The_Poppy_March_2012.pdf - The Western Front Association

Planning a trip to France? L’Automobiliste … PRENEZ GARDE!
For some years now it is has been strictly forbidden under
Article R413-15 of the French ‘Code de la Route’ (highway
code) to carry a speed camera detector in a vehicle in France,
regardless of whether or not it is being used. Penalties can
include fines of up to 1,500 euros (£1,290) confiscation of the
device and of the vehicle. Until recently this legislation did
not apply to satellite navigation or other GPS/phone based
systems, capable of displaying fixed speed camera locations
as points of interest (POI).
However, a new French law came into effect from 3rd
January 2012, to extend the carrying of such devices to
include Satnav or GPS/phone systems capable of showing
speed camera sites as POI.
As well as now banning these devices, the French
government is actively installing around 400 new fixed
speed cameras and taking down road signs that indicate the
location of existing fixed speed camera sites.
What should you do? If you have a Satnav device
capable of displaying camera locations in France, then
you must at least disable the speed camera alerts before
driving in France. It is recommended that you contact the
manufacturer of the Satnav for advice as it is likely that a
software or database update is available to actually remove
speed camera data from the device for France. Those drivers
who have a Satnav system built into their car should contact
the vehicle manufacturer in the first instance.
The French Police are not allowed to investigate your unit
GPS/Phone etc. but the Customs & Excise (Douanes) can do
so by law and it is reported that checks are likely to be made
when leaving ferry or Eurotunnel terminals.
Encore … PRENEZ GARDE! Another new motoring
law that is being introduced into France, this July, is
the requirement for all motorists to carry a single-use
breathalyser kit in their cars, so that they can test themselves,
as necessary, to ensure they are below the French drink-drive
limits. Motorists found with between 50mg and 80mg of
alcohol in their blood can be fined €135 (£116) and lose six
out of 12 points on their driving licence. Above that, then a
driver risks a fine of €4,500 (£3,880) the loss of his licence
and a prison sentence 0f up to two years.
Motorists are being urged to carry at least two of the
single-use breathalysers, to show the police that they have
a ready-to-use kit available, if stopped. The Police will, of
course, use their own breathalysers to carry out any roadside
test.
Those drivers caught without a kit will risk a fine of €11
(£9.50) but the French have stated that there will be a period
of grace until November 2012, before they start issuing
penalties. Breathalyser kits cost between £1 and £2 each and
will be available from ferry and Eurotunnel terminals on this
side of the Channel.
French Police are expected to carry out random checks
on drivers to ensure that they understand the latest drinkdriving
rules.
Just a reminder of what you will now be compulsorily
required to carry when driving in France:
• Breathalyser
• Luminous vest (gilet)
• Warning triangle
• GB sticker or number plate with EU logo
• Motor insurance certificate
• Headlamp converters
• BOTH paper and photo card parts of UK driving licence
Recommended:
• Spare bulbs for external lights
• Fire extinguisher
• First-aid kit n
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