Driving on the continent

Post by **Donald** » Thu May 08, 2014 4:58 pm

No, you still need one technically, you just wont be fined for not having one.

They could still be massive dicks and use it against you if the situation is relative.

But yeah it is stupid that there is a law that effectively they cannot enforce as there is no (direct) punishment for breaking it.

89 UKDM BA4 4WS (resto job!) · Post by **wurlycorner** » Thu May 08, 2014 6:47 pm

Do they also stipulate what/when you're supposed to use the breathalyser? If not, what's the point in just making you have one with you?

Post by **Gayno** » Thu May 08, 2014 7:04 pm

I think it's just so the police don't carry them themselves. IE if they think you've been drinking, it's down to you to prove your innocence, rather than them to prove you're guilty.

It's recommended you carry 2 as well, because if they ask you to use the one you have, you no longer have one in possession!

89 UKDM BA4 4WS (resto job!) · Post by **wurlycorner** » Thu May 08, 2014 7:22 pm

lxstuart · Post by **lxstuart** » Thu May 08, 2014 11:40 pm

I think they're mostly sold in packs of 2.

But what happens if you're just a really sh1t driver, and you get pulled over twice on the same journey

K30DPC · Post by **K30DPC** » Fri May 09, 2014 4:47 am

You have to have 2. Police will wanna retest you if first time you will be close to the limit. And french law require you to have it as french police don't carry any with them. Ofcourse if you buy electronic one then one is enough as you can use it more then once

julienh · Post by **julienh** » Fri May 09, 2014 9:40 am

Gayno wrote:I think it's just so the police don't carry them themselves.

the police only uses electronic breathalyzers

the breathalyzers you "have to" carry are meant for self-test before driving.
http://english.controleradar.org/drinking-driving.php
anyway, you won't prove anything to the police with those breathalyzers that can be spoiled by staying in your glove box under high/low temperatures...
that breathalyzer case was more a political move than an effective thing

lxstuart wrote: you get pulled over twice on the same journey

generally you will find those breathalyzers in gas station, supermarkets, sometimes tobacco shops...

prelude91 · Post by **prelude91** » Sat May 10, 2014 12:37 am

I was under the impression that the French rescinded the law compelling individuals to carry breathalyzers, my info. was current as of last July / August

YouTube · Post by **Sailor** » Sun May 11, 2014 2:12 am

i don't think they've actually rescinded the law.
It's simply that they don't apply it.

Buy a 2-pack if you like (they cost pennies) and then don't bother about it.

prelude91 · Post by **prelude91** » Sun May 11, 2014 1:39 pm

Pragmatic approach, sailor, best to carry, just in case. Even on a motorcycle they are not particularly bulky or space- consuming