Breath test kits in France

[SimonVokes]

Hi All
Old subject I know, but have just checked dates on my breath test kits that we took to France last year and realised they have expired. (I know the feeling only too well!) Is it still a legal requirement as I seem to remember reading somewhere that it wasn't being policed any more?
Many thanks in advance
Simon

 

[Thingy]

Current status as follows

Breathalysers

1 March 2012 - the French government confirmed that from 1 July 2012 drivers of all motor vehicles and motorcycles (excluding mopeds) must carry a breathalyser. The regulation will be enforced from 1 November 2012 and anyone stopped after that date who fails to produce a breathalyser when requested will receive an on the spot fine of €11.

October 2012 - the French government announced that the implementation of the sanction for drivers not carrying a breathalyser – a fine of €11 – has been postponed from 1 November 2012 to 1 March 2013.

January 2013 - the French government announced that the implementation of the sanction for drivers not carrying a breathalyser – a fine of €11 – has been postponed indefinitely.

So theoretically you are still required to carry a self-test breathalyser when driving in France but there is no current legislation demanding a fine for non-compliance.

The original official announcement stated that one unused, certified breathalyser must be produced showing the French certification mark NF. Carrying two single-use breathalysers will ensure that if one is used or damaged, you will still have a spare to produce. The breathalyser produced has to be in date - single-use breathalysers normally have a validity of twelve months.

 

[SimonVokes]

Thank you.
I think I will purchase a new one just in case!!
Simon V

 

[Willi-Wonti]

We stayed on 2 French camp sites last year & asked the locals if they carried a breath test kit. From every one I got a resounding NON

 

[DeliDave_]

Just did 3 weeks in France and didnt have one,didnt see them in French supermarkets either although last year they were on stands.Think its not an issue now,also didnt see large outfits with the 90 sticker either

 

[macandy]

Its been posponed indefinately after it was exposed that the politician responsible allegedly had connections with the company making the DIY breathalysers.

 

[intransient1]

While the enforcement of the fine may not be enforced and many french people do not carry them does not mean we do not have to.
It would be wise to remember that we have an English registered car and that can make us a target for a jobsworth on a bad day.

 

[SimonVokes]

That's very true intransient. Have bought some up to date ones just in case we come across that 'jobsworth'. I did try my old out of date ones after a few beers in the back garden the other day, they definitely still worked!!

 

[intransient1]

It was obviously an enjoyable way of testing them, I will do that when mine reach that date (great excuse for finishing the rum).

 

[Willi-Wonti]

If caravans had to display a 90 sticker so would LGVs

 

[macandy]

While the enforcement of the fine may not be enforced and many french people do not carry them does not mean we do not have to.
It would be wise to remember that we have an English registered car and that can make us a target for a jobsworth on a bad day.

My experience with the Gendarmerie Is not to attract their attention. Unlike the Police Nationale, they can be rather humourless and a bit stern, (they are actually Military Police).
I leave all my assorted toll stickers going back years on the screen, seems to work. What few times I've been flagged over in an 'operation', they just nod and wave me on. They probably realise I'm a regular and I will have all the bits and bobs and my papers to hand - there are easier and more profitable targets.