French - New Rules Compulsary Carrying Breathalyser Kits Warning

[BIG MAC]

DryRob...You miss the point completely The French will not use 'your' breathalyser to prosecute you. The French may stop you and require you to use it...and if you fail at the roadside take this as evidence that you had opportunity to establish whether you were legal and didn't use it (Many French will likely use one after one glass then go on to have another couple) This is why you must have at least 2 unused in the vehicle. The Gendarmes will use the interview period to assess whether they need to test you on their equipment. A fail means you had the opportunity to consider your actions yet still flouted the law...As far as a French Judge is concerned....you are for the big house and not passing go.
It is actually quite a good idea and for many the kits will lie in our glove boxes unused and go out of date (worth noting) This is all about the French 2 hour lunch break which is followed shortly after by kids heading home from school not so much aimed at foreign visitors but rules is rules.
Re the Hi Viz , bulbs, triangle ...all fairly sensible stuff and stuff we would be glad of in an emergency....French motorways at night can be pitch black out in the country with sleepy guys driving lorries through the night some with British plates and lights that don't highlight the verge...
With regard to the older than 2004 bikes in cities I don't think the Gendarmes will be too interested in foreign machines much the same as 100bhp applies to French bikes and matriculated imports