Introduction: In France, an estimated 500,000 adults are chronically infected with viral hepatitis B or C, and nearly half of them are unaware of their serostatus. Strengthening screening for viral hepatitis is therefore one of the priorities of the 2009–2012 National Plan to Combat Hepatitis B and C. Since general practitioners (GPs) play an essential role in this screening, it is necessary to monitor changes in their practices in this area in order to adapt the information provided to them. Method: The survey was conducted between November 2008 and January 2009 using a random sample: 2,083 general practitioners in private practice were interviewed by telephone or online. Results: GPs’ prescribing habits regarding HCV screening vary depending on the at-risk groups: it is frequently offered to people who inject drugs (PWID) and to those who received blood transfusions before 1992; HCV screening is less frequently offered to people who have undergone invasive surgery, those with tattoos, or those with piercings, although a significant increase in screening offers has been observed among the latter group over the past 10 years. Prescribing practices for HBV screening are similar to those for HCV. General practitioners prioritize screening for drug users. Certain at-risk groups, which are less well-known or more difficult to approach, are screened less frequently, such as people from countries with high endemicity or those in precarious situations. Discussion: The offer of viral hepatitis screening by GPs is not systematic for all patients for whom recommendations exist, notably for HBV—people from countries with high prevalence—and for HCV—people with tattoos or piercings. These results should provide GPs with the necessary arguments to strengthen screening among their at-risk patients.[author’s abstract]