New French Motoring Law sends Breathalysers Sales soaring

United Kingdom, 05/17/2012 / SubmitMyPR /

British drivers heading through France must carry Breathalysers in their vehicles by Law this summer or risk a fine.

The new legislation which will come into force on July 1st and will affect anyone intending to drive in France this summer. It has already resulted in car accessory retailer and Autocentres operator, Halfords seeing a strong demand for the, French Government approved, disposable breathalyser kits.

Costing £4.99 the new twin pack has already proved popular with drivers planning to head for the continent.

“We want to ensure that UK drivers are aware of what they need to carry in their car in France. We have plenty of breathalysers in stock and we are ready to help,” said Paul McClenaghan, Halfords Commercial Director.

French Police are expected to carry out random checks on drivers crossing into France via Calais to enforce the new rules.

The French drink-driving limit is 50mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood, substantially below the UK’s limit of 80mg.

Motorists found with a level of between 50mg and 80mg of alcohol in their blood can be fined 135 euros (£112) and lose six out of 12 points on their driving licence. A driver who is over the limit in France also risks a fine of 4,500 euros (£3,744), losing their licence and being sent to prison for up to two years.

Motorists are being advised to carry at least two of the single-use breathalysers so that if they have used one to check their alcohol levels, they can still show police they have an unopened kit if stopped.

Those drivers caught without a kit will face a fine of 11 euros (£9) but the French authorities have said there will be a transitional period until November before police start issuing penalties.

For more information contact:

Simmie Korotane
Halfords
t:01527 513419
f:01527 504780
e: [email protected]

The Group is the UK’s leading retailer of automotive, leisure and cycling products and through Halfords Autocentres is also the UK’s leading independent car servicing and repair operator.

Halfords employs approximately 11,000 staff and sells over 12,000 different product lines with significant ranges in car parts, cycles, in-car technology, child seats, roof boxes, outdoor leisure and camping equipment. Halfords own brands include the in-store Bikehut department, for cycles and cycling accessories, Apollo and Carreracycles and exclusive UK distribution rights of the premium ranged Boardman cycles and accessories. In outdoor leisure, we sell a premium range of camping equipment, branded URBAN Escape. Halfords offers customers expert advice and a fitting service called "wefit" for car parts, child seats, satellite navigation and in-car entertainment systems, and a “werepair” service for cycles

Halfords customers shop at 466 stores in the UK and ROI and at Halfords.com for direct home delivery or pick-up at their local store. Halfords Autocentres operates from 227 sites nationally and offers motorists dealership quality MOTs, repairs and car servicing at more affordable prices.