France orders British drivers to carry breathalysers

Updated
France orders British drivers to carry breathalysers
France orders British drivers to carry breathalysers

PA


New rules mean that, from next weekend, British holidaymakers will have to carry breathalyser kits in their cars when they are driving in France.

The Daily Mail reports that drivers who are caught without the kit will face a fine of £9, but there will be a period of grace until November.

The French government has approved two breathalyser kids - one that costs £3 and a digital version that costs £40.

However, UK road safety campaigners have warned that the cheap kits aren't reliable as, although they will indicate if you have been drinking, it's hard to determine if you are over the limit.

The new law is being introduced to encourage drivers to breathalyse themselves before driving. The French drink-driving limit of 50mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood equates to a large beer or glass of wine, and is much lower than the 80mg limit in the UK.

In France, motorists found with 50mg to 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood face a £108 fine and could gain six penalty points on their license. If they register above 80mg, they could be fined £3,626, lose their license and be sent to prison for up to two years.

Motorists also face £108 on-the-spot fines if they are not carrying a luminous safety vest, a warning triangle, headlamp coveters for driving at night and a GB sticker or numberplate with EU logo.

The total cost of the kit required now comes in at around £40.

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