You Must Carry a Breathalyser

From July 1st 2012 it is compulsory to carry a breathalyser kit in the car in France.

Two kits per car are advised (so if you use one you’re still able to stay legal) &  15 euro fines for non-compliance will be levied from November 1st 2012.  We have placed an order for 100 which we’ll be happy to sell at no profit (around £1) but we’re still waiting for delivery – demand will obviously be high!

France has strict drink driving laws with blood alcohol levels being stricter than in the UK (0.5 mg/ml rather than 0.8).  This equates to 2 x 12cl glasses of wine for a man weighing 75kg (11½ stones).

France also has a no tolerance position if you are stopped and prove positive for any drug substance, including cannabis.  The penalty for this is the loss of your driving licence.

More information here – https://www.thelocal.fr/2487/20120206/

ADDITIONAL ITEMS OBLIGATORY FOR PRIVATE CARS;

REFLECTIVE JACKETS AND TRIANGLE

The driver must have a CE marked reflective jacket inside the vehicle and it must be easily accessible before getting out of the vehicle. Triangle must have the mark E27 R and must be placed at a distance of at least 30 meters from the vehicle or obstacle being warned against.

The jacket and/or the triangle must be used in cases of emergency stops. Warning lights must be switched on. NOTE – placing the triangle is not obligatory if doing so would put the driver’s life in danger.

LIGHTS AND SPARE BULBS

Every vehicle must have external lights in working order and the driver must therefore have spare bulbs for the external lights (the headlights, the rear lights and stop lights).

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