Will an Electronic Breathalyser do instead?

[Deleted User]

Some countries (eg, France) require you to carry two Breathalysers in your car.

Today, I was in Aldi, and noticed they're selling the Alcosense Digital Breathalyser.

I'm wondering if one of these (they come with 5 blow tubes) would be an acceptable alternative to the manual ones?

Iceweasel

Buy one by all means - but not if all you want it for is to travel in France.

I would first check the penalty that they can enforce for non-compliance.

I travel to France regularly and don't carry any - and have no intention of carrying any.

Here's why:

"In January 2013, the French government said the fine for not having an unused breathalyzer with you (which was to have been €11) has been postponed indefinitely. In other words, you are supposed to take one but there is no fine imposed for non-compliance."

[Deleted User]

€11? Is that all?

Even if they do decide to enforce it, it'd still be cheaper to pay the fine (which I'm assuming doesn't give you a criminal record in the UK?) than buy Breathalysers.

TBH, I don't really understand the point in requiring them.

I'm assuming there's no requirement to use one, before driving?

forgotmyname

If its the old type with a bag get someone sober to blow it up and then drive home declaring the device said it was OK.

Or use a pump to inflate it?

Stupid idea. Im sure it wont bother the sort of person that drinks and drives on a regular basis. Another tax on the motorist?

Someone high up bought shares in a company that sells these items?

Keep_pedalling

Relying on one of these to see if you are fit to drive or not is madness, and they almost certainly don’t meet the requirements for French motoring laws so don’t waste your money.

Iceweasel

Keep_pedalling wrote: »

Relying on one of these to see if you are fit to drive or not is madness, and they almost certainly don’t meet the requirements for French motoring laws so don’t waste your money.

That was the problem - the French couldn't decide on which type DID satisfy the requirements of the law - so they scrapped the penalty.

If you read the French law - it really is an !!! - the requirement still stands but the penalty has been suspended/delayed indefinitely.

Solution - don't bother.