This content was provided on behalf of Hammond Trotter Solicitors

Legalities of Driving in France

France is a very popular destination for UK holiday makers in part because of the ease of taking a car with you on the ferry or Euro Tunnel.

In 2012 there were several changes to the driving law in France made regarding sat-nav and speed camera alerts and breathalysers which you should be aware of to avoid committing any motor offences.

Satnav and Speed Camera Alerts

It is now illegal in France to carry any device that is capable of detecting speed cameras, including satnavs that are able to show their whereabouts. Disable this alert if your satnav has this ability and you are planning on taking it with you to France. The French government is also intending to install approximately 400 new speed cameras that are unsigned and are taking down signs that currently indicate the location of speed cameras.

Breathalysers

In March 2012 it was confirmed that the driver of any motor vehicle (excluding mopeds) must carry a breathalyser.

Any driver unable to produce a breathalyser after November 2012 would receive a 11 euro fine. However, in January 2013 this law was postponed indefinitely by the French government.

The outcome of this is that if you are driving in France, you are legally required to carry a breathalyser, but there is no legislation in pace that would result in your receiving a fine for not having one.

Wherever you are driving this summer be sure to heed the information above and stay safe on the roads.

This article is written by Martin Hammond whose drivingdefences.com website specialises in drink driving and speeding cases.

*Correct as of August 2014