-
French prefecture threatens to suspend licences for using phone when driving
Motorists could be without licence for up to six months. A trial period next month will decide on course of action
-
French workers who fall sick on holiday can now get holiday days back
Landmark ruling seeks to apply EU law after France was warned of non-compliance
-
French weekly weather forecast September 15 - 19: A return to summer?
Plenty of sunshine and temperatures of 30C and above in the south-west bring a late summer bloom
Drivers using phones in France may risk losing licence
Drivers in France who are caught using their mobile device while driving could soon face losing their licence with immediate effect.

The infraction is already punished by a €135 fine and three points.
But under new government measures, drivers may soon face losing their licence immediately if they are caught using their phone, especially if it is their second road infraction - for example, if the same driver has recently already been caught speeding, or running a red light.
“Using your phone” includes holding it in your hand, using or looking at it in a way that takes your attention away from the road, speaking on it, touching the screen or buttons, or otherwise engaging with the device other than through a totally hands-free system connected up to your vehicle.
The measure comes as the government acts against risky driving behaviour, in a new bill debated by the Assemblée Nationale, which could come into law before the end of the year.
Emmanuel Barbe, interministerial delegate from road safety agency La Sécurité Routière, said: “We hope that this very serious threat [losing your licence] will make drivers think again, and encourage drivers to use tools to disconnect their phone, turn it off, or put it in the glove box or the boot - all of the measures we can use to fight against this.”
According to figures from motorway group Association des Sociétés Françaises d’Autoroute, 6% of car drivers and 15% of heavy goods vehicle drivers use their mobile phones while driving. The action is said to triple the risk of having an accident.
Even hands-free systems may cause distraction and increase the risk of accidents.
Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France