France's speed cameras can now catch uninsured drivers

Road users who drive without insurance can now be tracked by speed cameras – and risk fines of up to €7,500.

When a vehicle is “flashed” by a camera for committing an offence, such as speeding or running through a red light, the registration number will be cross-checked on the national database for insured vehicles.

It will take into account the possibility that the driver in question might have taken insurance out recently.

Insurers are allowed three days to confirm new policies.

Any driver who is found without insurance after this delay will face significant fines.

Drivers on their first offence will be fined €500.

Those who are on their second offence and beyond can incur fines of up to €7,500, and repeat offenders risk losing their vehicle and/or licence.

Insurance is mandatory in France, but road safety agency l’Observatoire National Interministériel de la Sécurité Routière estimates that 700,000 people are still driving on roads without it.

Uninsured drivers caused 175 deaths in France last year.