Is it forbidden to drink in the car if you are only a passenger? The answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no, we explain why.
The question of alcohol consumption in the car is a delicate subject. Every year hundreds of people die on the roads because of alcohol. Especially the younger ones. But contrary to popular belief, French law does not systematically condemn passengers drinking alcohol on board a moving vehicle. However, it strongly defends road safety and driver sobriety.
According to the French Highway Code, the prohibition to consume alcohol is limited to the driver. Paragraph 1 of article L.234-1 specifies that driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable if the concentration of alcohol in the blood exceeds 0.5 grams per litre, or 0.2 grams for novice drivers.
It is therefore theoretically possible for a passenger to drink alcohol. However, it is important to note that the consumption of alcohol on board can lead to behavior that can distract the driver, thus increasing the risk of an accident.
Moreover, if the drunk passenger causes an incident or an accident, the Penal Code (article 223-1) could be applied for “endangering the life of others”. The offense is punishable by one year’s imprisonment and a fine of 15,000 euros.
It should also be noted that if a drunk passenger finds himself in the obligation to take the wheel in an emergency, he would immediately break the law because he would become a driver.
So although French law does not explicitly prohibit it, the consumption of alcohol by passengers in cars is far from recommended. It is crucial to remember that road safety is everyone’s business and that alcohol, even consumed as a passenger, can have serious consequences.
