What are the drink driving limits in France?

In France, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05% for most drivers, equivalent to about 1–2 small glasses of wine. For new and professional drivers, the limit is stricter at 0.02%, which is less than one small glass. It’s safest to avoid alcohol entirely before driving.

How are drink-driving tests carried out in France?

French police conduct random breathalyser checks at roadside checkpoints, especially on weekends and holiday routes. Refusing a test is treated the same as failing it, resulting in full penalties.

What is France’s policy on drug driving?

France has a zero-tolerance policy for illegal substances like cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamines, and LSD. Any detectable amount in your system can lead to prosecution, even without visible impairment.

How are drugs detected for driving offenses in France?

Police use saliva swabs at the roadside to detect drugs. If the test is positive, a blood test follows, and you can be charged for having traces of illegal substances in your system.

How long do drugs stay in your system for detection?

Detection windows vary: cannabis can be detected for 24–48 hours (light use) or 7+ days (heavy use); cocaine, amphetamines, and ecstasy (MDMA) up to 48 hours. Factors like metabolism and frequency of use affect these times. It’s best to wait several days after drug use before driving.

What are the penalties for drink or drug driving in France?

Penalties include fines up to €4,500, licence suspension from months to 3 years, jail time up to 2 years for serious or repeat offenses, a criminal conviction that may affect travel and insurance, and possible vehicle seizure in severe cases.

Can prescription medications affect driving in France?

Yes, some prescription medications like strong painkillers or sedatives can impair driving and fall under drug-driving laws. Check warning labels, carry a fiche d’information from your doctor or pharmacist if needed, and avoid driving if the label advises against operating machinery.

How many people are caught for drink or drug driving in France?

In 2019, over 9 million alcohol checks were conducted, with about 303,000 (3.4%) testing positive. In 2023, around 127,000 drug-driving cases were reported, a 58% increase since 2017. Police focus on busy roads at night and during holidays.

What are some quick tips for safe driving in France?

To stay safe, avoid drinking alcohol before driving, wait several days after using drugs, understand the effects of your medications, expect random police checks on roads and motorways, and always carry your licence, insurance, and registration documents.

Drink and drug driving laws in France explained: limits, penalties and how you're tested

Q: If I am disqualified for drink or drug driving in France, can I drive in the UK?

A driving ban in France for drink or drug driving applies only in France, so you can legally drive in the UK upon return, provided your UK licence is not suspended or endorsed. However, French authorities may notify the UK’s DVLA, potentially leading to your offence being recorded, which could result in points, fines, or further action in rare cases. You must also declare foreign offences to UK insurers, or risk higher premiums or refused claims.

Editorial by Pete Barden.

Driving in France? Here motoring journalist and expert Pete Barden looks at everything you need to know about drink and drug driving – the limits, the consequences and how the police check you.

French police operate a zero tolerance policy on drink and drugs for drivers (Image by jacqueline macou from Pixabay)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Drink driving limits in France
Zero tolerance for drug driving
How long do drugs stay in your system?
Penalties for drink or drug driving
What about prescription meds?
How many people are caught?
Do French drink and drug bans count in the UK?
Stay safe: quick tips before driving in France

Drink driving limits in France

Drink driving in France is taken very seriously – and the legal limits are lower than in the UK:

Driver type	Legal BAC limit	Rough equivalent alcohol intake
Most drivers	0.05%	1–2 small glasses of wine
New/professional drivers	0.02%	Less than one small glass

Tip: Even a single small drink can push you over the limit – so it’s safest to avoid alcohol before driving.

How are drink-driving tests carried out?

Random breathalyser checks are common at roadside checkpoints, especially on weekends or near holiday routes.
Refusing a test is treated the same as failing it – and carries full penalties.

Zero tolerance for drug driving

France enforces a zero-tolerance policy for illegal substances like cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamines and LSD. That means any detectable amount can lead to prosecution, even if you’re not visibly impaired.

How are drugs detected?

Police use saliva swabs at the roadside.
If a test comes back positive, a blood test follows.
You can be charged for simply having traces in your system.

How long do drugs stay in your system?

Drug type	Detection window (saliva/blood)
Cannabis	24–48 hrs (light use); 7+ days (heavy use)
Cocaine	Up to 48 hours
Amphetamines	Up to 48 hours
Ecstasy (MDMA)	Up to 48 hours

Factors like metabolism, body weight and frequency of use affect these times. Best advice? Leave several days between drug use and driving. Remember - you may take longer to become drug free - and it's your responsibility.

Penalties for drink or drug driving

If caught over the limit or under the influence, you could face:

Penalty	Description
Fine	Up to €4,500
Licence suspension	From months up to 3 years
Jail	Up to 2 years for serious or repeat offences
Criminal conviction	Can affect future travel and insurance
Vehicle seizure	Possible in serious cases

What about prescription meds?

Some prescribed medications (strong painkillers, sedatives, etc.) impair your ability to drive and fall under drug-driving rules:

Always check warning labels.
Carry a fiche d’information from your doctor or pharmacist if required.
If the label says “do not operate machinery,” that includes vehicles.

How many people are caught?

French authorities conduct millions of tests every year – and many drivers fall foul of the rules:

Offence type	Year	Tests/cases	Notes
Alcohol checks	2019	9 million+	303,000 positive (~3.4%)
Drug-driving cases	2023	~127,000	58% increase since 2017

Police focus on busy roads at night and during holiday periods.

If I am disqualified for drink or drug driving in France, can I drive on my return to the UK?

Yes, if you're disqualified from driving in France for a drink or drug driving offence, that ban only applies within France. This means you can still legally drive in the UK when you return — as long as your UK licence has not been suspended or endorsed by UK authorities.

However, things are not always that simple. French police or courts may notify the UK’s DVLA of the offence, particularly for serious cases. While the UK does not automatically enforce driving bans issued abroad, the offence could be recorded on your UK driving record. In rare but serious circumstances, the UK may choose to take additional legal action, which could result in points, fines, or even a separate disqualification here.

Also, UK car insurance providers often require you to declare any motoring offences, even those committed abroad. Failing to do so could lead to higher premiums or refused claims later on.

So while you may be legally allowed to drive again in the UK, the long-term consequences could still follow you home.

Disclaimer: This information is intended as a general guide for UK licence holders and should not be considered legal advice. Always consult a legal expert if you’re facing proceedings in France or the UK.

Stay safe: quick tips before driving in France

Don’t drink at all before driving.
Wait several days to drive if you choose to use any drugs.
Know what your medication does to you.
Expect random checks on roads and motorways.
Always have your licence, insurance and registration ready.

Final word: France’s drink and drug driving laws are strict – and the fines, bans or prison time can wreck your holiday. Stay informed, stay legal – and enjoy the roads safely.

Subscribe for free motoring and travel news here - support independent journalism

Item	Required?	Notes
Full UK Driving Licence	✅ Yes	Both paper and photocard if applicable
Vehicle V5C logbook or VE103	✅ Yes	Proof of ownership – more on VE103
Valid Insurance (with EU cover)	✅ Yes	Check with your provider for confirmation
Passport	✅ Yes	Must be valid for at least 3 months after return
Travel Insurance	🔲 Advised	Helps cover unexpected medical or trip issues
MOT certificate	✅ Yes	For vehicles over 3 years old – check your renewal date
Reflective jackets (one per occupant)	✅ Yes	Must be within reach (not in the boot)
Warning triangle	✅ Yes	Legally required
Headlight beam deflectors	✅ Yes	Required even for LED lights
UK sticker/identifier	✅ Yes	Needed unless UK plates have Union Jack
Spare bulb kit	🔲 Advised	Not a legal requirement but useful
Breathalyser kit	🔲 Advised	Not enforced, but still recommended
Sat nav without speed camera alerts	✅ Yes	Disable alerts for camera locations
Credit/debit card or cash for tolls	✅ Yes	Many motorways are tolled
Emission sticker (Crit’Air)	🔲 Sometimes	See more on Crit'Air here
Drive on the right-hand side	✅ Yes	Pay extra attention at roundabouts
Speed limits adjust in wet weather	✅ Yes	Limits drop – always check signs
Drink and drug driving rules	✅ Yes	See above
No use of hands-free earpieces/headphones	✅ Yes	Illegal to use in France
European Breakdown Cover	🔲 Advised	Very useful if you break down abroad
Paper map or offline GPS	🔲 Advised	Helpful in rural areas with poor signal
EHIC/GHIC card	🔲 Advised	Free or reduced-cost state medical care in EU

Most read motoring content

Take a look at more of our top motoring-related content here...

Subscribe for free motoring and travel news from PeteBarden.co.uk

Author: Pete Barden:

Twitter: @pete_barden

Pete Barden is a qualified journalist who has written and produced for publications including The Sun (thesun.co.uk), New Statesman Media Group, Whatcar? (Whatcar.com) Stuff Magazine (Stuff.tv), Fastcar Magazine (Fastcar.co.uk), Maxim Magazine and UK broadcast stations within the Heart network (Formerly GCAP). Pete specialises in motoring and travel content, along with news and production roles. You can find out more about Pete Barden on LinkedIn.

About us: Pete Barden Motoring and Travel News

See our privacy page here