrying a breathalyser – a fine of €11 – has been postponed indefinitely.
So theoretically you are still required to carry a self-test breathalyser when driving in France but there is no current legislation demanding a fine for non-compliance.
So yes - You need one but there is no legislation in place for any punitive measures if you don't!Even if you regularly drive to Europe, the AA is here to help you check the latest rules and requirements.
There were several legal changes in 2012 affecting drivers in France though two of those new laws have subsequently been either abolished or postponed.
Early in 2015 the French Government announced a road safety action plan with 26 measures and some new laws have been introduced effective from 1 July 2015.
Latest
The drink drive limit for novice drivers (less than three years driving experience) has been reduced to 0.02%, the same level as that applied to bus/coach drivers.
Drivers are prohibited from using headphones and headsets (any device attached to the ear) when driving. This regulation applies to all drivers and riders and covers devices used for phone calls as well as for listening to music/radio etc. Bluetooth or integrated systems in a motorcycle helmet are still permitted.
From January 2016 it will be compulsory for all motorcyclists (two or three wheels) to carry reflective jackets and wear them in the event of an emergency/breakdown.
A Low Emission Zone has been introduced in Paris, initially affecting only older (Euro 1) trucks and buses. Restrictions will be extended to all older vehicles from 1 July 2016 and tightened progressively between 2017 and 2020. More information can be found on www.urbanaccessregulations.eu
Eating at the wheel
There have been reports of a new law specifically prohibiting drivers from eating or applying make-up at the wheel. In fact this is not new, and there is no specific law to this effect. Eating/drinking etc. at the wheel is already covered under the more general French equivalent of our 'Driving without due care and attention' (article R.412-6 of the Code de la Route).
[July 2015]
Breathalysers
1 March 2012 - the French government confirmed that from 1 July 2012 drivers of all motor vehicles and motorcycles (excluding mopeds) must carry a breathalyser. The regulation will be enforced from 1 November 2012 and anyone stopped after that date who fails to produce a breathalyser when requested will receive an on the spot fine of €11.
October 2012 - the French government announced that the implementation of the sanction for drivers not carrying a breathalyser – a fine of €11 – has been postponed from 1 November 2012 to 1 March 2013.
January 2013 - the French government announced that the implementation of the sanction for drivers not carrying a breathalyser – a fine of €11 – has been postponed indefinitely.
So theoretically you are still required to carry a self-test breathalyser when driving in France but there is no current legislation demanding a fine for non-compliance.
Vette_1978 said:
I know this law was due to come in, then didn't, but in the Mirror this morning it mentioned that they are required by law for fans driving to the Euro's. Is this just scare mongering on behalf of the tabloids or are these now required by law?
Required by law, but the law isn't enforced. http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/driv...
http://www.drive-france.com/faqs/france-breathalyz...
The Mirror seems to be about 3 years behind the times - which is an improvement for them.
Tyre Smoke said:
Slightly OT, but hi-viz, is it one per vehicle or one per passenger? I've heard conflicting reports of both. I know one year we forgot the triangle and the hi-viz, such daredevils!!
One per person exiting the vehicle, so legal minimum is 1x hi-viz.Hi-viz aren't exactly expensive on eBay and given the farther you are from people driving at 130kph the safer you are no reason not to have one per-person.
marshalla said:
E36GUY said:
Threeracers said:
Glasses wearers must carry a spare pair in the car.
Surely you're taking the pissEither carry spare specs. or a spare driver.
All these silly euro laws, It's only us Brits that seem to take them seriously.
I have lived on the Continent in the past, never heard of anyone getting done for not having a certain items in your car ie: bulbs and things like that ( not much point having a bulb when you have to dismantle half your car to fit it) .
Just be sensible and take the basics like warning triangle and Hi-viz vests and "bulbs" if you must.
The ferries like to think you need all the gear and push fairly hard to try sell it all including breathalyzer's . They are obviously making money selling things like breathalyzer's and light deflectors stating that its the law to fit them, Its not the law to fit light deflectors, its only an offence if you are dazzling oncoming traffic !!.
I have lived on the Continent in the past, never heard of anyone getting done for not having a certain items in your car ie: bulbs and things like that ( not much point having a bulb when you have to dismantle half your car to fit it) .
Just be sensible and take the basics like warning triangle and Hi-viz vests and "bulbs" if you must.
The ferries like to think you need all the gear and push fairly hard to try sell it all including breathalyzer's . They are obviously making money selling things like breathalyzer's and light deflectors stating that its the law to fit them, Its not the law to fit light deflectors, its only an offence if you are dazzling oncoming traffic !!.
HEALTH WARNING
With reference to the disposable breatherlysers, whilst you may have to take them, I personally won't be using them again.
Both my brother and I had to use these last year and some how we both ended up with some of the granules in our mouth.
Less than 24 hours later my brother was in hospital with a suspected stroke with his blood CK values at about 1500 when they should have been between 60 to 174.
I was also admitted to hospital the same day having a heart attack and having 2 stents fitted to clear a blocked artery.
Not the sort of thing that should happen to a couple of healthy 50 year olds.
So take them but don't use the disposable ones!!! I am getting an electronic version this year...
With reference to the disposable breatherlysers, whilst you may have to take them, I personally won't be using them again.
Both my brother and I had to use these last year and some how we both ended up with some of the granules in our mouth.
Less than 24 hours later my brother was in hospital with a suspected stroke with his blood CK values at about 1500 when they should have been between 60 to 174.
I was also admitted to hospital the same day having a heart attack and having 2 stents fitted to clear a blocked artery.
Not the sort of thing that should happen to a couple of healthy 50 year olds.
So take them but don't use the disposable ones!!! I am getting an electronic version this year...
Edited by M3_SMG on Tuesday 17th May 13:39
M3_SMG said:
HEALTH WARNING
With reference to the disposable breatherlysers, whilst you may have to take them, I personally won't be using them again.
Both my brother and I had to use these last year and some how we both ended up with some of the granules in our mouth.
Less than 24 hours later my brother was in hospital with a suspected stroke with his blood CK values at about 1500 when they should have been between 60 to 174.
I was also admitted to hospital the same day having a heart attack and having 2 stents fitted to clear a blocked artery.
Not the sort of thing that should happen to a couple of healthy 50 year olds.
So take them but don't use the disposable ones!!! I am getting an electronic version this year...
Even more of a reason NOT to carry them. I certainly wont be.With reference to the disposable breatherlysers, whilst you may have to take them, I personally won't be using them again.
Both my brother and I had to use these last year and some how we both ended up with some of the granules in our mouth.
Less than 24 hours later my brother was in hospital with a suspected stroke with his blood CK values at about 1500 when they should have been between 60 to 174.
I was also admitted to hospital the same day having a heart attack and having 2 stents fitted to clear a blocked artery.
Not the sort of thing that should happen to a couple of healthy 50 year olds.
So take them but don't use the disposable ones!!! I am getting an electronic version this year...
Edited by M3_SMG on Tuesday 17th May 13:39
Never carried them.
indyxe said:
All these silly euro laws, It's only us Brits that seem to take them seriously.
I have lived on the Continent in the past, never heard of anyone getting done for not having a certain items in your car ie: bulbs and things like that ( not much point having a bulb when you have to dismantle half your car to fit it) .
Silly or not, you get on the wrong side of a keuf and he will go through them all. A French mate of mine was done because his number plate wasn't riveted on as per the regs. I kid you not. Nuts and bolts or screws will NOT do.I have lived on the Continent in the past, never heard of anyone getting done for not having a certain items in your car ie: bulbs and things like that ( not much point having a bulb when you have to dismantle half your car to fit it) .
battered said:
Silly or not, you get on the wrong side of a keuf and he will go through them all. A French mate of mine was done because his number plate wasn't riveted on as per the regs. I kid you not. Nuts and bolts or screws will NOT do.
That's only for Froggie cars. Visitors only have to pass their own country's CT/MOT.OvalOwl said:
battered said:
Silly or not, you get on the wrong side of a keuf and he will go through them all. A French mate of mine was done because his number plate wasn't riveted on as per the regs. I kid you not. Nuts and bolts or screws will NOT do.
That's only for Froggie cars. Visitors only have to pass their own country's CT/MOT.Gassing Station | Le Mans | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff