French Breathalysers

It looks likely that the French requirement to carry a breathalyser will become active law from next year, accordmg to a recent article in the Guardian.

Fancy electronic types are available at 49 Euros, but unless you plan to drink and drive the 1 Euro type will satisfy the Gendarmerie.

Expect a possible check on this at French ferryports, and a definite check at any 'Your papers please'  roadside checks.

No doubt we will now have the usual whining about Brussels/French/EU  etc etc, but it must be remembered thast the French have  a much higher incidence of drink and driving that in the UK.

It may be a French Law, but it applies to tourists as well.

Believe me, Bits will whinge about it, and try to ignore it.  Then they can complain again when they receive a roadside fine, rather than spend £1 or so on a breathalyser.  Half the Bits probably imagine that the UK is now above French law!


Edited by Mike Fishwick - 29 Apr 2017 at 4:33pm

Ok Ok - 'Brits' . . .

Yes - the requirement to stop and render assistance is common to most EU countries except of course the UK, where of course we do not want to get involved with strangers, considering that to be the job of the 'right' people!

In Germany you are also required to carry latex gloves to prevent the transfer of HIV etc. while doing so.

It's odd how many normal people will look the other way when a stranger needs their help, wheather on the road or eleswhere - after all, it may become necessary to touch them!  Perhaps Brits prefer to leave a stranger to die, rather than render basic first aid. 

One source of this phobia is the usual 'I might be suied'  if the injured party dies - any excuse!

Can you clarify please Mike, is the requirement not active or now active.
Thanks

I better get some more!

Mind, in 8 years of driving abroad, never once been stopped for a check.

Only grief abroad was also in Belgium, when the Police towed my car for a parking offence :(

Expensive end to the trip, €295 release fee, plus taxi cost to the impound yard.