Don’t forget your breathalysers for France

With the Easter break fast approaching, the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) and AlcoSense breathalysers are reminding motorists travelling to France that it is still a legal requirement to carry an NF approved breathalyser in all vehicles. '

The easiest way to tell if the breathalyser complies with the French legislation is to make sure it has the blue circular NF logo, like the AlcoSense NF breathalyser. The NF logo is the French equivalent of the BSI kite mark in the UK. 

The legal limit in France is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood, lower than in the UK (the UK limit is 80mg). 

Anyone driving in France is already required to carry a warning triangle and a fluorescent safety vest to use in an emergency. Additionally UK motorists and motorcyclists must display a GB plate.

IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig said: "Although the law for carrying breathalysers will no longer be enforced through fines, in order to comply with the law, you will need to carry an NF approved breathalyser while travelling in France. While these are a good way of being sure you are safe to drive, if you're going to drink don't drive, and beware the morning after effect."

AlcoSense managing director Hunter Abbott said: "It is still a legal requirement to carry an NF approved breathalyser. There are less than a handful of brands who have the official NF approvals, make sure you buy a product with the blue NF logo on it, like the AlcoSense NF Breathalyser."