I think you're right and I mis-spoke! Apologies.

ExXB - I was stopped and asked to produce my yellow jackets and breathalysers a few months ago on the road between Calais and Abbeville. The barman in the Abbeville hotel said they do this quite a lot, and demand spot-fines if you don't have them. It could be a scam, I suppose...

PDR

There, corrected it for you.

Hhmm, if the law permits these spot checks in France (which I understand it does) then it is not a scam. The Oxford Dictionary says that a Scam is a dishonest scheme / fraud. You might not like it but it is the law.

And that's fair enough - I've always had the jackets and breathalyser anyway. But according to the barman the fines they collect are all in cash, none of which is ever seen again. He based this on the detail that the local police returns show zero occurrences of these offences. That's why he suggests it's a scam as per your OED definition.

I did manage to escape a speeding fine in Ginestas a few years ago by agreeing to a "cautionary interview" by the local chef du police - in his favourite restaurant, over lunch, at my expense...

PDR

Fluorescent Jackets
 

In France, my understanding is that failure to have a one-use breathalyser is still an offence, but there is no fine defined. However, there IS a fine for failure to carry an appropriately-marked reflective vest (135€ reduced to 90€ for quick payment) and in practice the rule that is enforced is that the reflective vest must be stored such that the driver can reach it and put it on without having to leave the vehicle first.
PBW

Ouch, yes that IS a scam PDR1. It's the kind of activity you expect in Africa - and pay up willingly - but not in Europe..

I am led to believe it's quite common in france.

PDR

The French police are not averse to a bit of cash fund-raising. Living here i do hear the stories.
Also i was once stopped in a ski town, for apparently not stopping at a Stop sign.
I said 'What Stop sign?'
They showed me. The sign was covered by a tree branch laden with snow, and the white line on the road was covered in snow. 90 Eur cash fine. But i did and always do make sure i get an official ticket.

Nobody carries the breath testers, but you do still see them occasionally on motorway service station counter with signs in English saying 'compulsory'. Another scam.
Incidentally they are totally useless. I had a accident a few years back where someone drove into me and the drove off. Not my fault, but i had drunk a beer and a half (under limit). However I thought it wise to use my tester before calling the cops out. Mine indicated nothing, theirs indicated me at about 75% of the limit.