All new French coaches have been equipped with breathalyser tests that prevent drivers from starting the ignition, if over the limit, since January of 2010. The devices were to be installed in all coaches by the start of 2015, but some have still not yet been fitted we were told. This is several years on now and we are quite surprised by the lack of enforcement here.
The new breathalyzer requirements are on top of the mandatory rules that require all drivers to carry a warning triangle and fluorescent safety over-vest. The fine still stands at 90 Euros if you are caught without these. Public records show that this is still happening across France.
For more information, unfortunately in French only, visit the Government Road Safety agency’s website, Sécurité Routière