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Drinking and driving
Verified 02 November 2023 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)
What is the maximum permitted alcohol content for drive ? What is the rule in case of probationary permit, of accompanied driving or driving with a EAD: titleContent ? How's the screening blood alcohol concentration ? What are the sanctions if you exceed the maximum permitted alcohol level? We'll show you the main rules to know on drinking and driving.
What applies to you ?
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You have a probationary license
You have a probationary driving license when you get the permit :
- for 1re time,
- or after a invalidation or a judicial annulment.
If you have a probationary permit, it is forbidden of drive with a alcohol content in the blood not less than 0,2 g/l blood.
It comes down to 0.10 mg alcohol per liter of breath.
You prepare the driving license with a driver
If you get ready the permit in accompanied driving (driving anticipated, framed or supervised), it is forbidden of drive with a alcohol content in the blood not less than 0,2 g/l blood.
It comes down to 0.10 mg alcohol per liter of breath.
You are required to drive with an alcohol test (EAD)
If your right to drive is limited to vehicles equipped with a start-resistant breathalyzer (EAD), it is forbidden of drive with a alcohol content in the blood not less than 0,2 g/l blood.
It comes down to 0.10 mg alcohol per liter of breath.
You're in a different situation
He is forbidden of drive with a alcohol content in the blood not less than 0,5 g/l blood.
It comes down to 0.25 mg alcohol per liter of breath.
FYI
If you have consumed alcohol, you can measure your blood alcohol concentration with a breathalyzer before driving. Visit the Road Safety website which provides tips to avoid taking risksAlcohol and driving.
The law enforcement carry out a screening blood alcohol concentration in a manner that obligatory, optional or preventative.
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Mandatory screening
- You are involved in a traffic accident having caused a personal injury
- You are the alleged perpetrator of a infringement to the highway code punishment of the additional penalty of suspension of driving license
Optional screening
- You are involved in a traffic accident which has only caused material damage
- You are the alleged perpetrator of a infringement to the highway code which is not punished by additional penalty of suspension of driving license
Preventive screening
The law enforcement may carry out blood alcohol screening randomly, without any offense or accident.
The procedure takes place in 2 steps: screening and verification of BAC.
Screening
The law enforcement you provide one breathalyzer.
The breath test used only for track down one blood alcohol level.
If the screening is positive, law enforcement have checked your precise blood alcohol level.
Law enforcement retain your permit to drive on a precautionary basis.
During the duration of the retention, your vehicle may be immobilized.
Verification
The checking of the alcohol content is done either by blood sampling and medical examinations, either with a breathalyzer.
The result you are notified.
Law enforcement must ask you if you wish one 2nd control.
In case of positive response, this control is made immediately and the result you are news release.
The checking of lBlood alcohol concentration, obligatory or preventative, may be done without prior testing in the following cases.
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Verification required
- You are in drunkenness
- You refuse the blood alcohol screening
- Your state of healthcertified by a doctor, does not allow you of endure one screening with alcohol test
- You are involved in a traffic accident having caused a personal injury
- You are the alleged perpetrator of a infringement to the highway code punishment of the additional penalty of suspension of driving license
Preventive check
L'blood alcohol concentration may be verified randomly, without any offense or accident.
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You have a probationary license
Levels between 0.2 and 0.8 g/l
Drive with a alcohol content in the blood equal to or greater than 0,2 g/l and less than 0,8 g/l is a contravention.
You are sanctioned by a fine up to €750.
In general, it is a flat-rate fine of €135.
Your vehicle may be immobilized.
6 points are withdrawn of the driving license.
You may also additional penalties following:
- Suspension of driving license during Maximum 3 years
The suspension may be limited to driving outside the professional activity. - Obligation of driving with an alcohol test (EAD) during Maximum 3 years.
Level of 0.8 g/l or more
Drive with a alcohol level of 0,8 g/l or more of blood is one offense.
It comes down to 0.40 mg alcohol per liter of breath.
You are sanctioned by a fine up to €4,500 and by a sentence of 2 years in prison maximum
Your vehicle may be immobilized.
6 points are withdrawn of the driving license.
You may also additional penalties following:
- Suspension of the permit for a period of Maximum 3 years (without possible accommodation outside the professional activity)
- Cancelation of the permit and prohibition of ask one new permit during Maximum 3 years
- Sentence of work of general interest
- Sentence of fine days
- Prohibition of drive certain vehicles, including vehicles without a license, for a period of Maximum 5 years
- Obligation to perform, at your expense, a road safety awareness course
- Obligation to driving with an alcohol test (EAD) during Maximum 5 years
- Confiscation of your vehicle
FYI
You risk the same penalties in case of driving in overt drunkenness.
Clerk in recurrence, on offense of driving in overt drunkenness or with a alcohol level of 0.8 g/l or more of blood is sanctioned by cancelation of the driving license.
If you obtain a new license less than 3 years after the cancelation, you have the obligation to driving with an alcohol test (EAD) during Maximum 3 years.
You may also additional penalties following:
- Confiscation required of your vehicle, unless the court has given a reasoned decision
- Immobilization of your vehicle during Maximum 1 year
In case accident, the driving in overt drunkenness or with a alcohol level of 0.8 g/l or more of blood is a aggravating circumstance.
When there is 2 or more aggravating circumstances (for example, drug use + alcohol), you may:
- Up to 7 years in prison and €100,000 fine if you are responsible for a bodily injury.
- Up to 10 years in prison and €150,000 fine if you are responsible for a fatal accident.
You prepare the driving license with a driver
Levels between 0.2 and 0.8 g/l
Drive with a alcohol content in the blood equal to or greater than 0,2 g/l and less than 0,8 g/l is a contravention.
You are sanctioned by a fine up to €750.
In general, it is a flat-rate fine of €135.
Your vehicle may be immobilized.
6 points are withdrawn of the driving license.
You may also additional penalties following:
- Suspension of driving license during Maximum 3 years
The suspension may be limited to driving outside the professional activity. - Obligation of driving with an alcohol test (EAD) during Maximum 3 years.
Level of 0.8 g/l or more
Drive with a alcohol level of 0,8 g/l or more of blood is one offense.
It comes down to 0.40 mg alcohol per liter of breath.
You are sanctioned by a fine up to €4,500 and by a sentence of 2 years in prison maximum
Your vehicle may be immobilized.
6 points are withdrawn of the driving license.
You may also additional penalties following:
- Suspension of the permit for a period of Maximum 3 years (without possible accommodation outside the professional activity)
- Cancelation of the permit and prohibition of ask one new permit during Maximum 3 years
- Sentence of work of general interest
- Sentence of fine days
- Prohibition of drive certain vehicles, including vehicles without a license, for a period of Maximum 5 years
- Obligation to perform, at your expense, a road safety awareness course
- Obligation to driving with an alcohol test (EAD) during Maximum 5 years
- Confiscation of your vehicle
FYI
You risk the same penalties in case of driving in overt drunkenness.
Clerk in recurrence, on offense of driving in overt drunkenness or with a alcohol level of 0.8 g/l or more of blood is sanctioned by cancelation of the driving license.
If you obtain a new license less than 3 years after the cancelation, you have the obligation to driving with an alcohol test (EAD) during Maximum 3 years.
You may also additional penalties following:
- Confiscation required of your vehicle, unless the court has given a reasoned decision
- Immobilization of your vehicle during Maximum 1 year
In case accident, the driving in overt drunkenness or with a alcohol level of 0.8 g/l or more of blood is a aggravating circumstance.
When there is 2 or more aggravating circumstances (for example, drug use + alcohol), you may:
- Up to 7 years in prison and €100,000 fine if you are responsible for a bodily injury.
- Up to 10 years in prison and €150,000 fine if you are responsible for a fatal accident.
You are required to drive with an alcohol test (EAD)
Levels between 0.2 and 0.8 g/l
Drive with a alcohol content in the blood equal to or greater than 0,2 g/l and less than 0,8 g/l is a contravention.
You are sanctioned by a fine up to €750.
In general, it is a flat-rate fine of €135.
Your vehicle may be immobilized.
6 points are withdrawn of the driving license.
You may also additional penalties following:
- Suspension of driving license during Maximum 3 years
The suspension may be limited to driving outside the professional activity. - Obligation of driving with an alcohol test (EAD) during Maximum 3 years.
Level of 0.8 g/l or more
Drive with a alcohol level of 0,8 g/l or more of blood is one offense.
It comes down to 0.40 mg alcohol per liter of breath.
You are sanctioned by a fine up to €4,500 and by a sentence of 2 years in prison maximum
Your vehicle may be immobilized.
6 points are withdrawn of the driving license.
You may also additional penalties following:
- Suspension of the permit for a period of Maximum 3 years (without possible accommodation outside the professional activity)
- Cancelation of the permit and prohibition of ask one new permit during Maximum 3 years
- Sentence of work of general interest
- Sentence of fine days
- Prohibition of drive certain vehicles, including vehicles without a license, for a period of Maximum 5 years
- Obligation to perform, at your expense, a road safety awareness course
- Obligation to driving with an alcohol test (EAD) during Maximum 5 years
- Confiscation of your vehicle
FYI
You risk the same penalties in case of driving in overt drunkenness.
Clerk in recurrence, on offense of driving in overt drunkenness or with a alcohol level of 0.8 g/l or more of blood is sanctioned by cancelation of the driving license.
If you obtain a new license less than 3 years after the cancelation, you have the obligation to driving with an alcohol test (EAD) during Maximum 3 years.
You may also additional penalties following:
- Confiscation required of your vehicle, unless the court has given a reasoned decision
- Immobilization of your vehicle during Maximum 1 year
In case accident, the driving in overt drunkenness or with a alcohol level of 0.8 g/l or more of blood is a aggravating circumstance.
When there is 2 or more aggravating circumstances (for example, drug use + alcohol), you may:
- Up to 7 years in prison and €100,000 fine if you are responsible for a bodily injury.
- Up to 10 years in prison and €150,000 fine if you are responsible for a fatal accident.
You're in a different situation
Levels between 0.5 and 0.8 g/l
Drive with a alcohol content in the blood equal to or greater than 0,5 g/l and less than 0,8 g/l is a contravention.
You are sanctioned by a fine up to €750.
In general, it is a flat-rate fine of €135.
Your vehicle may be immobilized.
6 points are withdrawn of the driving license.
You may also additional penalties following:
- Suspension of driving license during Maximum 3 years
The suspension may be limited to driving outside the professional activity. - Obligation of driving with an alcohol test (EAD) during Maximum 3 years.
Level of 0.8 g/l or more
Drive with a alcohol level of 0,8 g/l or more of blood is one offense.
It comes down to 0.40 mg alcohol per liter of breath.
You are sanctioned by a fine up to €4,500 and by a sentence of 2 years in prison maximum
Your vehicle may be immobilized.
6 points are withdrawn of the driving license.
You may also additional penalties following:
- Suspension of the permit for a period of Maximum 3 years (without possible accommodation outside the professional activity)
- Cancelation of the permit and prohibition of ask one new permit during Maximum 3 years
- Sentence of work of general interest
- Sentence of fine days
- Prohibition of drive certain vehicles, including vehicles without a license, for a period of Maximum 5 years
- Obligation to perform, at your expense, a road safety awareness course
- Obligation to driving with an alcohol test (EAD) during Maximum 5 years
- Confiscation of your vehicle
FYI
You risk the same penalties in case of driving in overt drunkenness.
Clerk in recurrence, on offense of driving in overt drunkenness or with a alcohol level of 0.8 g/l or more of blood is sanctioned by cancelation of the driving license.
If you obtain a new license less than 3 years after the cancelation, you have the obligation to driving with an alcohol test (EAD) during Maximum 3 years.
You may also additional penalties following:
- Confiscation required of your vehicle, unless the court has given a reasoned decision
- Immobilization of your vehicle during Maximum 1 year
In case accident, the driving in overt drunkenness or with a alcohol level of 0.8 g/l or more of blood is a aggravating circumstance.
When there is 2 or more aggravating circumstances (for example, drug use + alcohol), you may:
- Up to 7 years in prison and €100,000 fine if you are responsible for a bodily injury.
- Up to 10 years in prison and €150,000 fine if you are responsible for a fatal accident.
Decline of submit to the checks of the alcohol content is is one offense.
You are sanctioned by a fine up to €4,500 and by a sentence of 2 years in prison maximum.
6 points are withdrawn of the driving license.
You may also additional penalties following:
- Suspension of the permit for a period of Maximum 3 years (without possible accommodation outside the professional activity)
- Cancelation of the permit and prohibition of ask one new permit during Maximum 3 years
- Sentence of work of general interest
- Sentence of fine days
- Prohibition of drive certain vehicles, including vehicles without a license, for a period of Maximum 5 years
- Obligation to perform, at your expense, a road safety awareness course
- Confiscation of your vehicle
- Obligation to driving with an alcohol test (EAD) during Maximum 5 years
Clerk in recurrence, the refusal to submit to the checks blood alcohol concentration is sanctioned by cancelation of the driving license.
If you get one new license less than 3 years after cancelation, you have the obligation of driving with an alcohol test (EAD) during Maximum 3 years.
You may also additional penalties following:
- Confiscation required of your vehicle, unless the court has given a reasoned decision
- Immobilization of your vehicle during Maximum 1 year
In case alcohol-induced accident, your insurance company will apply sanctions (increase in contributions, termination of contract...).
- Highway Code: Articles L224-1 to L224-18Prohibition of issue, detention, suspension and cancelation
- Highway Code: Articles L234-1 to L234-18Driving under the influence of alcohol
- Highway Code: Articles R224-1 to R224-19-2Administrative detention and suspension after a finding of an infringement
- Highway Code: Articles R233-1 to R233-3Documents to be submitted in the event of a roadside check
- Highway Code: Articles R234-1 to R234-7Alcohol content of 0,20 g or more per liter
- Penal Code: Articles 131-3 to 131-9Correctional Sentences
- Judgment of the Court of Cassation (Criminal Chamber) of 14 December 2021 - 20-86.969 - Blood alcohol test
- What is the risk in the event of a traffic offense?
Simulator
- Driving license: consult points and statements (Telepoints)
Online service
- Check your infringement file
Online service
FAQ
- Who should drive with an alcohol interlock test (EAD)?
- Alcohol or drug-induced accident: what are the consequences for insurance?
- What vehicle papers are required during a roadside check?
- What is the risk of drug use?
- Driving license balance: how to know the number of points?
- Driving license: how to request a complete information record (RII)?
- Traffic offensesService-Public.fr
- Driving licenseService-Public.fr
- Drunkenness - AlcoholismService-Public.fr
- Drugs While DrivingService-Public.fr
- Speed at the wheel Service-Public.fr
- Road Safety SiteMinistry of the Interior
- Driving alcohol: regulations and penaltiesMinistry of Transport
- Alcohol and drivingMinistry of the Interior
- Alcohol: legal frameworkMinistry of Health