France orders breathalyser for motorists

Many motorists at Dover, Britain, are unaware of the new French law

A new law has come into force in France making it compulsory for drivers to carry a breathalyser kit in their vehicles or risk an on-the-spot fine.

It is the latest move by the government aimed at bringing down the number of road deaths caused by alcohol.

All motorists must also have with them a high-visibility safety vest and a warning triangle.

Foreign drivers are included in the new rule, however there is a grace period until November.

Some 4,000 people are killed on French roads every year, with drink-driving being the main factor in accidents ahead even of speeding.

Bonanza for manufacturers

The French government hopes that with breathalysers in every car, drivers who suspect they may be over the limit can test themselves and if necessary refrain from taking the wheel.

The former government of President Nicolas Sarkozy, which gave the go-ahead to the new law, said it hoped 500 lives might be saved every year.

Motorists driving without the two breathalyser tests will be handed a fine of 11 euros

Under the rules, which exclude mopeds, drivers who fail to produce a breathalyser after 1 November will face a fine of 11 euros.

The kits come in two types: expensive electronic ones which can be reused; and cheap chemical ones, says the BBC's Hugh Schofield in Paris.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-18662555