France introduces breathalyser law

New legislation comes into effect requiring every motorist to carry breathalyser kits or face a fine.

A new motoring law has come into effect in France, whereby it will be compulsory for drivers to carry breathalyser kits in their vehicles.

From Sunday, motorists and motorcyclists risk facing an on-the-spot fine unless they travel with two single-use devices.

The law is part of a government initiative to reduce the figures of drink-driving related fatalities.

The new regulations, which exclude mopeds, will be fully enforced and include foreign drivers from November 1, following a four-month grace period. Anyone failing to produce a breathalyser after that date will receive an 11 euro fine.

French police have warned they will be carrying out random checks on drivers crossing into France via ferries and through the Channel Tunnel to enforce the new rules.

According to French media reports, alcohol is responsible for at least 30 per cent of fatal accidents in the country.

Ethylotest obligatoire , the French website informing the public on the new legislation, reported that by the end of June, only 37 per cent of French citizens had bought breathalysers.

The breathalysers are currently priced between one euro and 1.5 euros.

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Source: News Agencies