Drivers on phones in France risk licence loss in 2019

Under new tougher laws coming into force in 2019, anyone who is seen using their mobile phone while driving, and who also commits another offence at the same time - such as crossing a while line or speeding - will risk having their licence taken away completely for up to six months.

Currently, driving while speaking into your phone or using headphones can cost offenders up to €134 and three points from their licence.

The only system allowed is a hands-free, Bluetooth-connected set, which can be controlled entirely by voice (so the driver does not have to take their eyes off the road to use it).

In Paris, laws are already in place to catch offenders, with video cameras installed on main roads to catch people driving while using their phone. Drivers who are filmed doing so will receive an official police warning and repeat offenders may lose their licence.

One in ten road accidents in France are linked to unsafe mobile phone usage by drivers, according to figures from road safety agency La Sécurité Routière.

In 2016, 310 people died in an accident on French roads due to a driver not paying close enough attention - due in part to the use of mobile phones, statistics show.