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

andygb

NO FINES YET!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/9625403/France-delays-breathalyser-fine.html


THE FRENCH POLICE HAVE NOT FINED ANYONE FOR FAILING TO GET BREATHALYSER KITS.

Sorry for shouting but I feel that this information is quite relevant.

Bob_the_Saver

Indefinite delay on breath test kits

http://www.connexionfrance.com/Breath-test-fines-Valls-Perrichon-road-deaths-CNSR-14429-view-article.html

Bob_the_Saver

This seems to make everything clear ....... or not

http://www.connexionfrance.com/Breath-test-fines-14520-view-article.html

beckysbobbles1

I'll be driving for the first time ever abroad next week and I have to admitt, I am a little nervous.

Luckily my friend is buying all of the things that I require such as warning triangle, breathliser kit and high vis jacket.

But can anyone offer me any tips on how they actually drive differently? Clearly I know it's the opposite side of the road but when I was in France before, I noticed they seem to use indicators differently to use.

Bob_the_Saver

beckysbobbles1 wrote: »

I'll be driving for the first time ever abroad next week and I have to admitt, I am a little nervous.

Luckily my friend is buying all of the things that I require such as warning triangle, breathliser kit and high vis jacket.

But can anyone offer me any tips on how they actually drive differently? Clearly I know it's the opposite side of the road but when I was in France before, I noticed they seem to use indicators differently to use.

They only overtake when it's not safe to do so and drive with mobiles to the ear 90% of the time. They don't indicate at roundabouts and not one French driver would dream of looking in a mirror before reversing out of a parking space.

And make sure you fully understand this

http://www.vendee-guide.co.uk/priority-a-droite.htm

vinhdq

The i can report back here with any updates, but i think it is a case of any road user,

don't forget your first aid kit too, you get a receipt for it if there was an accident and you give yours in to help, you just go to the nearest pharmacy and get given a replacement free

AlexMac

Hi Beckybobbles Re yr Q "But can anyone offer me any tips on how they actually drive differently? Clearly I know it's the opposite side of the road but when I was in France before, I noticed they seem to use indicators differently to us"...

Don't panic... there's as much difference in driving style between parts of inner London and the English countryside, as there is between France and England. OK, maybe some French people drive a bit fast and close, but I've noticed less and less difference between UK and France in recent years. I'm even less conscious recently of their old habit of indicating throughout their passing manoeuvre, rather that just at first when changing lane, as we do. No one 'flashes' as we do as a sign they are giving way, so don't try that. In fact, no-one gives way. Which is fine.

And as you'll be concentrating a bit harder at 1st (if only to make sure you don't drive off 1st thing in the morning on the wrong side of quiet country roads, or pull out of junctions or car-parks on the wrong side) you'll be fine.

The rule about 'priorite a droite' (give way to cars coming from your right) used to be a problem, but since they switched to the 'English' system on roundabouts (cars on the roundabout now have priority like here), and now that most main roads in the country are 'passage protege' (main road has right of way), there is virtually no likelihood of a farmer barrelling out in front of you on the nearside (right side) as there used to be when I first started driving in France.

But when I first drove there, you could get a glass of wine for 40 centimes (about a shilling in old money or 5p) and a great three course meal for a quid. So maybe not all modernisation is for the better?

You'll have a great time

Bob_the_Saver

AlexMac wrote: »

virtually no likelihood of a farmer barrelling out in front of you on the nearside (right side) as there used to be when I first started driving in France.

Still rampant in some areas, although slowly getting less.

Davim-se_2

Hi, there is a whole section on Driving in France on this site http://www.franceforfamilies.com/travel-options/driving/in-france

I hope that helps.

Bob_the_Saver

In-sight into French drivers.

http://www.connexionfrance.com/Drink-driving-traffic-lights-ignore-Axa-breath-test-14650-view-article.html