Driving in France, new rules

Bob_the_Saver

dzug1 wrote: »

The logic may be that if you carry a breathalyser in the car you can check your own breath and refrain from driving if you are over the limit

I like a drink or two but I think if you need to check you shouldn't be driving.

Itismehonest

Other changes.

"Drivers caught talking on their mobile phones in 2011 faced a 35 euro fine and two points off their licence. In 2012, they'll be slapped with a 135 euro fine and loose three points. Also under the new road laws, drivers caught watching movies while driving will be forced to cough up a massive 1,500 euros as opposed to the former 135 euro charge. The movie device will also be seized.

Driving on the highway-side strip is now considered a crime and, if breached, will be accompanied with a 135 euro fine. Motorcycle riders of bikes 125 cc's and above will have to make themselves recognisable with reflective clothing from early this year. Those who refuse will be hit with a 68 euro fine and two points off their licence.

Every car in France will also be required by law to carry disposable breathalyzers, giving drivers an easy option of checking whether they are under the legal limit. Police can issue a 17 euro fine if ‘!thylotests’ are not present in the vehicle."

From http://www.rivieratimes.com/index.php/provence-cote-dazur-article/items/new-penalties-for-traffic-offenders.html

Tarry

I'm shocked that they had to bring in a law to stop people watching movies whilst driving!

Bogtrotter

Just another pointless driving regulation. Now assuming it comes to pass I cannot see how these cheap breath-tests are going to reduce the number of drink-drivers on the road.

I think to the hardcore offenders they already know they're over the limit so having a test is not going to dissuade them from driving. The rest of us generally will not drive after consuming any alcohol. In fact these breath-tests may encourage more people to drive under the influence because their cheap inaccurate test indicates they are below the limit.

Of course another possible reason is that Sarkozy has involvement or shares in the companies manufacturing these things. 2 tests for all 30 millions french cars plus tourists cars for a start. Can't blame him... He'll need some way of earning a living when he gets the boot come the presidential elections this year

wishfulpiaffe

I am looking at going to meet up with friends at Disneyland Paris. I will be going over by myself and taking a vehicle so I wondered if anyone could advise how the toll payments work - I will be a Canadian in driver seat of a UK vehicle - vehicle on the wrong side for everything? my head on the what is the right side - expect to pretty much travel down there sideways
Coming back to UK wont be a problem with all of us in the SUV but I have to get there first??

I have bought all the toys listed in the various postings and have arranged with Halfords to put the thingy on the lights just before I get on the shuttle train - am I safe to pass on the breathalyer thing for now??

Any help and advice much appreciated

Terrified Canadian

mcfisco

With the limit a lot lower in France than the UK, I can't imagine any French trucker exiting a Les Routiers in an afternoon able to pass
They all seem to have 2 or 3 glasses of wine with their lunch

I will be a Canadian in driver seat of a UK vehicle - vehicle on the wrong side for everything? my head on the what is the right side

The first toll booth after leaving the channel port will be on the right, lulling you into thinking they're geared up for us Brits, they're only messing with your head, you'll never see another

I tend to simply reach across or climb over to the other seat to pay but I see people getting out and walking around

knightstyle

wishfulpiaffe have a good trip. At the tolls you just jump out and put your UK bank or credit card into the machine money is deducted in € or pay cash and the gate will open. Make sure you are in the right lane, "CB" for cards, the left hand lane is usually for people with an electronic box which takes the money as they drive past without stopping.
I don't think you need a breathalyser until the law is passed which it seems is not going to happen in the next few months. But you do need a warning triangle and a reflective waistcoat whithin reach of the driver at all times. You also need car documents, insurance and drivers license with you in the car.

nickj_2

wishfulpiaffe wrote: »

I am looking at going to meet up with friends at Disneyland Paris. I will be going over by myself and taking a vehicle so I wondered if anyone could advise how the toll payments work - I will be a Canadian in driver seat of a UK vehicle - vehicle on the wrong side for everything? my head on the what is the right side - expect to pretty much travel down there sideways
Coming back to UK wont be a problem with all of us in the SUV but I have to get there first??

I have bought all the toys listed in the various postings and have arranged with Halfords to put the thingy on the lights just before I get on the shuttle train - am I safe to pass on the breathalyer thing for now??

Any help and advice much appreciated

Terrified Canadian

the tolls are fairly straight forward to use - you get a ticket when you get on and pay at a barrier when you get off , similar to the set up at the qe2 bridge . we came back from paris and got on one near chantilly and stayed on it to around lille ,took about 2 hrs , i think it cost less than 10 euros . i used a sat nav which although it always got me to my destination , some of the routes it sent me on left a bit to be desired , however it was useful for roundabouts and junctions when you didn't have a clue where to go

knightstyle

Also did you know that you have to get updates for your Garmin, Tom tom etc. to remove the radar speed camera warnings?
See https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3711131

Foreveryoung_2

Does anyone know if the car I have hired through easyjet will carry the new breathalyser kit, first aid, hi vis jacket etc, picking it up from Toulouse in July.