UK Drivers 20 Times More Likely to be Breathalysed in France
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
With the Olympics starting in Paris on Friday, UK visitors to France are set for record levels - but motorists are being warned they are 20 times more likely to be breathalysed than in the UK.
French police test over 100 drivers per 1000 population, compared to just 5 per 1000 in Britain. The drink drive limit across Europe is also much lower than England & Wales, making it easier to flout the law both the same day, and the morning after.
The influx is expected because the UK has purchased the biggest number of tickets for the Olympics outside of France.
The English and Welsh drink drive limit is 80mg of alcohol per 100mL of blood - the highest in Europe. In France and most other European countries, it’s 50mg. For drivers with less than three years’ experience, it’s even lower in France at 20mg - one quarter of the English limit.
“Carrying a disposable breathalyser certified to French regulations in your car is a highly recommended part of your safety kit when motoring in France,” comments Hunter Abbott, MD of AlcoSense Laboratories.
“With such a high propensity of breath alcohol tests in France combined with a significantly lower limit than England, it takes the guesswork out of the morning after a few glasses of wine”.
The French police have the right to conduct random breath tests, unlike the UK, and will always breathalyse after an accident or if a serious offence has been committed.
The penalties are severe. If you’re caught in France above the 80mg English limit, you face a hefty fine of up to €4,500 and potentially a two-year prison sentence.
“It’s far easier than you think to be under the influence the morning after a few drinks the night before,” adds Mr Abbott.
“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 clear your system.”
“A twin pack of single-use AlcoSense breathalysers, officially certified to French NF Regulations, will set you back £5.99. A small price to pay for peace of mind and available at Halfords”.
There were 840 road deaths in France attributable to alcohol in 2021 (latest figures show). This compares to 300 in the UK.
When driving in France, motorists should also carry at least the following: one hi-viz jacket per passenger; driving licence and NI number; vehicle and travel insurance documents; vehicle log book (V5C certificate); warning triangle; and a first aid kit.
GB markings on your number plate are no longer legal and must be covered up with UK stickers with a Union Jack symbol.
You should also display a Crit’air sticker which states the emissions category of your vehicle - some vehicles are subject to restrictions in the Paris Clean Air Zone. You also need to fit headlamp deflectors for right-hand drive vehicles.
-ends-
23 July 2024
Sources:
Arrivals in France data from Oxford Economics via FTO (France Tourisme Observation)
European Transport Safety Council – Reducing drink driving and other alcohol-related road deaths in Europe
Home Office - Police Powers and Procedures
