Breathalyser kits in France – rule change, they will NOT need to be carried by motorists in France.
In 2011 the French Government issued information that from 1 July 2012 motorists in France must carry a breathalyser kit (etholytest voiture) in their car – this included foreign motorists and holiday makers.
As at January 2013 however the Government stance is that this ruling has been amended – motorists currently are required to carry the kit but will not be fined if they don’t.
Driving rules in France states that motorists who have between 50mg and 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood can be fined €135 (if you have a UK licence you could lose six out of 12 points). Motorists with a higher reading than 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood can be fined up to €4,500 (UK licence holders could lose their licence) and risk being sent to prison for up to two years.
French police will continue to use their own breathalyser kits to carry out roadside tests and the rules are strict on drink driving so don’t get caught out by thinking that dropping the requirement for a self breathalyser kit is reason for a downgrade – it isn’t.
As more information becomes available we will update you.
More on Driving Rules in France here.
