Over 100 drivers fined for filming motorway crash - what French law says

More than 100 drivers are facing fines and points deductions for filming the aftermath of a lorry crash on one of France’s busiest motorways, drawing renewed attention to what is and is not permitted when using smartphones or dashcams on the road.

The incident occurred on the A7 motorway in Drôme on the morning of Thursday, June 5: A lorry overturned near La Roche-de-Glun, between Tain-l’Hermitage and Valence, reportedly after the driver fell asleep at the wheel.

While the lorry driver sustained only minor injuries, the crash caused significant disruption, including long tailbacks in both directions as emergency services carried out vehicle recovery and cleaning operations.

However, gendarmes soon observed a secondary problem as 109 drivers were seen using their mobile phones behind the wheel - not to call for help or navigate, but to film or photograph the wreckage.

Rather than stop them, gendarmes instead noted the number plates of the vehicles involved, so that the drivers can be sent fines.

This is known as verbalisation à la volée - on-the-spot fines - whereby officers issue fines based on visual observation without directly pulling vehicles over. 

Each driver observed filming faces a €135 fine and a three-point deduction from their driving licence. 

The fine is reduced to €90 if paid within 15 days. 

Only drivers - not passengers - are liable in such cases, the gendarmerie confirmed.

Officials say filming not only distracts drivers but also contributes to increased congestion and a higher risk of further accidents. 

Read more: List: What you must carry in your car in France in 2025

What are the rules on filming while driving?

French road safety laws prohibit holding and using a mobile phone while driving. 

This includes texting, calling, or filming. Even if the vehicle is stopped in traffic, or on the hard shoulder, it is still considered an offence if the engine is running.

Hands-free kits are permitted, provided they do not require handling the phone. 

However, mounting a phone to a dashboard and recording video, especially for social media, can fall into a legal grey area and will typically be treated as an offence if considered to be a distraction or involves any interaction with the device.

The only exception to the general prohibition on recording is for dashcams that film the road ahead.

These devices are legal in France and are increasingly encouraged by car insurers. 

Insurance provider Groupama says dashcam footage can help clarify responsibility in the event of an accident. 

However, it does not replace the official constat amiable - the jointly filled-out accident report form that insurers rely on.

Dashcam footage is also permitted as evidence in legal proceedings, though it is always at the discretion of the judge whether or not it is admissible. 

Unlike footage shared on social media, evidence submitted to court does not need to comply with data privacy rules such as blurring faces or number plates.