Do rental cars in France come with the two legally required breathalyzers?

1/24/2013 10:34:50 PM

There is no legal requirement for having a breathanalyzer. There was a plan to introduce such a requirement. However this plan is postponed sine dine.

P.S. Here are two links (in French) for those who do not trust me:

http://www.service-public.fr/actualites/002384.html

http://www.franceinfo.fr/politique/manuel-valls-reporte-sine-die-les-ethylotests-obligatoires-dans-les-voitures-870723-2013-01-24

P.P.S Regarding the future, nobody knows. But at the time being there is no requirement.

1/24/2013 3:06:14 PM

Yes, every French car will be required to carry a breathalyser, even rentals.

However, as noted on the AA website, as of October last year:

The implementation of the sanction for drivers not carrying a
breathalyser – a fine of €11 – has been postponed from 1 November
2012 to 1 March 2013.

This was due to a shortage of 21 million or so breathalysers(!), as manufacturers struggled to keep up with demand.

In January 2013, the decision to implement the sanction has been postponed, it will be taken in February{fr}. The reason is the reliability of breathalyzers, plus the shortage and the high prices.

There’s also a website created, FrenchBreathalyzer.com, which is a little biased against it, but has a lot of the latest news and FAQs about the law, if you have further questions.

And other news sites are indicating that yes, French car rental companies WILL provide the breathalyzer devices.

Hertz has definitely confirmed that they will do so.

Rhino Car Hire has also confirmed this.

Avis has as well.

1/23/2013 2:48:19 PM

It’s normally the driver’s duty to bring the “éthylotest” (or “alcootest”), but some renting companies are providing one or two.

Otherwise it costs 2 € in shop / pharmacy.

Links (in french) for companies saying they provide it (in brackets, price you pay if you used it):
Avis (? €), Budget (? €), Europcar (6 €), Hertz (5 €), Sixt (5 €).

Always ask to be sure.

Credit:stackoverflow.com‘

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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