Breathalyser to be legal requirement for drivers in France

Tuesday, 24 January 2012

From kentnews.co.uk

French authorities have warned UK drivers planning to travel to France that they face an on-the-spot fine of €17 – around £14 – if they fail to carry a breathalyser in their vehicle.

A breathalyser is the latest in a long list of items British motorists must take with them to avoid being fined by the French authorities. The list is a long one: a spare pair of glasses, spare headlight bulbs, a warning triangle, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, headlamp adaptors, a GB sticker and a fluorescent (high-vis) safety vest. [In 2008, head designer at Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld fronted a campaign urging British drivers to make sure they carry a high-vis safety vest, with the slogan: “It’s yellow, it’s ugly, it doesn’t go with anything, but it could save your life.” Those caught without one in their car face a £100 fine.]

The requirement for drivers to carry a breathalyser has been introduced as part of a continued programme to reduce the number of road deaths in France.

Andrew Kelly, marketing and PR manager at DFDS Seaways which operates services between the UK and France, said: “Although the new law is not due to be implemented until the spring, and final details are still to be announced, we want to ensure our passengers are fully aware of the obligation to carry a breathalyser in their vehicles when driving on French roads and will be fully prepared. We provide our passengers with the opportunity to purchase compulsory driving equipment on board, so that drivers can ensure they are compliant with all French driving laws.”