If you're planning on holidaying in France this year, you'd better remember to pack your breathalyser.
From 1st July this year, all motorists will be required by French law to carry a disposable breathalyser kit with them at all times. The law aims to reduce the problem of drink-driving in France, a problem which claimed 4,000 lives last year alone.
Anyone caught without a kit will receive an 11 Euro (£8.82) fine, however, the law will go unenforced until 1st November 2012. The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) advises drivers to carry two kits, ensuring that they always have one spare.
The kits cost around £2 and will be available to buy at Channel ports.
The French limit for drink-driving is 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood - 30mg lower than in the UK - so it is unadvisable to drink at all in France if you intend to drive afterwards.
