Drinking and driving

A driver of a vehicle, even in the absence of any signs of obvious intoxication is considered under the influence of alcohol when there is the presence in the blood of a pure alcohol content equal to or greater than 0.50 g per thousand.

Alcohol seriously affects driving skills:

- False sense of well-being,

- Perception of slower obstacles,

- Taking unnecessary risks

- Narrowing of the visual field,

- False appreciation of distances,

- Driving struck,

- Violent and sudden braking

Alcohol is present in 40% of fatal accidents.

Some people experience the effects of alcohol on their behavior at 0.3 g / liter of blood (lean subjects in particular).

The same amount of alcohol consumption can cause varying BAC.

For example, a 75 kg man who drinks two glasses of wine during the meal reaches 0.50 g / liter.

A 50 kg woman reaches 0.84 g / liter.

A 0.50 g alcohol / liter, the risk of causing an accident doubles.

Some drugs, such as tranquilizers, potentiate the effects of alcohol (not to mention drugs taken together, especially during rave parties).

You should know that for a man of 75 kg

- Half of beer (25 cl) causes alcohol 0.15 g / liter

- A pastis (5 cl) causes a BAC of 0.14 g / liter,

- A glass of wine (12 cl) causes a BAC of 0.25 g / liter,

- Champagne (8 cl) causes a BAC of 0.15 g / liter.

You should know that obviously the BAC are added, for example: a pastis and 2 glasses of wine cause a BAC of 0.53 g / liter (above the legal limit).

The BAC peaked one hour after the last drink and absorption decreases of 0.15 g / liter / hour after the second hour.

If you are unsure whether you are able to drive, just test you.

Breathalyzers sell for a few francs in pharmacies, gas stations and supermarkets.

Decree n. 94-570 of 11 July 1994 and the Decree. 95-962 of 29 August 1995, provided two thresholds punishable BAC for drivers even if they show no signs of obvious intoxication:

- If the alcohol level in the blood is greater than or equal to 0.50 g per thousand or present in the exhaled air shows an alcohol concentration equal to or greater than 0.25 mg per liter, the driver is liable to a fine. (Violation of the fourth class).

- If the observed rates are equal to or greater than 0.80 g per thousand in the blood or 0.40 mg per liter in the exhaled air, it is a crime and the penalty is increased to imprisonment for two years (maximum) and a fine of 30,000 F (maximum).

(Art. L 233-5 and R 1 of the Highway Code)

Alcohol status is proved by the screening tests which are the main breathalyzer and blood.

The breath test is performed using a device conforming to a type approved for determining the alcohol for analysis of exhaled air.

The applicant is entitled to request a second test, after verifying the proper operation of the device (see breathalyzer)

Anyone who refuses to submit to the breathalyzer test is punishable equal to that applicable to any person who is convicted of being under the influence of alcohol condition worsens.

When the state of apparent intoxication or when screening tests to determine the presence of alcohol, or when the driver refuses to undergo the police officers will arrange for a blood test for analyzes and medical examinations.

The refusal of the blood is liable to the same penalty as that imposed on drunk drivers