Speeding drivers may get a break
Drivers will not lose points if they break the speed limit, but only if it is a small excess and it is the first offence
DRIVERS who break the speed limit by just a few kilometres per hour may not lose points from their licence for a first offence.
A National Assembly committee voted to give motorists some leeway on a first offence as long as their speed was not more than 5kph above the limit.
However, the move has been attacked by Transport Secretary Dominique Bussereau who said the government would not accept the amendment. It was against the ethos of its views on road safety and its plans to reduce the number of road deaths.
The organisation 40 millions d'automobilistes welcomed the amendment saying it was the first step towards re-evaluating the points system.
French driving licences come with 12 points and drivers lose points for any infringements – the amendment means a first offence will be punished with just a fine of between €45 and €150. A second offence will mean a fine and lost points.
Foreign drivers do not need a French driving licence as long as their own licence is in order – under article R 222-1 of the Code de la Route – however, if foreign residents break the law they are obliged to change to a French licence and lose points.
