New traffic regulation in France for in-car breathalysers.

French government introduced new measures to curb drunk-driving. Almost 30% of road accidents in France are caused by people under alcohol influence.

From 1 July 2012 all cars must be equipped with a breathalyser. All drivers found without it will be fined with 11 Euro on the spot from 1 November 2012 onwards. Up to this time drivers without a single-use breathalyser test can get away with a warning.

The new traffic law will affect all drivers in France. Tourists will have to equip their vehicles with breath testing equipment as well. It can be found at petrol stations, supermarkets and pharmacies. Breathalysers can also be ordered through some online pharmacies. The cost is circa 1.50 Euro.

The new traffic law has been introduced to help people to measure the BAC (blood alcohol content) before they drive. The legal BAC limit in France is 0.5 (0.5 g of alcohol per 1 liter of blood) to compare with UK: 0.8. Drunk-driving will result in a heavy fine or imprisonment: - the fine of 90 to 750 Euro will be issued if BAC is between 0.5 and 0.8 - the fine of 4,500 Euro and up to two years' imprisonment if BAC is over 0.8

If you hire a car in France, make sure it is equipped with the breathalyser when you pick it up. Otherwise, you may find breathalysers in the nearest petrol station. Most of the car hire suppliers in France have already installed single-use tests in their fleet.

Safe journey!