MSE News: Driving to France? Pack a breathalyser or risk fine

jno

Anyone in France recommend where to get them super cheap? I am coming over the border from Belgium in a few weeks and don't want to get ripped off in the UK.

Roger1

scottishperson2 wrote: »

Does this mean that when everyone gets stopped after a toll booth, then les flics now uses the drivers breathalyser and not one they supply?

One newspaper yesterday reported that:

• the 'official' ones are inaccurate and under-register
• the police use their own units, which of course are accurate

It was the Mail on Sunday, so I will wait until a real newspaper reports before being convinced.

Bob_the_Saver

jno wrote: »

Anyone in France recommend where to get them super cheap? I am coming over the border from Belgium in a few weeks and don't want to get ripped off in the UK.

See post #24 1 Euro each

Bob_the_Saver

More Info


http://www.connexionfrance.com/breath-test-breathalyser-Contralco-Orgeval-13885-view-article.html

January20

andygb wrote: »

I am starting to get a bit concerned about this subject, because I have a long trip coming up next month, and need to get the breathalysers. I have seen them advertised on Ebay but nowhere else, and the feedback is not brilliant, regarding packaging and damaged kit.
It would not surprise me at all, if it was just the British drivers being targeted, in order to make easy money for the French government.

This is a very silly thing to say, that I would expect to read in the Daily Mail or such tabloid. There is a great problem in France with accidents on the roads, and people drink driving: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6920720.stm Do you think that the French authorities care so much about British tourist that they would vote in a law just to annoy them? The British are far more obsessed with the French than the French with the British :rotfl:

You can find them on Amazon. Pricey but with the NF mark. Which you need. Don't bother buying anything that hasn't got this.

Personally, I'm going to buy them here and store them in my glove compartment, and as never drink if I'm about to drive they can stay there forever or until they get to their use by date - if they have one.

Doshwaster

January20 wrote: »

This is a very silly thing to say, that I would expect to read in the Daily Mail or such tabloid. There is a great problem in France with accidents on the roads, and people drink driving: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6920720.stm Do you think that the French authorities care so much about British tourist that they would vote in a law just to annoy them? The British are far more obsessed with the French than the French with the British :rotfl:

You are right, France does have a bigger problem with drink driving than the UK but I don't think this new law will make any difference. The rule is that you just have to carry them not that you have to use them.

The drink drive limit in France may be lower than the UK but the chances of getting stopped (especially in rural areas - unless you have a foreign plate) is almost zero and the fines and punishments were also less. It took Britain 20 years to improve the social and cultural attitude to drink driving and we still have problems. It's going to take France more than a cheap breathalyser.

macman

I understood that anyone caught without one until November would receive only a warning? After that, the fixed penalty will be €11.

Bob_the_Saver

macman wrote: »

I understood that anyone caught without one until November would receive only a warning? After that, the fixed penalty will be €11.

Not having them might encourage the police to look around more rather than just producing the required items if stopped and being waved on your way.
They are only a Euro each after all, and the law might just save a few lives.

stphnstevey

Where can you get the 40p breathalyser??

Thanks

Bob_the_Saver

stphnstevey wrote: »

Where can you get the 40p breathalyser??

Thanks

Beats me, there seems to be a shortage anyway, best I could find was 1 euro each.