From 1 July this year all drivers in and visiting France will need to carry a breathalyser kit in their vehicles.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is warning that from 1 July this year all drivers visiting France will need to carry a breathalyser kit in their vehicles, as will French drivers. Initially police will issue warnings to drivers not complying, but from November there will be a euro 11 fine.

Single-use breathalyser kits will satisfy the requirement.  The legal limit in France is 0.5 mg per ml of blood, lower than in the UK (the UK limit is 0.8mg). They cost between £1 and £2 and they will be available at ferry and tunnel terminals for crossings to France. It is intended that people will be able to test themselves to check whether or not they are over the limit.

The IAM is advising drivers to have at least two breathalysers at all times, so that if one is used they still have one to produce if they are stopped by the police.

Anyone driving in France is already required to carry a warning triangle and a fluorescent safety vest to use in an emergency. Additionally, UK motorists must display a GB plate and have their headlights adjusted to the right.

IAM Director of Policy and Research Neil Greig said:  “The new French rule is a genuine attempt to reduce the number of alcohol related accidents.  France’s lower limit means it’s very easy to be over the limit the morning after as well. As always, the best advice for motorists is not to drink at all if you are driving.”

Maximum blood alcohol levels for drivers in Europe

0.0 mg per ml: Estonia, Malta, Romania, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary

0.2 mg per ml: Norway, Poland, Sweden

0.4 mg per ml: Lithuania

0.5 mg per ml: Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany (Germany is 0.3 if you’re in an accident), Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Serbia/Montenegro, Croatia, Latvia, Macedonia, Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, Cyprus (North)

0.8 mg per ml: UK, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Switzerland

0.9 mg per ml: Cyprus (South)