French police set to catch insurance dodgers

Police will be able to track drivers who are on the road without insurance from the beginning of next year thanks to a new database of insured vehicles being created as a safety measure.

Connexion journalist Connexion journalist

Published Wednesday 03 October 2018 - 15:49 Modified Wednesday 03 October 2018 - 15:49

Official figures say 700,000 people are driving with no insurance and the new fichier will keep details of number plate, name of insurer and the period insured, allowing officers to identify uninsured vehicles. Drivers face a €3,750 fine – reduced to €500 for a first offence.

Rising use of number plate recognition means offenders can be caught in ordinary traffic and even if not stopped for another offence.