6 verified laws from France, each checked against the statute and sourced.
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Showing 1–6 of 6
Partially TrueNo longer in force
France
In France, every driver must carry an unused breathalyser kit in the car or face a fine
France did make every driver carry an unused breathalyser from 1 July 2012, but the promised fine was postponed twice and deleted on the morning it was due to start, and the obligation itself was repealed on 22 May 2020. No French driver has to carry one today.
Partially True
France
France Didn't Quite Ban Ketchup — But It Did Restrict It in Schools
France passed a real 2011 regulation restricting how ketchup is served in school cafeterias — but it was never a full 'ban.' The rule prevents ketchup from being freely available at self-serve stations; it may only be served alongside dishes where it is appropriate (essentially, with fries).
Partially True
France
Photographing the Eiffel Tower at Night? It's Complicated — and Technically Illegal
The Eiffel Tower's iconic nighttime light show is protected by French copyright law as an original artistic work, meaning commercial use of night photos requires prior authorization from the tower's operating company. However, simply taking the photo — or sharing it for personal use — is not illegal.
Partially True
France
In France, You Can Legally Marry a Dead Person — With the President's Blessing
France legally permits 'posthumous marriage' (mariage posthume) under Article 171 of the French Civil Code. A surviving partner can marry their deceased fiancé(e), but only with presidential approval and under strict conditions proving the deceased had clearly consented to the union before death.
Confirmed Myth
France
It's illegal to name a pig Napoleon in France
MYTH! Historian Sophie Muffat researched every law from the First Empire (1804-1815) and Second Empire (1852-1870) and found no such statute.
Confirmed Myth
France
Kissing on train platforms was once discouraged in France
MYTH! The story that France banned kissing on train platforms in 1910 is an urban legend. No statute or railway regulation has ever been produced, SNCF—routinely credited with the rule—was not founded until 1938, and SNCF itself treats the tale as hearsay. The famous "no kissing" signs and "kissing zone" come from Warrington, England, not France.
