Two items of French motoring news: speed radar warnings and further delay on alcohol testers fines

Heavy traffic on the A28 autoroute 

The French Interior Ministry has recently decided to re-introduce the roadside panels warning motorists of fixed speed radar cameras. The Ministry has also delayed implementing fines (11€) for motorists who are not carrying the obligatory alcohol test kits. Under French law carrying at least two kits or an approved testing machine became obligatory from the beginning of July 2012 with fines to be imposed from the 1st November 2012. Fines were then pushed back to 1st March 2013 but have now be delayed with no starting date announced. 

From Service-Publique website:

'À la suite des recommandations du Conseil national de la sécurité routière (CNSR), le ministre de l’intérieur a décidé jeudi 21 février 2013 :

• de rétablir les panneaux signalant les radars fixes,

• de ne pas imposer la possession obligoire d’éthylotest dans les véhicules.

Le rétablissement des panneaux signalant les radars fixes doit se mettre en place progressivement sur 2 ou 3 ans. Conformément à la décision du Comité interministériel de la sécurité routière (CISR) du 11 mai 2011, les panneaux indiquant la présence de radars fixes avaient en effet été retirés (décret publié au Journal officiel du 19 mai 2011).

Despite the non-imposition of fines, drivers should still carry the required alcohol test kits. Drink driving laws (0.05% max – 50mg of alcohol per 100mls of blood) are strictly enforced as are those on excess speeding. Drivers, who are considerably over drink  or speeding limits, risk having their licences taken away on the spot. 

Although the legal limit in the UK is 0.08%, this level and above is viewed in France as an aggravated offence and can attract a license suspension for three years, 4500€ fine and up to two years in prison.  

Driving to France? – don't forget your alcohol test kit!

 

A dual kit alcohol test as approved by French government 

A quick reminder that if you are driving in France it is now obligatory to carry at least two unused alcohol test units or a machine. These testers need to be approved by the French government to satisify French police. This new law came into force on 1st July, although no fines for not carrying an alcohol test will be levied until 1st November. 

I'm not clear whether there is a requirement that the driver tests themselves after drinking and before taking the wheel. If this is the case then for some frequent purchases of alco-tests will be required to make sure one always has at least two unused in the car at any one time. What an bonanza for the makers! 

I bought the pack of two featured here today from Halfords for £5.99. I didn't inquire about buying a machine but the only one they had cost £59.99 and wasn't approved by the French government because it was set up to test to the UK legal limit which is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, whereas in France it is 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.