Gendarmerie

Whilst travelling through France last year, I got pulled over with several other motorists at a routine check. The Gendarme asked for paperwork, which was all in order, then he asked me to get out and go round the front where he pointed directly at my steel winch cable. I didn't understand what he was saying apart from ".................. en France, Au Revoir". I took this as my queue to leave without asking any questions! They were very efficient and courteous, even stopping the traffic so I could pull out again (couldn't see a thing being RHD!). Does anyone know what he was getting at? Are steel cables illegal in France?, the winch is fitted to a First Four winch bumper.

i know in some countries you have to cover everything you may not use on public motorways (any lights without an E-mark for example). Could apply here, as you aren't allowed to use a winch on a road shirley

Thanks for the reply philvy, sounds like a reasonable explanation. And don't call me Shirley!

White_Disco said:

Thanks for the reply philvy, sounds like a reasonable explanation. And don't call me Shirley!

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can i call you walter?

Not got a kin clue Was it sticking out in a way that sombody might have ripped a knee cap off if parked up and they walked in front ?

They can be a bit funny about "Bull Bars", in fact they can be a bit bloody funny in general

In most EU countries your winch and other 'sticking out' bits must be covered.

There are pukka covers available, but a bit of tarpaulin wrapped around and a couple of bungees would be good enough.

My French off-road mate who lives near Bordeaux commented on this when he was in UK a few years back.

Incidentally did you hear that we will need to carry breathalyser kits for France later this year. Going to sell them on the ferry I hear.

Singvogel.

Singvogel said:

Incidentally did you hear that we will need to carry breathalyser kits for France later this year. Going to sell them on the ferry I hear.

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why ? pray tell more.

Optimus Prime said:

why ? pray tell more.

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drink driving. seems the frogs like to have a glass or more and drive. sounds familiar... and their uber-frog decided to force everyone to carry a breathalyser or pay fine (methinks 11quid)

Optimus Prime said:

why ? pray tell more.

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So that if cought blathered not only can they lock you up, take your licence off you but also give you a bollocking cos you did'nt blow in yeh bag or did and drove off anyway !

That breathalyser bit is rather short sighted. Even the Police ones in the UK can't be used to prosecute, only to try and determine if you may be over or under the limit - how accurate is a £10 keyfob one going to be??

MikeV8SE said:

That breathalyser bit is rather short sighted. Even the Police ones in the UK can't be used to prosecute, only to try and determine if you may be over or under the limit - how accurate is a £10 keyfob one going to be??

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That's not the point. I think Jason is right, it's just so that the police can argue you drove off even though you could test your level yourself! (more severe fines and stuff)