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Breathalyser Fines Delayed Until March 2013

Setback due to lack of availability of testing kits

featured in News & reviews Author Sophie Nicholson, Val d'Isere Editor Updated

A new law forcing motorists to carry breathalyser kits when driving in France has been delayed until March 2013 due to stock difficulties. Currently, all drivers in France face a caution if they are caught without the compulsory testing kits.

The rule was initially proposed to come into effect in November 2012 but the French government have now pushed back their plans to enforce penalty fines until early next year. The law is an attempt by the French government to reduce the number of alcohol related accidents on the roads and from March 2013, drivers will now face an on-the-spot €11 if they are found not to have two breathalyser kits in their vehicle. 

Single-use breathalysers cost around €3 and the authorities are doing their best to ensure 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 can be purchased online ahead of travelling.  

For more information on driving in France, take a look at our travel section.