Irish families planning a holiday in France this summer should note that from 1st July this year, all drivers visiting France will have to carry a breathalyser kit in their cars.
From November, there will be an €11 fine for not obeying this rule.
The rules will apply for anyone driving in, or through France, in the summer holiday season, even for just a day trip. Breathalyser kits costing from a few euros will be available at ferry and tunnel terminals for crossings to France. Drivers will be able to test themselves to see if they are over the French limit. It's best to have at least two or more breathalysers, so that if you use one, you still have another to show to the police if you are stopped.
Anyone driving in France is already required to carry a warning triangle and a fluorescent safety vest to use in an emergency.
A single-use breathalyser kit will satisfy the rule. The legal limit in France is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood (the same as now pertains in Ireland).
