French Breathalyzer Law




(Paris, France) Per an official French government decree, all cars in France are now required to carry a single-use breathalyzer kit, effective July 1st.

"Every driver of a motorised land vehicle, excluding mopeds, must possess an unused and immediately available breathlyzer," said the decree, published in the official gazette ("Journal Officiel de la République Française").[…]

A fine of €11 ($15) will be charged to anyone not carrying the breathalyzer kit, but police have been told to start fining only from November 1st.[…]

The new breathalyzer requirement will be added to the existing rules compelling drivers to carry a warning triangle and a fluorescent safety vest. Failure to have these in the car can lead to a €90 fine.

Cars driven into France from other European countries will also be subject to the law, according to the Transport Ministry.

Note that highway deaths from drunk drivers are significantly higher in France than other European countries.