Breathalysers

 
 
 
 
 
Ally
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Breathalysers

 ·  Posted: 09.12.2011  ·  #1
Breath test kits obligatory in Vehicles in France from next year.

Frances English-language newspaper.
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Re: Breathalysers

 ·  Posted: 09.12.2011  ·  #2
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Re: Breathalysers

 ·  Posted: 09.12.2011  ·  #3
another bloody thing to need for France ... lol
Davy
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Re: Breathalysers

 ·  Posted: 12.12.2011  ·  #4
Evening all,

Bookmark this site until things get clarified. www.value-breathalysers.co.uk

I have not used them, but they can supply packs of three single use bags. you can choose zero, UK or EU threshholds.

They cost £8.33 (inc post and vat). Better than being caught short at the end of the ferry ramp at Roscoff by the Gendarmes wishing to welcome British vans who are at the centre of Europe according to Mr. Cameron!! (he will safeguard our position).

No doubt we shall be able to buy them on the ferry, but at what price?

Davy
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Re: Breathalysers

 ·  Posted: 12.12.2011  ·  #5
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Re: Breathalysers

 ·  Posted: 16.01.2012  ·  #6
I have been looking into this and found another company who have them..

Looks like it has been passed and will come into effect from 1 April this year..

The big question is, If you carry a single use device and use it what do you do for the rest of your trip?

I know it is unlikely you will be asked to use one at all but how many do you carry?
twister
 
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Re: Breathalysers

 ·  Posted: 02.02.2012  ·  #7
I have asked a friend about this. It seems that you must have on in the vehicle to prove you had the ability to check yourself before driving. This will only be a problem if you are stopped and found to either be without one or under the influence. If you have a used one in your vehicle when stopped your reading at that time must be lower than the indication on your used one. This reduces the chances of you carrying a used one and claiming you used it that day and have not been to get a replacement.
This is basic detail but I will try to get more.
The French readings are set lower than UK / Irish ones so digital machines must be ok for France or will not be accepted.
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Re: Breathalysers

 ·  Posted: 04.02.2012  ·  #8
Good info there. Thanks.

So the digital units are no good unless you can reprogramme it to the relevant settings?

I think we will just buy the disposable ones.
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Re: Breathalysers

 ·  Posted: 04.02.2012  ·  #9
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twister
 
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Re: Breathalysers

 ·  Posted: 05.02.2012  ·  #10
Some more information. There is suggestion that all devices must display the NF logo or the French authorities will not accept it. Also, the French limit is 0.02% as opposed to the UK limit of 0.05% which means UK devices may not be accepted. The fine for having no device or an unsuitabe device is €17 each time you are stopped and asked to produce it.
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Re: Breathalysers

 ·  Posted: 05.02.2012  ·  #11
I have asked a friend of mine in France about this.

He says the info is basic at the moment but what twister has said is all correct.

UK spec digital devices will not be accepted unless the settings can be adjusted to reflect the alcohol level of 0.05% and not the UK level of 0.08%

No mention of the NF thing but I believe it could well be correct as " Association francaise de normalisation" is the equivalent to BS ie.British standard.

And yes, the €17 fine for not having a device or an incorrect device is correct.

It would appear that most people plan to buy the disposable tubes.
They come with a two year shelf life and are to be easily available from most pharmacys, LeClerc, Auchan, Intermarché etc.
Another thing people will need to take note of is, if you hire a car in France you will need to have one with you. I am sure the hire companies will be happy to supply at a price.

I am going to buy online
Happycamper
 
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Breathalyser

 ·  Posted: 05.02.2012  ·  #12
Thanks for the info. We just heard recently we need to have these while travelling in France. We must remember to buy them when we arrive.
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Re: Breathalysers

 ·  Posted: 05.02.2012  ·  #13
True Rob.

I looked up the one you have and it seems to display the NF approval anyway.
Might be worth getting one.

@Happycamper: might be better before going as it is possible you could be stopped between boat and shops. In my experience the French police are very active on any new laws for the first few months
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Re: Breathalysers

 ·  Posted: 09.02.2012  ·  #14
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Re: Breathalysers

 ·  Posted: 09.02.2012  ·  #15
Thanks newt.

Best info yet.
Davy
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Re: Breathalysers

 ·  Posted: 09.02.2012  ·  #16
Hi All,

Got a pack of three from value-breathalisers. Quick delivery, no problems and each unit is in a sealed foil/transparent plastic packet. Each marked 0.5% though no sign of an NF mark.

Hope it fits the bill, at least it shows willing!!

Davy
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Re: Breathalysers

 ·  Posted: 12.03.2012  ·  #17
irishrver
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Re: Breathalysers

 ·  Posted: 12.03.2012  ·  #18
Just back from France while I was talking with a public relations police officer with the gendarmerie asked him about the breathalyser his first reaction was it does not matter to foreigners then he back tracked and said he was not sure yet as the fine print has not hit the stations he said they will be starting spot checks in June and every accident will be checked but there will not be any fines or prosecution until December as they always have a lead in period for minor laws so I was told not to worry about it until next year speeding was another matter :)
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Re: Breathalysers

 ·  Posted: 12.03.2012  ·  #19
Great.
Thanks for the info...
R&N
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Re: Breathalysers

 ·  Posted: 05.04.2016  ·  #20
Last mentioned 4 years ago, so do you still have to carry them with you?
kabundi
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Re: Breathalysers

 ·  Posted: 05.04.2016  ·  #21
No
CHAUSSON
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Re: Breathalysers

 ·  Posted: 05.04.2016  ·  #22
Yes, but they might be a couple of years out of date though.
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