Going to France and the breathaliser law.

[andygo]

Apparently, when I go to France later on this year (in the car) its the law to carry a breathalyser in the car. Any ideas where would I get a compliant one in the uk from? I'd rather not be fleeced at the Tunnel shop.

[Frik]

The legislation comes in on the 1st of July 2012 but will not be enforced until the 1st of November 2012.

[S10 GTA]

And you need two, incase you use one.

[Roo]

I ordered some Contralco ones from Amazon the other day.

There's a lot if mention of them being less than €1 each but they seem to be closer to £3.

It's also recommended to get two. That way if you are forced to use one at the side of the road you've still got a spare in the car.

[Bluebarge]

the fine for not having one is 11 euros, so maybe not something to get too excited about.

[Porkbrain]

andygo said:

Apparently, when I go to France later on this year (in the car) its the law to carry a breathalyser in the car. Any ideas where would I get a compliant one in the uk from? I'd rather not be fleeced at the Tunnel shop.

You can get French spec ones from Alcosense, http://alcosense.co.uk/news-article.cfm?id=39, £5 for two, make sure that you get the French not UK version.

Don't know that I would bother to be honest, the chance of an 11 Euro fine is a tad slim

[Grey Ghost]

Porkbrain said:

Don't know that I would bother to be honest, the chance of an 11 Euro fine is a tad slim

Probably true but knowing the French they will make a point of highlighting the requirement during both Le Mans events this year

[Puggit]

Grey Ghost said:

Porkbrain said:

Don't know that I would bother to be honest, the chance of an 11 Euro fine is a tad slim

Probably true but knowing the French they will make a point of highlighting the requirement during both Le Mans events this year

Les Flics love stopping us Brits...

[Porkbrain]

Puggit said:

Grey Ghost said:

Porkbrain said:

Don't know that I would bother to be honest, the chance of an 11 Euro fine is a tad slim

Probably true but knowing the French they will make a point of highlighting the requirement during both Le Mans events this year

Les Flics love stopping us Brits...

I've trundled through France dozens of times but only doing 50mph in an old motorhome on the way to somewhere more interesting.
I don't think I look worth stopping

[Grey Ghost]

Porkbrain said:

Puggit said:

Grey Ghost said:

Porkbrain said:

Don't know that I would bother to be honest, the chance of an 11 Euro fine is a tad slim

Probably true but knowing the French they will make a point of highlighting the requirement during both Le Mans events this year

Les Flics love stopping us Brits...

I've trundled through France dozens of times but only doing 50mph in an old motorhome on the way to somewhere more interesting.
I don't think I look worth stopping

Ah, the covert approach

[Truckosaurus]

My parents are off to France next week, I've primed them to have a look in the French supermarkets to see if they are selling the breathalysers cheaply yet. I shall report back on their findings.

[croyde]

That's a strange law. Can't the French police afford their own?

[E31Shrew]

Apparently for sale at all ports etc for around a quid

[Bluebarge]

Puggit said:

Les Flics love stopping us Brits...

Been driving through France on GB plates for 20+ years and never been stopped. It's no surprise they hang around Le Mans however, as there will always be some idiots who can't keep the racing on the track.

[oblio]

Frik said:

The legislation comes in on the 1st of July 2012 but will not be enforced until the 1st of November 2012.

Do you have a link confirming that? If they are not enforcing until November it shouldn't affect anyone who is planning a summer trip (i.e. me )

[prand]

I don't understand this - is this to test yourself in case you feel you might be unfit to drive? Or is it for the French police to test you to save their own kit?

[zbc]

It's to test yourself. Allegedly the kits aren't accurate enough for the police to use themselves - and of course it would be open to all sorts of abuse.

[bigandclever]

Seeing as we're all here, if you wear prescription glasses (or contact lenses) it's compulsory to have a spare pair in the car with you. I only found that out this week.

[Frik]

oblio said:

Do you have a link confirming that? If they are not enforcing until November it shouldn't affect anyone who is planning a summer trip (i.e. me )

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/driv...

[Mark.]

bigandclever said:

Seeing as we're all here, if you wear prescription glasses (or contact lenses) it's compulsory to have a spare pair in the car with you. I only found that out this week.

I also heard that if you were driving a car in France you have to have a spare car with you in case yours breaks down.