Do rental cars in France come with the two legally required breathalyzers?
As of June 2012 France requires all cars / drivers to carry two self-test breathalyzers.
Do all rental car companies supply them and if I use one what is the charge associated with it?
Best Answer
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.
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Answer 2
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
P.P.S Regarding the future, nobody knows. But at the time being there is no requirement.
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