Back in June we reported that the French were bringing in a new law which made it compulsory for nearly all drivers ( weirdly not moped drivers though who are exempt ) to carry a breathalyser kit with them at all times when out on their motorcycle or in their car. The law making this compulsory was due to come into force a couple of weeks from now on the 1st of November, after which time drivers who were stopped and found not to be carrying a breathalyser would face an 11 Euro fine.

However the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has announced that the introduction of this law has been postponed until March of next year which means that motorists will not now face fines until after that date if they are caught driving without a breathalyser kit on board.

The French blood alcohol limit is lower than in the UK and the French government are trying to control the level of alcohol related accidents with this new law.

The director of policy and research at IAM 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 road users is not to drink and drive at all."

If you are driving in France at the moment you are required to carry a high-visibility vest and a warning emergency triangle and have a GB sticker on your bike or a GB badged number plate. You are also now required to carry two breathalyser kits, but you will not actually be fined as yet, if you are stopped and don't have one.

For more information about exactly what the breathalyser requirements are feel free to refresh your brain by looking back over our June article.