Drinking and driving

During a police control, the driver must blow vigorously for at least seven seconds at the entrance of the breathalyzer. A constant whistling sound indicates that the breath is adequate. A green light then lights up to indicate that the result is available.

The breathalyzer indicates the presence of alcohol in the breath the driver exhales. The blood alcohol level is then measured in mg per liter of exhaled breath.

In some cases, a blood test will be performed. In particular, when the breath test is not possible due to the physical or psychological condition of the driver. The blood test allows more precision on the blood alcohol level. It can be requested by the driver.

• Ask for the benefit of a quarter of an hour before submitting to the test.
• Request a second breath test.
• If the results of the two breath tests are too dissimilar, request a third breath test.
• Request a blood test. The blood test provides more information about your blood alcohol level and, therefore, your driving under the influence of alcohol.

When the police ask you to take an alcohol test, you cannot refuse.

If you refuse, you are considered to be in breach.

The likely penalty will be an immediate 15-day licence suspension.

You may be offered a settlement of 700 euros.

You may also receive a citation pro justitia for the police court. You will then face an additional fine of 1,100 to 11,000 euros and an additional disqualification from driving.

The result given by the breathalyser is the letter S, A or P.

Safe: An S result indicates a safe result. This means that the driver’s blood alcohol level is below the legal limit. The driver is not at risk of fines or prosecution in the police court for alcohol.

Alarm: An A result means that the probable level is in the medium range.

• 0.5 to 0.8 mg of alcohol per litre in the blood,
• or between 0.22 mg and 0.35 mg per litre of exhaled breath.

Positive: A P result indicates that the probable level is significant and serious in terms of legal sanctions, you will have to appear before the police court.

• Above 0.8 mg of alcohol per litre in the blood,
• or above 0.35 mg per litre of exhaled breath.

If the result is A or P, a more accurate breath test will be carried out to determine the precise blood alcohol content.

I can advise you if you want to be sure of the accuracy of the BAC measurement taken.

I explain the risks, consequences and convictions associated with your driving under the influence of alcohol.

I will defend you in the police court and explain the judge’s decision.