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Hiyas you all,

Can anyone confirm with authority the regulation we have just heard about ?

As from 1st July 2012 it is law to carry a recognised Alcoohol checker whilst driving on French roads. Financial penalties occuring if failing to do so.

Many thanks. Have a good "summer Season "

Regards GJW

Tuscan :- Many thanks. I wonder if the Caravan club know and give out advice. How i wish i was in the checker sales/manufacture business !!

Shame i travel October 2012 but return (through france) 2013.

Take care

RegardsGJW

Since 2011, in fact - see all the previous threads here

They must have the 'NF' symbol, be single use ones, and are widely available in French supermarkets at around 1 euro each - so you're not going to make a fortune!  You can buy them over here, but they're much more expensive.

Quote: Originally posted by tuscan74 on 15/6/2012

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Yes it's true but I'm assured they won't start enforcing this law until oct/nov

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If you are going out in october then buy one at a supermaket in France on way through as fining won't be enforced until 1/11 i believe. just keep one tucked away in the glovebox and sorted. Its not a huge fine even if you didn't have them

Don't forget to also turn off traffic camera settings on sat nav as well if relevant

It was in the recent CC magazine.

You can buy the testers on the ferry and in France - you must have 2 with you

It isnt the case that you will need two, and is a 'Chinese Whisper' from forums like this one, where people speculated 'What will happen if I use one' - and answered their own question by saying 'You'll need two - one to use and one to carry! This is the advice from the Caravan Club:

Earlier this year a rule was passed requiring all motorists in France to carry a breathalyser with them in their car or caravan.

After weeks of speculation, the regulation has now been added to the Journal Official and comes into effect from July 1st – peak tourism season in the country.

The fine for not complying with this law is €11 (£8.82), although penalties will not be issued until November, and disposable devices can be bought for as little as little as €1.

Hazel, a staff member on our Caravan Club forums, advised that most ferry operators will also stock breathalysers so that you are fully-equipped when you finish your journey across The Channel.

Furthermore, Travelspot has also confirmed that it will be selling alcohol testers and these will be available as a twin pack for £4.99 plus postage and packing.

Hazel also advised that breathalysers need to be marked with NF, which is the approval mark in France.

"NF approved breathalysers can only be manufactured in France, so all the suppliers in the UK must buy their stock from France which I know Travelspot have done," she told forum members.

Each year, around three million Brits travel to France in their car or caravan, choosing the convenient ferry routes to take a break across The Channel.

France also has a lower alcohol limit than the UK. Motorists are allowed 50mg per 100ml of blood, which is 30mg less than on these shores.

"The new French rule is a genuine attempt to reduce the number of alcohol related-accidents," said Neil Greig, the IAM's director of policy and research. France's lower limit means it's very easy to be over the limit the morning after as well," said Neil Greig, director of policy and research at the IAM.

As well as a breathalyser, there are certain other requirements of drivers in France. You must carry a red breakdown triangle and a reflective safety jacket (which should be stored in the car rather than the boot) in case you break down.

Seat belts should be worn by all passengers, and children under the age of ten are not allowed to sit in the front of a car or caravan unless they are in a rear-facing chair.

As long as the one you have remains unused then you're OK!  You only need to get another if you plan to use the one you've already got!  Breathalyers are on sale in many French supermarkets at €1 each, or two for €1.50 or €1.75 depending on where you look.  They are in the motoring section usually, sometimes on 'aisle ends' and sometimes in those handy bits near the checkouts where you pick things up impulsively. We just come back from France and almost everywhere has them (certainly where we were on the Med).

Many thanks for all your contributions. Very informative n helpfull

Regards GJW