法国机动车将强制配备呼吸检测仪

法国政府近期出台一项道路安全新规，要求所有机动车配备呼吸检测仪；另外，机动车驾驶员还须在车内备有高可见度安全背心和三角警示牌，违者将被处以11欧元的罚款。

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A new law has come into force in France making it compulsory for drivers to carry a breathalyzer kit in their vehicles or risk an on-the-spot fine.
A new law has come into force in France making it compulsory（强制的） for drivers to carry a breathalyzer（体内酒量测定器） kit in their vehicles or risk an on-the-spot fine.

It is the latest move by the government aimed at bringing down the number of road deaths caused by alcohol.

All motorists must also have with them a high-visibility safety vest and a warning triangle.

Foreign drivers are included in the new rule, however there is a grace period until November.

Some 4,000 people are killed on French roads every year, with drink-driving being the main factor in accidents ahead even of speeding.

Bonanza³ for manufacturers

The French government hopes that with breathalyzers in every car, drivers who suspect they may be over the limit can test themselves and if necessary refrain（抑制） from taking the wheel.

The former government of President Nicolas Sarkozy, which gave the go-ahead to the new law, said it hoped 500 lives might be saved every year.

Motorists driving without the two breathalyzer tests will be handed a fine of 11 euros under the rules, which exclude mopeds（轻便摩托车） , drivers who fail to produce a breathalyzer after 1 November will face a fine of 11 euros.

The kits⁴ come in two types: expensive electronic ones which can be reused; and cheap chemical ones, says the BBC's correspondent in Paris.

Tens of millions of the kits are going to have to be supplied, but right now there is a shortage, which is one reason for the four-month grace period.

He adds that the new rule is proving a bonanza（幸运） for manufacturers, of which there are only two in France.

Meanwhile, drivers' groups opposing the measure say it has been foisted⁵ on France by clever industry lobbying.

To enforce the regulations, French police say they plan to carry out random⁶ checks on those entering the country through the Channel Tunnel, as well as drivers arriving on ferries.

Retailers⁸ in Britain say sales of breathalyzers have risen considerably⁹ due to the law, the Press Association reports.

Car accessory retailer⁷ Halfords said there had been unprecedented¹⁰ demand, but said that 6 out of 10 Britons travelling to France were not aware of the changes.

The drink-driving limit in France is 50mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood - 30mg less than the UK limit.