New motoring laws have come into force in France making it compulsory for drivers to carry breathalyser kits in their vehicles.
Motorists and motorcyclists will face an on-the-spot fine unless they travel with two single-use devices as part of a government drive to reduce the number of drink-drive related deaths.
The new regulations, which excludes mopeds, will be fully enforced and include foreign drivers from 1 November following a four-month period of grace.
Anyone failing to produce a breathalyser after that date will receive an €11 fine.
French police have warned they will be carrying out random checks on drivers crossing into France via ferries and through the Channel Tunnel to enforce the new rules.
The French government hopes to save around 500 lives a year by introducing the new laws, which will encourage drivers who suspect they may be over the limit to test themselves with the kits.
The French drink-driving limit is 50mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood, which is similar to Irish levels.
Around 765,000 Irish people travel to France from Ireland each year and holidaymakers are being warned they must be fully aware of the new rules.
The kits are expected to be available at Channel ports.
