British drivers 20 times more likely to be breathalysed by French police
Drivers are more likely to get breathalysed in France
PA
British motorists are 20 times more likely to be breathalysed when driving in France as experts warn holidaymakers of what they can expect.
Around five million British people drive in France every year, with many drivers potentially being pulled over this summer.
Data has found that French police tested 109 drivers per 1,000 population in 2021, compared to just five per 1,000 in Britain.
According to the RAC, drivers and riders that have less than three years of experience and people who drive buses and coaches must adhere to an alcohol limit of 0.2 grams per litre.
French police test for drunk drivers more often than the UK
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For those who have been on the roads for longer, the limit is heightened at 0.5 grams per litre – the same as the Scottish limit.
This is still significantly lower than in England, Northern Ireland and Wales where the police enforce a limit of 0.008 per cent or 0.8 grams per litre.
The police in France have the power to carry out random breath tests, with tests also being compulsory after an accident that has caused an accident.
Motorists who are caught drink-driving with a level of between 0.5 grams and 0.8 grams could be fined €135 (£115).
Anyone with a blood alcohol level higher than 0.8 grams faces up to two years in prison and a maximum fine of €4,500 (£3,840).
Drivers in France were previously required to carry a breathalyser in their cars, which can be purchased from most pharmacies in the country.
When the law was in place, motorists would receive a fine of €11 (£9.39), although this law was ditched in 2020.
Hunter Abbott, managing director at AlcoSense, said: “It’s far easier than you think to be under the influence the morning after a few drinks the night before.
“If you drink four pints of medium-strong beer or four large glasses of wine, it can take as long as 14 hours for the alcohol to completely clear your system.
“A twin pack of single-use breathalysers, officially certified to French NF standards, will set you back £5.99 but it takes the guesswork out of the equation.”
Data from AlcoSense found that only 17 per cent of drivers were able to correctly state the drink-driving limits and laws in France.
Mr Abbot added: “The other point to bear in mind is that random breath testing is carried out in all European countries except Germany and Malta.
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Around five million Britons drive in France every year
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“In the UK, you can only be tested if you’ve committed a traffic offence, been involved in an accident or Police have reason to suspect you’ve been drinking."
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