Drunk drivers Can avoid ban with ‘alColoCks’
Drunk drivers in France will be able to avoid a ban if they install breathalyzer “alcolocks” that prevent their vehicles from starting if they are over the legal limit. Those convicted of the offence will have to blow into the breathalyser before the engine will start.
They will then be required to blow a second time — set randomly at between five and 30 minutes later — to check that they are still under the limit, with the aim of preventing someone else starting the car for them. The government approved the measure this week after a yearlong trial in seven French departments. Drivers “lose” points from a total of 12 on their licence; drunk driving incurs a penalty of six. For drivers to lose their licence for six months they must lose the remaining six points.