A warning that from 1 July this year, all drivers visiting France will need to carry a Breathalyser Kit in their cars, as it becomes law for French drivers to do so.

The rules will apply for anyone travelling to or through France by car in the summer holiday season, even just for a day trip. From November there will be an €11 fine for not complying with this.

Single-use breathalyser kits will satisfy the requirement and they will be available at ferry and tunnel terminals for crossings to France. (The legal limit in France is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood). It is intended that people will be able to test themselves to check whether or not they are over the French limit.

The new French rule is a genuine attempt to reduce the number of alcohol related-accidents.

If you are stopped by the Police and your Blood/Alcohol level measures between 0.50g/l and 0.80g/l you will face a fine of €135, Blood/alcohol level in excess of 0.80g/l will get you 2 years in jail, a €4,500 fine and the confiscation of your car. Now, if you cause an accident while driving over the limit the fine could be increased to €30,000.

Drive carefully.