The only safe BAC for driving is 0.00. This page summarizes, in plain language, the limits of Alcool Test. It complements — without replacing — our Terms & Conditions, which govern legally.
1. What Alcool Test is not
- Not a medical device. Alcool Test makes no diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice.
- Not a breathalyzer. The app measures nothing physically: it computes a theoretical estimate from information you declare yourself (weight, sex, age, drinks, timing).
- Not a certified instrument. Only a certified chemical or electronic breathalyzer, or a test by law enforcement, provides a reliable reading of actual blood alcohol level.
2. Why the estimate can be wrong
The calculation relies on a standard pharmacokinetic formula, with an uncertainty margin of about ±20%. Many factors specific to each person and moment cannot be precisely accounted for: individual metabolism, actual alcohol content of a drink, drinking speed, food intake, fatigue, health condition, medication interactions. The gap between the displayed estimate and your actual blood alcohol level can therefore be significant, in either direction.
3. What you should never do with Alcool Test
Never drive, operate machinery, or perform any activity requiring alertness based solely on the estimate displayed by the app — whether it seems reassuring or not. Never let someone else drive based on this estimate.
Legal blood alcohol limits vary by country. In France, the general limit is 0.5 g/L of blood (0.25 mg/L of breath), lowered to 0.2 g/L (0.10 mg/L of breath) for probationary drivers — effectively zero tolerance. Check local regulations wherever you are.
4. Good habits
- If you've been drinking, or have any doubt: don't drive. Get a ride, call a taxi, or stay overnight.
- Designate a sober “designated driver” before the night starts.
- Drink water regularly and eat before/while drinking alcohol.
- Never let a visibly intoxicated person get behind the wheel, whatever they say.
5. Useful numbers (France)
112 — European emergency number.
15 — SAMU (medical emergencies, France).
0 980 980 930 — Alcool Info Service (France): anonymous, free helpline, 7 days a week, 8am–2am. alcool-info-service.fr
If you're outside France, contact your local emergency services and helplines.
6. If alcohol use feels difficult to control
Alcool Test is a prevention and information tool, not a medical monitoring tool for addiction. If you or someone close to you is concerned about alcohol consumption, talk to a healthcare professional or a local support line.