France generalizes driving license suspensions for phone use

The French government has announced the nationwide generalization of temporary driving license suspensions for motorists caught using mobile phones while driving. Previously, this administrative sanction was only applied in certain departments, such as Landes and Pas-de-Calais, as part of experimental phases.

Under the new directive from the Ministry of the Interior, the mere act of holding a phone while driving can trigger a suspension. The duration of the suspension is determined by local prefectures on a case-by-case basis, typically lasting 15 days but ranging from one month up to six months. This measure is in addition to the existing 135 euro fine and the loss of three points from the driver's license.

Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, the Minister Delegate for Citizenship, stated that the goal is to make the danger of phone use clear to all citizens. The decision follows a rise in road fatalities, with 3,515 deaths recorded in France in 2025, and data suggesting that mobile phone use significantly increases the risk of accidents.