Since the Christmas celebrations have just ended and the New Year celebrations are about to begin, here is a A brief reminder of French legislation about drunk driving.

Level of alcohol in the blood: expressed in the blood and air

Blood alcohol content, or BAC, is measured grams per liter of bloodthrough a blood test. Or in milligrams per liter of exhaled air, breathalyzer. Allowed amount of alcohol 0.5 g of alcohol per liter of blood. Or 0.25 mg of alcohol per liter of exhaled air. This limit is reached after two glasses” with a normal dose of alcohol. That is, the one served in drinking establishments. If this legal limit is exceeded, punishment can take many forms.

0.5 g to 0.8 g: normal

The law distinguishes between exceeding the threshold and serious exceeding. Thus, if the measured alcohol level is from 0.5 (0.25 mg) to 0.8 g (0.40 mg), this is a violation. This leads to a deduction of six points for a driver’s license, and a fixed fine of 135 euros. Depending on the situation, it can be is accompanied by the suspension of the license for a period of up to 3 years.

Over 0.8 g: an offence

If the limit of 0.8 g (0.40 mg) is exceeded.the offense is no longer a simple fine but a misdemeanor. The consequences are more serious. Violation or misdemeanor, deduction remains the same: six points. On the other hand, this one is forfeited for up to 120 hours while awaiting the prefect’s decision. Then suspended for a period of 6 months to 3 years according to the court order. The vehicle was immobilized immediately. The driver must comply with a awareness training to road safety. At the end of the decision, the judge may also require the driver to establish a alcohol blocking device when he gets his license back. Penalty incurred can finally reach to 4500 euros.

Young drivers: zero tolerance

Please note, for young drivers during the probationary period the permissible rate of alcohol 0.2 g/l of blood or 0.10 mg/l of exhaled air ! Penalties for young drivers are the same for both misdemeanors and misdemeanors.