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Every car in the country now has to carry a single-use personal breathalyser, a development that is likely to spread rapidly across Europe in coming years.
There is also a good chance it could be copied by the lawmakers in Australia as part of the ongoing battle against drink driving on local roads.
The new breathalyser rule comes into effect in France on July 1, a delay from April 1, to allow production of enough units at an affordable pricetag that is less than $2.
It is also the start of the annual influx of holidaymakers to the sunshine spots in the country. Police have been instructed not to impose fines, set at $14, until November.
The Transport Ministry in France confirms the regulation applies to every car driving on the country's roads, including foreign visitors in cars registered outside the country.
The blood alcohol limit in France is the same as Australia at 0.05, but the death toll on the country's roads has resisted ongoing efforts in recent years. The figure for 2011 was 4000 deaths, only a slight reduction on 2010. The single-use breathalyser is intended to allow drivers to self-test before hitting the road, but drivers are being recommended to have two units in the car to keep one in reserve for any police check.
Road safety regulations in Europe have forced through requirements for a number of onboard items in recent years, and anyone driving in France is already required to carry a reflective warning triangle and a fluorescent safety vest - which must be in the passenger cabin and not the boot.
This is in addition to a first aid kit, fire extinguisher and spare bulbs for the car's lights. Anything missing brings a fine of $125.
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