French rule change on breathalysers
21 February 2012
Britons planning to visit France for holidays this summer are being advised to carry breathalyser kits in their cars as new French regulations come into force in July.
From July 1 2012, all drivers travelling to or through France by car will have to carry single-use breathalyser kits in their vehicle. From November 2012, failure to comply with the regulations will result in an on-the-spot fine.
The legal alcohol limit in France is 50mg per 100ml of blood, significantly lower than the 80ml limit in Britain.
As a result Neil Greig, the Institute for Advanced Motorists’ (IAM’s) director of policy and research, has warned travellers that the lower limit means that it is very easy to be caught out and the best advice is not to drink and drive at all.
Single-use breathalyser kits will be sold at ferry and tunnel crossings and will cost between £1 and £2. They are designed to allow people to test themselves before beginning their journey to assess whether or not they are over the French limit.
Along with breathalyser kits, drivers travelling to France this summer may want to invest in
European breakdown cover . Driving abroad can be stressful but a breakdown policy could save motorists time and money.
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