What happens if you get caught drink driving in France?

France has very strict rules concerning drink-driving; the legal blood alcohol limit is 0,5g/l of blood. If during a police check, your level of alcohol is found at between 0,5 and 0,8 g, you may be fined up to 135 €. If banned narcotics are detected, the penalty could include 2 years in prison and a 4.500 € fine.

When did drink driving become illegal in France?

1970
Drink-driving policy began in France by 1970 when a “legal blood alcohol concentration threshold” was substituted to the ill-applied “driving under alcohol influence” law (Act of 1965) that was completing the former “drunk driving” law (Act of 1958).

What is the French drink drive limit?

0.5 g/l
Drink driving: The law in France In France, the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l. Drivers that have had their licence for three years or less are limited to 0.2 g/l.

Is the French drink drive limit same as UK?

France has very strict drink driving laws . You are allowed a maximum of 0.5mg/ml of alcohol per litre in your blood, compared to 0.8mg/ml in the UK.

Can I ignore a French speeding ticket?

The best thing you can do if you get a speeding ticket while you’re abroad is to pay it as soon as you receive the fine rather than ignoring it. Fines can double if you choose to ignore them and a local debt collection agency may be used to recoup the money.

Does France have a drinking problem?

More than one in ten men (11 percent) in France die every year from alcohol-related causes which is more than twice as much as women (4 percent). In 2017, 30,000 men died from alcohol-related causes against 11,000 women. And the problem seems to affect men in France particularly.

What’s the blood alcohol limit for driving in France?

Understand the laws concerning blood alcohol levels to ensure you don’t go over the limit when driving in France… A driver is considered to be driving under the influence of alcohol/driving while intoxicated/ driving drunk in France if the blood/alcohol level is equal to or exceeds 0.5 grams per litre (g/l).

What happens if you get a DUI in France?

A driver is considered to be driving under the influence of alcohol/driving while intoxicated/ driving drunk in France if the blood/alcohol level is equal to or exceeds 0.5 grams per litre (g/l). If the blood/alcohol level is between 0.5 g/l and 0.8 g/l the penalty could include a fine, loss of six points or suspension of the licence.

Can a French driver be fined for driving in the UK?

Since the UK left the EU, drivers in France on UK plates who are flashed for speeding escape fines and penalties, as there is no longer a reciprocal agreement between the two countries. Nevertheless, fines and imprisonment can also be applied against those driving in France on a foreign driving licence if stopped by police.

How long does it take to get a driving licence in France?

Driving licences issued outside of the EEA need to be exchanged within one year of arrival in France. We published an article about driving licences for older people in France in our Newsletter, which you can find at Older Drivers and French Driving Licences.

Do you have to change your driving licence in France?

are also required to exchange their foreign licence for a French one. In practice, they may not require you to do this for a minor offence, but do not bank on it! Fines and imprisonment can also be applied against those driving in France on a foreign driving licence.