Car breathalyser fine enforcement delayed in france until March 2013

Car breathalyser fine enforcement delayed in France until March 2013

Green Flag Breakdown Service wishes to highlight that from March 2013 all drivers will face an €11 (approx. £9) fine if caught in France without a breathalyser in their car. 
Fines to enforce the new law, which was introduced earlier this year, were due to come into effect on 1st November, but this has now been delayed until March 2013. At present, drivers including visitors from the UK face caution if caught driving in France without the compulsory kit. 
France’s Interior Minister, Manuel Valls, made the decision to delay the on-the-spot fines as a result of stock difficulties reported in certain regions.

With the autumn school half term holiday underway for some families and many UK drivers planning to head across the English Channel, Green Flag is reminding motorists that driving without a breathalyser in France is still illegal, despite the delay. It is also urging all drivers planning a trip to France to order their kit well in advance to avoid disappointment due to high demand. 

Miranda Schunke, spokesperson for Green Flag, said: “Although fines to enforce the new regulation may not come into effect until March, this is a huge step-change in policy so last minute demand for these testing kits is likely to be high. We’d strongly advise all motorists considering driving in France to invest in some breathalysers well in advance of their trip, to avoid last minute panics, and more importantly, breaking the law.  

“Breathalysers are useful for ensuring those that need to drive after consuming alcohol can do so legally. However, it’s vital that drivers don’t interpret this requirement as a sanction for drinking, before getting behind the wheel. Drink driving remains a serious problem throughout the UK and Europe, so we’d discourage drivers from consuming any alcohol whatsoever before they take to the road.”
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. 
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact:


Miranda Schunke
Green Flag Press Office
Tel: 0208 266 3795
Mobile: 07766 472 690
Email: Miranda.Schunke@directlinegroup.co.uk

Kia McLean 
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Tel: 0207 282 1092
Email: Kia.McLean@citigatedr.co.uk

Green Flag
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