Expats tempted to risk driving after a few drinks in France will soon have no excuse for presuming they’re not over the limit, as come April it will be law for all vehicles to carry a breathalyser kit.

This new regulation forms part of the French government’s crackdown on drinking driving. The logic is that if you’re unsure about whether you are over the limit, you should test yourself before taking the wheel – that way the police can only assume that anyone driving while under the influence is doing so knowingly.

Aside from being deemed a bit draconian by many people – and just how strictly it will be enforced remains to be seen – most of the opposition to the new law revolves around the costs. A single breathalyser kit will set you back a reported €1.50, which for a regular drinker who tested himself after his daily slugs in his local bar, could amount to a weekly expense of €10.50 (the cost of half a gallon of table wine, or couple of packets of Gauloises). The alleged penalty for driving without a breathalyser is a €17 fine. You’ve been warned!

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