New rules for anyone driving in France

Individuals planning to take their vehicle on a driving holiday to France over the coming months have been advised that new legislation is coming into force that will mean it will be illegal to drive in the country from July without a breathalyser.

As a result, the Institute for Advanced Motorists (IAM) is urging any UK driver planning any form of journey overseas - even if it just a day trip - to be prepared and brush up on local laws and motoring requirements before heading off.

IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig said: "The new French rule is a genuine attempt to reduce the number of alcohol-related accidents. France's lower limit means it's very easy to be over the limit the morning after as well. As always, the best advice for motorists is not to drink and drive at all."

At present, French law dictates that the legal alcohol limit for a person in charge of a vehicle is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood - lower than the UK limit, which stands at 80 mg per 100 ml of blood.

Motorists are also advised to carry two breathalysers in their vehicle at all times, as if one is used then the driver will have a spare should they be unlucky enough to be pulled over again on the same journey, with the new law to come into effect from July 1st this year.

The news follows the publication of figures from the Association of Chief Police Officers, which revealed 7,124 motorists across the UK were arrested during December 2011 for being over the legal alcohol limit when in charge of a vehicle.

"Despite three decades of drink-drive education and enforcement, thousands of drivers were caught drinking and driving," noted Kevin Clinton, head of road safety for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

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