We measure the level of alcohol, or blood alcohol levelin grams per liter of bloodthrough a blood test, or in milligrams per liter of exhaled air, breathalyzer. Blood alcohol limit allowed for driving in France 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” in a normal dose of alcohol, that is, what is served in drinking establishments. Please note that for young drivers during the trial period the limit is different. The maximum threshold is 0.2 g per liter of blood or 0.10 mg per liter of exhaled air. But how do you know if you’re ready to drive? How to do it for you self check ? Here are some answers.

Which tests to choose?

You can easily take a blood alcohol test with:

• One chemical breathalyzer (“balloon”), single-use. It determines the presence of alcohol in exhaled air: its color changes when the permissible level of alcohol is exceeded, but it does not give a measurement.
• One electronic breathalyzer, reusable. It provides digital measurement of alcohol concentration (in mg/l in exhaled air).

For the test to be optimal, you must wait at least 30 minutes after your last drink alcoholic beverages consumed on an empty stomach, and at least an hour after eating. It is necessary to check two important points: expiration date and certification, NF standard indicated on the package.

Where to get breathalyzers?

You can get breathalyzers at the following places:

• The liquor stores, for take-out or for online sale, including those with a license to distribute alcohol between 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. These outlets offer chemical or electronic breathalyzers.
• The pharmacies and parapharmacies
• The shopping centers.

In France, A breathalyzer is no longer mandatory in vehicles. However, road safety recommends keep one or two in the glove compartment. Carefully check the expiration date after long-term storage! First of all, avoid alcohol if you go on the road!