Installation of an ignition interlock breathalyzer (EAD) by decision of the prefect

Verified 25 September 2026 - Public Service / Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

You've been checked alcoholic and you are authorized to drive only vehicles equipped with a Breathalyzer Immobilizer (EAD) ? We present you the information you need to know about the EAD.

The prefect may restrict the right to drive only to vehicles equipped with EAD: titleContent when you have committed a drinking and driving offense (driving under the influence of alcohol, in a state of obvious intoxication or refusal to submit to verification of the alcoholic state).

The decision is yours notified by letter with AR: titleContent or by presenting yourself to the service indicated on the notice of retention of the driving license.

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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 does not blow, the EAD emits a new signal.

  • If the 2d The blast is not achieved, the EAD prevents the engine from restarting 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.

The maximum level of alcohol allowed when driving a vehicle equipped with a Breathalyzer Immobilizer (EAD)) is 0.10 mg of alcohol per liter of breath.

Installation

Breathalyzer Immobilizer (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.

Find an Authorized Immobilizer (EAD) Installer

You must have the EAD checked at least once a year by an approved installer. When the verifications are satisfactory, the verifier will mark the EAD with a verification mark and issue you with a periodic verification certificate. Otherwise, you must have the EAD brought into compliance.

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 TTC: titleContent at or about purchase €100 per month for rent. The price of assembly and disassembly in the vehicle must be added.

THEEAD: titleContent on the decision of the prefect has a maximum duration of 1 year.

During this period, the decision of the prefect is equivalent to a driving license.

The prefect's decision ceases to have effect if a judicial decision imposes a measure restricting the right to drive. For example, prohibition to drive a vehicle not equipped with an EAD, suspension or cancelation of permit.

In the event of a judicial suspension occurring before the end of the driving restriction with EAD, it ends early. The durations of these two measures are not imputable: the judicial suspension is not reduced by the duration carried out in the context of the driving restriction with EAD.

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

  • Prefect's decision restricting your right to drive to vehicles equipped with a EAD: titleContent
  • Documents attesting that the vehicle is equipped with an EAD and that its operation has been verified.

Fail to comply with the prefect's decision restricting your right to drive to vehicles equipped with a EAD: titleContent is punished by a fine up to €1,500.

Your vehicle can be immobilized and impounded.

6 points are withdrawn from driving license.

You also risk additional penalties following:

You can get your driver's license back only if they are found fit to drive following a medical examination.

You must pass this medical check before the end of the driving restriction period only for vehicles equipped with an EAD (approximately 1 month before the end of this period).

You must make an appointment with the medical commission on the website of your prefecture. It can also be, by decision of the prefect, the medical commission of the department where you committed the offense.

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