Drink-driving limits in France (2026)

Last reviewed: 29 October 2026

In short: France sets the limit at 0.05% blood alcohol (0.5 g/l). Police can carry out preventive checks without an offence or accident. At 0.8 g/l or more the offence is criminal, with up to 3 years in prison and a EUR 9,000 fine.

RuleWhat applies
Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol0.05 % blood alcohol [1]
Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol⚠ Not yet verified
Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcoholYes [1]
Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol0.8 g/l or more is a criminal offence: up to 3 years in prison and a fine of up to EUR 9,000, with licence suspension or cancellation of up to 5 years. Causing injury with incapacity over 3 months: up to 5 years and EUR 75,000. Causing death: up to 7 years and EUR 100,000. Above the limit but below 0.8 g/l (0.5 g/l; 0.2 g/l for probationary drivers) it is a contravention with a fine of up to EUR 750. [1]
Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol0.2 g/l of blood (0.10 mg/l of exhaled air) for holders of a probationary licence (permis probatoire). The same limit applies to accompanied driving and to drivers ordered to use an ethylotest anti-start device. [1]

Notes

  • The Service-Public page read does not state limits for professional drivers.
  • Service-Public says officers can carry out preventive checks outside any offence or accident.
  • The Service-Public page names the 0.2 g/l limit for the probationary licence, accompanied driving and the ethylotest anti-start device. Duration of the probationary period is not covered here.

Sources

  1. Direction de l'information légale et administrative (Service-Public.gouv.fr): Alcool au volant (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.