France implements nationwide driving license suspensions for phone use

France is implementing a nationwide policy to administratively suspend driving licenses for motorists caught using handheld mobile phones while driving. Following successful pilot programs in several departments, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez and Minister Marie-Pierre Vedrenne have instructed prefects to apply these sanctions across the entire country.

Under the new regulations, the mere act of holding a phone while driving is sufficient for a license suspension, regardless of whether other traffic violations, such as speeding, have occurred. The suspension period is determined by prefects based on the driver's history and the severity of the incident, typically ranging from 15 days to six months. This administrative penalty is in addition to the standard fine of 135 euros and the loss of three penalty points.

Authorities justify the crackdown by citing safety data, noting that phone usage triples the risk of an accident and is linked to approximately 10% of fatal accidents in France. While the measure aims to deter dangerous habits, it applies to all drivers, with no professional exceptions provided.