Motorists to carry breathalyser kit while driving in France

London, Feb 21 (ANI): French police have issued a law that insists holidaymakers keep a breathalyser kit in their cars.

The gadgets, designed so that drivers can test themselves to ensure they are under drink-drive limits, are the latest addition to a list of rules for driving around the country.

The measure, which will come into force in July, will apply to anyone travelling through France by car.

Critics, however, have cast doubt on the accuracy of the kits in being able to tell if a driver is over the limit. Others said it was simply another attempt to make money out of foreign drivers.

Motorists found having between 50mg and 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood can be fined 135 euros and lose six out of 12 points on their driving licence. Above that, a driver risks a fine of 4,500 euros, losing their licence and being sent to prison for up to two years, the Daily Mail reported.

The French drink-driving limit of 50mg is much lower than in the UK where the limit is 80mg.

Motorists are being urged to carry at least two of the single-use breathalysers so that if they have checked themselves with one they can still show police they have a ready-to-use kit if stopped.

Police, however, will use their own breathalysers to carry out any roadside tests.

Those drivers caught without a kit will face a fine of 11 euros but the French have said that there will be a period of grace till November before police start issuing the penalties.

The breathalyser kits cost between around 1 pound and 2 pounds, and will be available at ferry and tunnel terminals for crossings to France, but motoring groups have warned that many drivers will still forget to pack them in their car. (ANI)