Friday 24 February 2012

Going to France? Get a breathalyser


British holidaymakers driving to France this year should be warned they need to carry breathalyser kits in their cars to comply with new laws.

The gadgets, which allow drivers to test their own alcohol levels to make sure they are under the drink-drive limits, will be obligatory for all motorists in France from July.


The French drink-driving limit is 50mg, which is 30mg lower than in the UK. Drivers found with between 50mg and 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood can be fined €135 and gain six points on their licence. Drivers with more alcohol face fines of €4,500 and a two-year prison sentence.

Drivers caught without a kit - available from ferry and train terminals from £1 to £2 - could be fined €11, although police are not expected to start enforcing the fines until November.