Edmonton Journal

Drunk drivers Can avoid ban with ‘alColoCks’

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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.

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