New French driving laws are expected to be enforced vigorously. Take note: 1. This year, sat navs which show the position of speed cameras were made illegal. (radar detectors always have been): Fine 1500 euros.
2. Throughout Europe, a third to a half of all road deaths are alcohol related. In July this year French law will require all vehicles to carry a usable breathalyser. Cheap disposable ones should be available on the ferries or at airports for under 5 euros. On the spot checks start in November.
i) The new alcohol limit has been set at 0.05% which is about two glasses of wine or three beers.
ii) Fine for drivers with blood alcohol 50 - 80 mg/100ml is 135 euros and 6 points.
iii) Fine for over 80mg/100ml is 4500 euros, loss of licence and two years prison.
3. As well as the breathalyser, all vehicles must carry first aid kit and fire extinguisher, spare headlight and indicator bulbs, warning triangle and flourescent jackets for all occupants. All foriegn vehicles must show a national identifier on rear, on or close to the number plate. Fine for non-compliance 90 euros.
4. French speed limits are also tougher than in the UK, often with different upper limits -
i) For driving in the wet and dry
ii) For driving with a trailer that weighs over 3.5 tonnes
iii) For driving if holding a licence for less than two years
iv) Motorists driving at more than 25km/h above the speed limit can have their licence confiscated on the spot, while speeding also attracts on-the-spot fines.
4. French speed limits are also tougher than in the UK, often with different upper limits -
i) For driving in the wet and dry
ii) For driving with a trailer that weighs over 3.5 tonnes
iii) For driving if holding a licence for less than two years
iv) Motorists driving at more than 25km/h above the speed limit can have their licence confiscated on the spot, while speeding also attracts on-the-spot fines.
