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Driving Security Reminder
Normally, during the pre-departure briefing, you were reminded that US citizens traveling overseas must obey the laws and regulations of their host country. The capital offense crimes (murder, rape, illegal drugs, etc...)
Parallel the US and California laws thus punishable by fines and jail time. In foreign countries, US citizens that are arrested lose their rights and are subject to the host countries laws that are sometimes vague and confusing.
Most notable is the right to a speedy trial as some US citizens have been in jail for months before talking to an attorney. Although Free Lance and Arianespace may try to assist there is no legal obligation for your company to get involved as it becomes an American embassy issue.
Additionally, France and French Guyana have the same driving rules and regulations. Here are some important ones to remember:
- You must wear a seat belt
- You must respect the speed limits
(indicated by road signs, usually 50 kmph in towns and 90kmph outside towns) - Use of cell phones while driving is illegal (unless you are using a hands free system)
Drinking and driving laws:
- If your blood alcohol level is between 0.5 and 0.8 the fine up to 135 Euro
(and possible loss of driving privileges).
- If your blood alcohol level is excess of 0.8 possible jail term up to 2 years,
4.500 Euro fine, suspension of license and confiscation of vehicle.
- If your blood alcohol level is excess of 0.8 and presence of banned narcotics (drugs)
is detected, possible 3 years jail term, 9.000 Euro fine, etc...
- If your blood alcohol level is excess of 0.8 and you cause an accident
same as above but he fine is up to 30.000 Euro.
- If your blood alcohol level is excess of 0.8 and you cause that result in someone's death (involuntary manslaughter), 7 years prison term and a 100.000 Euro fine.
If your blood alcohol level is excess of 0.8 and presence of banned narcotics (drugs) is detected and you cause that result in someone's death (involuntary manslaughter), 10 years prison term and a 150.000 Euro fine.
- If you refuse to take a breathalyzer, there will be further penalties
The French legal intoxication level is 0.5 (0.5g of alcohol/ liter of blood which is more strict than California's level at 0.8.
For example, a normal person can be over 0.5 by drinking 2 or 3 beers per hour or 2 or 3 gin and tonics in 2 hours.
WARNING : The gendarmes are conducting roadside breathalyzer tests around town.
They are always options : taxi, designated drivers.
Drive safely and enjoy life...
