Drink-driving in France: the penalties since 18 August 2026
Two limits, two regimes: a minor offence from 0.5 g/l, a criminal offence from 0.8 g/l. The law of 18 August 2026 made the offence and drug-driving tougher.
Driving with a blood alcohol level between 0.5 g/l and 0.8 g/l, that is 0.25 mg/l to 0.40 mg/l of exhaled air, is a class 4 offence under article R234-1 of the French Highway Code: a €135 standard fine, 6 points off a French licence and a possible three-year suspension. For probationary licence holders, public-transport drivers and learners, the limit drops to 0.2 g/l. From 0.8 g/l it is a criminal offence: since law 2026-798 of 18 August 2026, article L234-1 provides 3 years in prison and a €9,000 fine, with six points taken. Driving after taking drugs carries the same penalties under article L235-1, rising to 5 years and €15,000 when alcohol is added, with 9 points taken. The prefect must suspend the licence, for up to 12 months, once alcohol or drug use is established.
Standard fine · class 4
€135
Alcohol: 0.5 to 0.8 g/l of blood (0.2 on a probationary licence)
| Reduced (15 days, 30 online) | €90 |
| Increased (after 45 days) | €375 |
| Points deducted | 6 |
| Points left | 6 |
| Suspension risked | up to 3 years |
| On a probationary licence | course compulsory |
Checked by Radif Partners · Editorial policy · Method and sources
The limits and the penalties
| Level (blood / breath) | Regime | Fine | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| under 0.5 g/l / 0.25 mg/l | allowed (except probation) | – | 0 |
| 0.2 g/l to 0.5 g/l, probation | class 4 | €135 | 6 |
| 0.5 g/l to 0.8 g/l | class 4 | €135 | 6 |
| 0.8 g/l and over / 0.40 mg/l | criminal offence | up to €9,000 | 6 |
My alcohol level: what penalty?
Standard fine, class 4
€135
| Points | 6 |
| Suspension risked | up to 3 years |
| Offence threshold | 0.8 g/l |
Drugs: a positive test is enough
For drugs there is no threshold: a positive screening test, confirmed by analysis, establishes the offence. Article L235-1, amended by the law of 18 August 2026, provides 3 years and €9,000, and 5 years and €15,000 with alcohol.
The licence the same day
Since 20 August 2026, article L224-2 requires the prefect to suspend the licence once alcohol, drug use or refusal of the checks is established, for up to 12 months; there are a hundred and twenty hours to do so when an analysis is needed. See the licence suspension page.