July 1st is B-day in France

Green Flag Breakdown Service wish to remind motorists that as of July 1st France is taking a new approach in battling drink driving by legally requiring every driver, including visitors from the UK and elsewhere, to carry a single-use breathalyser kit.

With the summer holidays rapidly approaching, and many UK drivers planning to head across the English Channel in their cars, Green Flag is reminding them that these new rulings apply to all drivers in France.

Officials at the French transport ministry have confirmed the rules will apply to anyone driving on French roads, including foreigners visiting the country as of July 1st. However, under the new rule, drivers caught without a breathalyser will only be cautioned until November – after which point anyone caught without the kit will face an €11 (approx. £9) fine.

The single-use breathalyser kit needed under the new rule can be used to check the driver’s blood alcohol level. The legal limit in France is 0.5 grams per litre (50mg per 100ml of blood – lower than the 80mg limit in the UK). The new kit will allow people to test themselves as well as others if they suspect they are over the limit.

Single-use breathalysers cost between €0.50 and €1.50 and the authorities are trying to make sure there are enough available before the law comes into force. Breathalyser tests carrying the blue circular “NF” logo are recommended in France to comply with the legislation (this is the equivalent of the BSI kite mark in Britain), and they can be purchased online ahead of travelling. However, there are many products being sold as French breathalysers, but these won’t necessarily satisfy the French police known as the Gendarmerie unless they are on an approved list. Green Flag is advising motorists to carry at least two NF certified breathalysers at all times, so that one can be used if necessary while the other is kept to produce if requested by police.

Anyone driving in France is already required to carry a warning triangle and a fluorescent safety vest. The vest should be carried inside the car and not the car boot. Failure to have these in the car can lead to a fine of €90. Other items required are a first aid kit, fire extinguisher and spare bulbs for car lamps, lenses and reflectors.