h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

New French Driving Law (In force today) will it come to the UK; The fine and points will apply to UK drivers in UK registered vehicles The DVLA will add them



Alcohol limits are 0.5g/l, roughly the equivalent of 1 small glass of wine = €4,500 fine + 6 points

Alcohol limit of 0.2g/l for new drivers who have passed their test within the last 3 years = €4,500 fine + 6 points

Being under the influence of drugs = €4,500 fine + 6 points

Watching a screen which is not a driving aid (e.g. watching a DVD): €1,500 fine + 3 points

Manipulating (i.e. texting or talking on) a mobile while driving = €135 fine + 3 points

Using headphones (note that this applies to all road users including cyclists): €135 fine + 3 points

Not wearing a seatbelt = €135 + 3 points

Smoking with a minor on board = €68



FINE ONLY (at discretion)

Driving whilst eating a sandwich

Searching in the glove box, bag or handbag

Listening to loud music that will interfere with you hearing the normal road noises (and at night with the window open)

Applying make-up, even in a traffic jam

Thanks for those, Bob.

I guess you still need to carry one of those self-test breathalyser kits too?

Glad to help. A self tester might be a good idea

You off to France soon? have fun

Sounds reasonable?
They have a point system in Germany, too. But no idea how much you get for doing which things.

New drivers here are not allowed to drink any alcohol at all. They are still debating the things about smoking with kids in the car.

And I just wish they would do something about people with too loud music...

Hey, if it's too loud, you're too old

Or have young children who should be asleep

>> Manipulating (i.e. texting or talking on) a mobile while driving = €135 fine + 3 points<<

Only 3 points? Only €135 fine?

I use a mobility scooter, which has a maximum speed of 3mph, and was replying to a text in Kew Gardens. Just a short text, of about 5 words, and was within 2' of hitting a ruddy great tree!

I personally feel texting is worse than drink driving. Someone who has been drinking is concentrating really hard on driving, and to appear sober, so is possibly more in control than the driver who is craftily texting on their device, on their lap so as not to be detected. And it is not a small number. Here in London it is endemic. I've seen drivers turn right off of Kew Bridge on the South Circular, texting.

Personally I'm for the above. And yes, cyclists should be included. And if they don't drive, then carry the points over, in case they do get a license.

Just my

MMF

I've always thought young women are better and safer drivers than men of their age, but the number of young women I see texting on the motorway shocks me. There must be a way to get through to these people.

MMF you are so right it should be much harsher its an even worse offence in town (a slow traffic habit), but blue tooth ear pieces have also been banned in France the English driver needs to look out.

And they do hide behind trees and bushes they don't play fair sometimes

No Icy they are as bad or worse

Texting while driving seems to know no barriers of age or gender.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-33378386


it all depends if the judge is in an happy mood