Europcar Provides Free Breathalyzer Kits in Vehicles in France

Europcar is placing free breathalyzer kits in all its vehicles rented from its 250 branches in France after new rules were issued requiring all motorists in France to carry a kit.

The new road rules came into effect at the beginning of July requiring all motorists in France, including tourists, to carry a breathalyzer kit. Those failing to carry a breath test kit will face a fine beginning Nov. 1.

Although the rules are in effect, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) reported that half of UK motorists are unaware that the breathalyzers must be certified to the French NF standard.

“There has been some confusion amongst UK holidaymakers about what they need to do when driving in France,” said Europcar UK Group Managing Director Ken McCall. “So to eliminate that confusion, we’re putting breathalyzer kits in all our vehicles in France — at no cost to the customer. No need to book in advance or buy before picking up their car.”