Surprising Police stop

[jaybirduk]

Leaving Auchan Béthune I get flagged down by the French Police, lower my window and begin 'Bonjour...'

The officer speaks to me in perfect English (I am relieved) and asks me to step out of the car, he walks around the vehicle with me, headlamp benders (check), GB Euro plates (check), Hi Vis vests for each passenger visable on rear shelf (check).

He then asks if I have all the other required items (triangle, first aid etc) at which I answer yes, I offer to show him but he declines.

Finally he then says 'We have some gifts for you!" and waives a colleague over and to my surprise I am given:

1 x single use breathalyser
1 x metal flask
1 x French driving laws booklet (in English & French)
1 x French speed limits and common signs laminated card (in English)

and bids me on my way! British motorists are quick to knock the French Police but this was a very pleasant encounter

[magooagain]

Do you live in France ?

[jaybirduk]

No, was visiting and driving a RHD car on UK plates

[J B L]

jaybirduk said:

1 x single use breathalyser
1 x metal flask

The breathanalyser is now compulsory, isn't it?

The flask however?

[bxlbaz]

J B L said:

The breathanalyser is now compulsory, isn't it?

The flask however?

Brandy or Cognac

[J B L]

bxlbaz said:

J B L said:

The breathanalyser is now compulsory, isn't it?

The flask however?

Brandy or Cognac

Yes, I thought it might be a bit counter-productive

[jaybirduk]

For the record, it was not a hip flask but rather a thermos type flask for coffee! It has some Police/traffic partnership logo on it.

[tvron]

Can anyone confirm that carrying breathalyser now law in France.I travel to France 2-3 times per year and will buy if I need to

[Cunning Punt]

tvron said:

Can anyone confirm that carrying breathalyser now law in France.I travel to France 2-3 times per year and will buy if I need to

Expected to become law this spring.

(it's actually been in the lawbooks since 1970, but has never had a décret setting the conditions that would bring it into effect: Article L234-14)

Details of the conditions are unknown, but chances are high that the device will need to bear the NF type approval logo to be legal. There's some speculation that drivers may be required to carry two breathalysers (to remain within the law should one get used). Which, if they're daft enough to make it a requirement, presumably means you'd actually have to carry three, in case one of the two got used...

'punt