Now the French say holidaymakers have to carry a breathalyser kit in their car(2)
Police, however, will use their own breathalysers to carry out any roadside test.
Those drivers caught without a kit will face a fine of 11 euros (£9) but the French have said there will be a period of grace till November before police start issuing the penalties.
The breathalyser kits cost between around £1 and £2 and will be available at ferry and tunnel terminals for crossings to France, but motoring groups have warned that many drivers will still forget to pack them in their car.
Andrew Howard, the AA’s head of road safety, explained that it takes time for alcohol to be absorbed into the blood, so early readings could be misleading.
He said: ‘After you have had your last swig of alcohol, your reading will continue to rise for the next 40 minutes because it takes time for alcohol to go down into your stomach and be taken into the bloodstream.’
He added: 'Driving requirements in France are now quite complicated and the list of things you need to take is beginning to be quite a substantial extra charge to a holiday.'
Keith Peat of the Association of British Drivers said: ‘Some people will take the chance and not buy them, but many will simply not know about this latest requirement or just forget.
'The whole idea of self-testing sounds like nonsense. It seems like another money spinner for the very profitable road safety industry.'
Police are expected to carry out random checks on drivers crossing into France via Calais to ensure that they understand the latest drink-driving rules.
Anyone driving in France is already required to carry a warning triangle and a fluorescent safety vest to use in an emergency.
Additionally British motorists must display a GB plate and have their headlights adjusted to the right.
But even if drivers have the full list of equipment they can still be caught out by the complexity of the rules.
If a motorist carries the luminous vest in their boot rather than the main section of the car they can still be fined.
Drivers are not obliged to carry a spare set of lights, but if one of their bulbs goes and they do not have a replacement ready they can be fined.
A fire extinguisher and first aid kit could also be required in the case of an emergency so not to fall foul of a law about assisting in the event of an accident.
Last month, the French introduced a new law banning satellite navigation systems that show the location of speed cameras.
Those caught can be fined 1,500 euros even if the device is not in use.
