Breathalyser

[dasadrew]

I think the old adage about speedos overreading doesn't apply to newer cars. On my company Audi or Mercedes I've used a GPS speedo and determined that the difference is very small indeed. French tolerance which is deducted in your favour is 5% and there is a zero tolerance policy on speeding. 1km/h is the same offence as 20km/h above the limit. I only manage to stay sane because I'm only 20 minute's drive away from an unrestricted 3-lane German Autobahn!

[wilf]

As I understand it, Euro regulations insist on speedos being accurate to within 5% for cars (tighter for HGVs). So prosecuting you for excess speed less than 5% over the posted limit is a bit rich!

[dasadrew]

As I understand it, Euro regulations insist on speedos being accurate to within 5% for cars (tighter for HGVs). So prosecuting you for excess speed less than 5% over the posted limit is a bit rich!

Not quite right. A speedo is never allowed to underread. It can certainly show 5% difference, but only showing faster than you are actually going. So no excuse really.

The speed indicated shall not be less than the true speed of the vehicle. At the test speeds specified in paragraph 5.2.5 above, there shall be the following relationship between the speed displayed (V 1 ) and the true speed (V 2 ).
0 ≤ (V 1 – V 2 ) ≤ 0,1 V 2 + 4 km/h

To be honest, I don't know why all the faffing about with tolerances, turning a blind eye or whatever. If the limit is 70 mph, then it's 70 mph. If doing 80 mph is ok, then FFS make the limit 80mph with zero tolerance. If the limit is 70mph and I get flashed for doing 80mph then I take it on the chin, pay up and move on. I admit I can say that easily because I have access to unlimited roads. Not sure how I'd think if I had to spend my life pootling around at the lowest speed limit in Europe (UK, I believe).

[wilf]

I stand corrected, I had forgotten the "not allowed to under-read" bit - it's been a long time since I last IVA'd a car!

[Guest]

I bought "Auto Plus" today and the satnav radar trap issue is still under discussion between the powers that be and the manufacturers. So they are now saying that they will not nobble anyone until at least July. Auto Plus is not aware of anyone being charged to date. As I said, cart before the horse again. I was the same with the Hi vis vests - we had to have one in the car before you could buy one! It was the same with swimming pool alarms. Those of us that bought them subsequently found out that they had written a standard for them after the event and ours did not comply! Same with "MOT" for 30 year old cars - it is now valid for 5 years. One of mine was done a year ago and still they do not have a window sticker with a duration of 5 years!

Here's another one. Normally when a traffic light goes to orange, red appears 5 seconds later. However, Auto Plus has discovered that many of the red light jumper traps in a 70kph zone have had this reduced to 3 seconds. So they did some tests and it is impossible to stop within 3 seconds if you are going at 70 kph! So you are stuffed and will get a fine in the post. Mind you, I am in full agreement with trapping red light jumpers.

But the weather is generally good and i like the wine and the life here; so I'll put up with a few oddities.!

[keeny]

Hi all,does this law apply to all drivers in france includeing the french or is it only to visiting drivers
Keeny

[elvimto]

I think the whole concept is completely stupid i have a really simple rule if I drink I do not drive its way to expensive in California to get busted for a 502 as they call it average cost 6000 US dolars by the time you pay for lawyers and such and your insurance rates. Lets be real about this if you have been drinking you are allready impaired so you blow into a breath kit and then you have to decide what you were already thinking is it left or right out of this parking lot' Trust the French.

cheers Stuart

[dasadrew]

I think the whole concept is completely stupid i have a really simple rule if I drink I do not drive its way to expensive in California to get busted for a 502 as they call it average cost 6000 US dolars by the time you pay for lawyers and such and your insurance rates. Lets be real about this if you have been drinking you are allready impaired so you blow into a breath kit and then you have to decide what you were already thinking is it left or right out of this parking lot' Trust the French.

cheers Stuart

Hi Stuart,

some cultures consider it part of everyday life to have a glass of wine with every meal e.g. the French. So this has to be controlled by the State.
Some cultures consider it part of everyday life to have a beer with every meal and class beer as a 'foodstuff' e.g. the Germans. So this has to be controlled by the State.
Some cultures consider it part of everyday life to walk around with a loaded handgun in your pocket and be prepared to use it .... often e.g. the Americans. So this has to be allowed by the State as an absolute Human Right.

Every country has customs and laws which might seem stupid to outsiders. Doesn't mean that those laws are actually stupid though!
Crazy world, huh?

California:
Drunk Driving related deaths per year ~ 1000
Firearm related deaths per year ~ 3000
Trust the Americans.

By the way, out of interest, can the police stop you in California for a random breathalyser test?

Drew