Rail passenger in France fined €200 for playing music aloud on phone
On-the-spot fine was increased after passenger initially refused to pay
Inspectors issued an on the spot fine. Photo for illustrative purposes only
Javidestock/Shutterstock
A train passenger in France has been fined €200 for playing music through his phone too loudly, highlighting a little-known penalty for ‘public disorder’. First nsmae? To explain
The passenger - identified in reports as Lakhdar - was taking a train on February 12 when ticket inspectors came up to him while he was watching videos on the social media site Instagram.
They asked Lakhdar “to pay a fine of €150 because, according to them, loud music on public transport is the second biggest cause of disturbance,” he told media outlet TF1.
Initially refusing, the fine was then increased to €200.
On-the-spot fines can be given
Despite Lakhdar’s surprise, inspectors pointed to a specific article in France’s legal code to issue the fine.
"In spaces and vehicles used for the public transport of passengers or goods, it is forbidden for any person to use, without authorisation, sound-producing devices or instruments, or to disturb the peace of others by noise or disturbances,” states Article R2241-18 of France’s Transport Code.
"The objective is for passengers to be able to travel safely and peacefully, at any time of day, without experiencing insecurity or feeling unsafe due to insults, threats, or spitting,” said the SNCF to TF1 about the legal text.
Failure to adhere to the rule leaves passengers at risk of a fourth-class fine (usually €135 but potentially reaching up to €750).
While it is rare for a fine to be instantly issued – inspectors usually first issue a warning – in cases where there has already been a level of public disturbance an immediate fine is possible.
This includes, for example, if other passengers have already complained about the noise, or if it is excessively loud (such as the highest volume on the phone, or use of a speaker, etc).
In 2025 a bill was introduced looking to criminalise certain ‘incivilities’ on public transport, particularly targeting repeat offenders, and included stricter punishments for acts such as playing music out loud or putting feet on seats.
The passage of the bill stalled however, and it has not yet been codified.
Fines can be contested
Lakhdar’s case is rare but not unique – in February 2025, a man was fined €200 in Nantes train station for putting his phone on loudspeaker while taking a call.
In August 2025, a passenger on a train between Paris and Vannes was fined €110 because her cat was meowing too loud.
If you receive a fine from a public transport authority - the SNCF or local public transport variants - for any reason you can contest it within three months of it being issued.
You must first contact the customer service department of the issuing body (such as SNCF Voyageurs) explaining why you think the fine was unjustified and the reason for contesting it.
If unsatisfied, you can reach out via the public transport mediator.
Note that fines must be paid within three months of being issued.
