If you thought losing your driving licence in France required high-speed getaways or blowing through multiple red lights, think again. The bar has just been dropped to the floor.
The Ministry of the Interior has sent a directive to prefects with a very blunt message: don't hold back. Previously, having your licence suspended for using a phone required a reckless combo — holding the device while committing another traffic violation (speeding, skipping an indicator). That loophole is officially dead.
The new deal for drivers checking notifications in traffic:
- Caught holding your phone? The standard €135 fine and 3 penalty points.
- Your day in court? Forget about it: The departmental prefect can now suspend your licence for up to 6 months directly via an administrative order, no judge required.
- Zero secondary offenses needed: holding the gadget in your hand is more than enough.
Around twenty departments have already jumped on the bandwagon, with the rest following suit. And as a reminder, wired and wireless earphones have been illegal behind the wheel since 2015 anyway.
You have two choices: screw an indestructible phone mount to your dashboard and stick strictly to hands-free Bluetooth, or get very familiar with local bus timetables. Given how eager the gendarmes are, the second option might end up being a lot cheaper.
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