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Travelling in France? You’ll need an NF approved alcohol breathalyser!


The new Breathalyser law that came into force last July basically states that it is a legal requirement in France for all vehicles travelling on French roads (regardless of country of origin) to carry at least one breathaliser in the vehicle, that conforms to approved French standards (NF). 2 x NF approved alcohol breathalisers.


You now need to carry a French NF-Approved Digital Breathalizer or Breathalizer Kit. The French Police are suggesting vehicles carry at least two, so that if one is used to check the driver, a second remains for inspection but the law requires either an NF Approved digital breathalizer or one unused breathalizer kit.


Your kit should be "NF" approved



This is an approval process is run by the LNE for the French Government. Only those kits that carry the NF logo are Genuine NF kits, if the kit you buy does not have the required logo it will not be NF approved and therefore not accepted by the French police.

Alcosense breathaliser



The Alcosense breathaliser complies with the NF regulations and has the all important NF mark on it.


Will I have to use my own breathalyser if I am stopped?



If you are stopped by the Gendarme suspected of drink driving, the gendarme will use their own breathalyser to test you but will check that you have at least one unused breathalyser kit in your car.


Don't forget that a breathaliser kit isn't the only thing you need to pack before venturing across the Channel. UK motorists and motorcyclists must display a GB plate, as well as carrying a warning triangle such as the Warning triangle
and also a fluorescent safety vest with them - a legal requirement in France.