What is a driving license with EAD (EAD medico-administrative) restriction?

Verified 25 September 2026 - Public Service / (Prime Minister)

 The device of thealcohol interlock (EAD), in its medico-administrative version, allows certain drivers to return to driving under conditions after a drink-driving penalty. We tell you what you need to know.

Temporary driving license with restriction of use EAD: titleContent (device called « medico-administrative EAD ») concerns drivers with difficulties linked to their alcohol consumption (case of misuse of alcohol, alcohol use disorders). You may be affected if you have committed a drinking and driving offense and you have been sanctioned by any of the following: EAD alternative to license suspension, cancelation, administrative suspension, judicial suspension, invalidation of the permit.

The Prefect, on the basis of the opinion of the medical commission responsible for assessing your fitness to drive at the end of the penalty period, may issue you a temporary driving license with restriction EAD: titleContent.

You must comply with the following 2 obligations:

  • Driving only vehicles equipped with a alcohol interlock (EAD)
  • Take an internship in an institution specialized in addiction.

The prefect's decision is yours notified by letter with : titleContent. The driver's license issued allows you to drive only vehicles of the light group. The EAD usage restriction is indicated by the addition of code ‘69’ on your license.

FYI  

The EAD medico-administrative does not concern the category AM of the driving license. So you can drive these vehicles without EAD.

The procedure for applying for a temporary driver's license with restriction EAD: titleContent varies depending on the penalty period prior to the return to the license.

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Your return to the license follows a suspension of the license or a restriction to drive only with an EAD

The permit application is made online on the website of France Titres - ANTS: titleContent.

You must attach the following documents in digital format:

  • Digital photo-signature. If you do not have access to a photo and digital signature service, you can fill out and send by post a photo-signature form (FPS) during the teleprocedure.
  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of address
  • Form "Medical advice" delivered at the end of the medical check
  • Decision of the Prefect concerning the issue of a temporary driving license with restriction EAD: titleContent.

Driving license: application for manufacture following a suspension of the driving license

Your return to the license follows a cancelation or invalidation of the license

The permit application is made online on the website of France Titres - ANTS: titleContent.

You must attach the following documents in digital format:

  • Digital photo-signature. If you do not have access to a photo and digital signature service, you can fill out and send by post a photo-signature form (FPS) during the teleprocedure.
  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of address
  • Form "Medical advice" delivered at the end of the medical check
  • Decision of the Prefect concerning the issue of a temporary driving license with restriction EAD: titleContent.

Application to manufacture a driver's license as part of a return to the license after a driver's license has been invalidated or canceled

The period of validity of the driving license with restriction EAD: titleContent is included between 6 months and 1 year.

At the end of the license term, the medical board will re-assess your fitness to drive. If necessary, it proposes to the prefect the maintenance of a temporary license with restriction EAD: titleContent.

You must take an internship in a center for care, support and prevention in addiction (CSAPA).

The internship includes an individual welcome session, 2 medical consultations at the beginning and end of the internship, and 5 group sessions.

The duration of the internship, 6 to 12 months, corresponds to the duration of the prescription of theEAD: titleContent.

At the end of the internship, you will be given a attestation. You will have to present this certificate to the medical commission during the medical check scheduled for the renewal of your driver's license.

The maximum level of alcohol allowed when driving a vehicle equipped with a ignition-resistant breathalyzer (EAD) is 0.10 mg of alcohol per liter of breath.

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Crédits: Direction de l’information légale et administrative

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The alcohol interlock test is used in 2 steps:

1/Before starting the engine, a 1er breath is requested

  • If the alcohol level exceeds the set limit, the device prevents starting.
  • If the alcohol content does not exceed the set limit, the device allows the start.

2/5 to 30 minutes after starting, a signal is sent so that a 2e breath be realized.

The driver has 20 minutes to breathe again. It must blow vehicle and engine stopped. If it doesn't blow, the EAD sends out a new signal.

  • If the 2d The blast is not realized, the EAD prevents the restart of the motor as soon as it is stopped for more than 10 seconds. The vehicle cannot restart without towing to the workshop of an approved installer.
  • If the 2d The blast is produced and the alcohol content exceeds the fixed limit, the device prevents starting.
  • If the 2d The blast is made and the alcohol content does not exceed the fixed limit, the device allows the start. No other request for breathing will be made unless stopping for more than 2 minutes.

The 2d The blast makes it possible, in particular, to check again that the level of alcohol is always below the limit set and, therefore, that the driver was not in the ascending phase of alcohol concentration or that a person had not blown in his place before letting him take the road alone.

Installation

The alcohol interlock (EAD) is a approved device which must be set up by a approved installer.

An online service allows you to find an authorized installer. The updated list is also available on the prefectural website.

Locate an approved EAD (Immobilizer) installer

You must have the EAD checked at least once a year by an approved installer. When the checks are successful, the verifier will mark the EAD with a verification mark and issue you with a periodic verification certificate. Otherwise, you must have the EAD complied with.

Cost

The costs of installation and operation of the EAD are at your expense.

You can buy or rent the EAD. It costs about €1,300 at the time of purchase or €100 per month for rent. The price of assembly and disassembly in the vehicle must be added.

In the event of a roadside inspection, you must submit the following documents:

  • Driving license (the code ‘69’ mentioned on the permit indicates the restriction EAD: titleContent)
  • Documents attesting that the vehicle is equipped with an EAD and that its operation has been checked.

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