Douce France, Chapter 164

Recognising that alcohol is the main cause of the endless slaughter on France’s roads, the government has enacted a curious piece of legislation.  I’d forgotten till colleague Bill emailed to remind me.  From last Sunday, it became obligatory for all vehicles to carry two unused breath test kits, and official web sites instruct drivers who have been drinking to test their blood alcohol level before they drive, and to drive only if the crystals turn green up to the red line, and not beyond.  France admittedly has a substantially lower alcohol limit than the UK – in common with most of Europe, I should add – at 0.5 grammes of alcohol per litre of blood cf. the 0.8 that Her Gracious Majesty’s legislators allow.  Issues:  (1) The policy implicitly encourages driving while outside a couple of drinks, which will already have dented one’s alertness and inhibitions at the wheel.   This may be pragmatic in the French context.  At one time, it was said that the gendarmes were only interested if they could detect a spot of gnole (spirits) on your breath: pinard (plonk) didn’t count.  (2)  We have asked for breath test kits in two shops today, and were told ‘none left’ and ‘we can’t get any’.  At another pharmacy, there was a notice on the door saying ‘Plus d’éthylotest’ (don’t trouble us by asking).  I’ve ordered mine up via the internet, and expect delivery within 72 hours.  I’m assured that the new regulations won’t be enforced until 1 November, and then sanctioned with a fine of €11. 

Will it change anything?  I hope so, but fear otherwise.  I’ve no reason to suppose that this morning’s lethal overtaking by white van men was booze-fuelled.  The more spectacular one took exception to my doing 40 mph on the winding road to Ribaute, and started overtaking a couple of hundred yards from the blind bend at the old tramway tunnel.  I read that that’s good for a fine of €135 and 3 points.  Using a mobile phone while driving is a 2-pointer here (3 points in UK) with a fine of €35 (£60 for the fixed penalty notice, typically £235-300 all told if it comes to court).  Fines are reduced by a third if paid promptly.  Interesting reading at http://www.securite-routiere.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/081219-depliant_sanctions_cle2c593e.pdf for them wot reads French.