Sleepy:

Could you elaborate on that? After applying this software update, did the Zumo no longer provide you with any notification whatsoever of 'proximity alerts' that were in the proximity database, or did it simply "beat around the bush" in how it provided notification, for example, by saying 'Danger spot ahead' or 'Pay particular attention ahead', rather than saying '50 km/h speed camera ahead'?

Michael

John's said it all. I would just add that a breath alyser will be compulsory in (on) ALL motorised vehicles from (I think) June this year. You need to carry 1 with you or on the vehicle. The police / gendarmes will spot check this item.
However, they cannot oblige you to use it, if you only have one, obliging you to use it would oblige you to break the law which they cannot do.

Don't buy a uk breathalyser test cos the french will insist the test is stamped NF, & calibrated to the french limit which is 0,50g / litre air (is the uk still 0,80g?) they cost about 1€50 a peice in a pharmacy.

triangle & first aid kit & bulb kit & his vis etc are NOT obligatory on bikes (yet)

ride safe

MooN

oh yeah, I have just seen an article here from a lawyer stating that the police / gendarmerie have absolutely no right to enter your vehicle or manipulate yoyr gps or telephone or remove them from the vehicle, your car is considered private property & they need a "commission rogatoire" from a judge to enter private property (or an invitation from the owner...). The Douanes (customs) have the right to do just about whatever they please, don't mess about with them & don't EVER lie to them, it just ain't worth it.

(I spent 2 hours at 2 am on the side of the A26 having my company van stripped out by them about 8 months ago & the pressure they put on you to admit you've been smoking dope or have done so in the past is enormous & at that time in the morning VERY intimidating!)

Hi Michael, the update removed all reference to proximity alerts from the database..., so no notification at all about 'Safety Cameras'.
Which I didn't mind as I found the 'bonging sound annoying' (though I did turn it off).

"Don't buy a uk breathalyser test cos the french will insist the test is stamped NF, & calibrated to the french limit which is 0,50g / litre air (is the uk still 0,80g?) they cost about 1€50 a peice in a pharmacy."

Are the 'NF' stamped item available in all Pharmacies? I've never felt the need buy one before! I've not drunk alcohol for 11 Years now, so it could be an interesting conversation with the Frech Police if stopped!

Just as an aside, I read recently (don't know how true) that the French are / might be having to display 20% LARGER number plates - although it won't apply to non residents, I don't think.

Expensive more like

Only applies to new registrations from... I forget the date... . Will not affect existing plates or foreign regos.
The new plate still wont be as big as the UK one
Strange to say the in Germany, you can now have a smaller plate on your bike.

The breathalysers can be bought at supermarkets here, Super-U for instance, for about a Euro 50. They will have an NF rating.
You also need TWO! to be legal.
DON'T buy the ones the AA/RAC will try and flog you in Dover/Folkstone... Bound to be expensive.

Cheers,
John

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Nostradamus Ate My Hamster

I live in France, and it is certainly illegal to carry a gps with speed camera functions. I have not immobilised my Zumo yet, as I don't see how they can catch you. The fine has gone up to E1500, with 6 points. I haven't seen any breathalysers for sale here yet, a friend bought one at Halfords UK for about £60 which is pricy, but can be used again and again.

What is the underlying logic to this concept of carrying a breathalyser with you, in any type of vehicle in France?
Is it so that you can breathalyse yourself if you are not sure if you have had too much to drink, or is the idea that the police will use your breathalyser kit if and when they pull you over?

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Dave

The police would certainly use their own certified and more accurate breathalyser system for a court case. I doubt that they could prosecute you using your own equipment, which for all they know, you could have tampered with.

The only logical use I can think of having a portable alcohol device is that when you have a drink, you can check if you are still under the limit. If so, you can have a 'top up' drink until you reach the driving alcohol limit .

i.e. there is no sensible logic in this legislation. It is more likely to cause harm than good by encouraging drivers to 'top up' before driving. That has always been the argument against them in the UK.

But of course it's an election year for Sarkozy so all sorts of weird and wonderful legislation seems to be being rushed through to bolster support from minority ethnic and pressure groups.

Grey Beard

available in all pharmacies for cost of 1 to 2 € each (madame MooN works in a pharmacie & brought 4 home for 3€) also available, at least for a while in supermarkets, petrol stations, diy stores, news agents, garages etc etc etc.

went straight through France over the last 4 days, no grief from the Rozzers!

The fine is like 1,000 euros so I did expect to be pulled and challenged straight off the ferry :-)

Using a Zumo with the camera locations switched off as per the Garmin website, no problems for me and Bikey George.

I bought a 'NF' kit from Halfords - one off use, £4.95. Not as cheap as in France, maybe, but I don't need to go searching straight off the Ferry, either!

Have also just joined MAG. As well as the above (and other bizarre bits of legislation), I'm particularly irked about the potential 'no tampering' rule that would see most (all?) non-OE parts made illegal, you needing to get 'permission' from the Government to have them on your bike!

There's an article at the start of this month's 'Bike' magazine detailing some of the issues (although they've been covered widely elsewhere, too).

If this legislation goes through, it could mean SERIOUS financial trouble for those selling aftermarket gear. Not going to be well received here!

Just what we all need with the economy the way it is . . . . .

I love biking in France, and the French people (well, most anyway - but I feel the same about the English!) I don't want to have to circumvent the whole country just to avoid silly, ill-conceived laws that don't really benefit anyone.

Probably so that if they pull you and you are over the limit they can double fine you .. 1. for being over the limit and .. 2. carrying but not using your kit before driving/riding.

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RTW Jan 2009 - Aug 2012. Currently in Europe waiting for the next ride
www.takingthelongwayhome.co.uk

But of course if you test yourself after lunch, then again after a small glass with dinner, you would have to still have a 3rd as a spare as its illegal to not carry one, which on a bike at least, for a multiday trip, either you need a trailer for all the testers, go teatotal, or perhaps use common sense

Or you could buy a GoldWing/Trailer combo and carry lots of them!!!
I rode Wings for 20 years .... not a dig!!! Harleys on the other hand ... no, stop it!!!

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RTW Jan 2009 - Aug 2012. Currently in Europe waiting for the next ride
www.takingthelongwayhome.co.uk

This breathalyser situation seems a daft paradox -unless I am missing something.
I assume by the prices quoted these are a single use device.

The puropse of the Legal requirement to carry a breathalyser is presumably to use if you have had a drink to see if it is OK to continue driving/riding.

If, on testing yourself with the legally required one brethalyser, you are -
- over the limit you do not drive/ride. All well and good.
- under the limit you do not drive/ride. Because you no longer have an unused breathalyser.

Either way you cannot drive/ride. Great idea... Well done France!

The number 'vingt deux' comes to mind.

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www.sibirskyextreme.com