法國政府近期出臺一項道路安全新規，要求所有機動車配備呼吸檢測儀；另外，機動車駕駛員還須在車內備有高可見度安全背心和三角警示牌，違者將被處以11歐元的罰款。法國政府希望車內配備的呼吸檢測儀能夠讓司機隨時了解自己血液內的酒精濃度，以決定是否適合駕車。法國每年有4000人死于交通事故，而酒駕是導致交通事故的首要原因，其次為超速駕駛。據悉，這一新規對外籍司機也同樣適用，不過在11月1日新規正式實施之前，駕駛員們有四個月的過渡期來為自己的車輛配備新規要求的裝備。

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 for drivers to carry a breathalyzer 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.

Bonanza 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 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, drivers who fail to produce a breathalyzer after 1 November will face a fine of 11 euros.

The kits 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 for manufacturers, of which there are only two in France.

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

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

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

Car accessory retailer Halfords said there had been unprecedented 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.

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(Agencies)

（中國日報網英語點津 Helen 編輯）