The consumption of nitrous oxide, otherwise known as "proto" or "laughing gas", is widespread, especially among young people.
Its misuse consists of inhaling the gas through a balloon, after having "cracked" the cartridge to open it.
Its ingestion causes euphoria, giggles, visual distortions and other hallucinations.
If the law n ° 2021-695 of June 1, 2021 prohibits the sale and the offer to minors, laughing gas is not to date part of the prohibited psychotropics.
The police can therefore neither control nor verbalize his consumption while driving.
In the event of an accident and, under the current law, the consumer user could only be prosecuted for loss of control or lack of control of his vehicle if the use of laughing gas was demonstrated. .
