French gendarmes report multiple major speeding violations

French gendarmes in the Nord and Somme regions reported several significant speeding violations during the weekend of August 15-16, 2026.

In Sebourg (Nord), a driver in a BMW Series 1 was caught traveling at 104 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. After accounting for technical margins, the recorded speed was 98 km/h. Authorities immediately seized the driver's license and impounded the vehicle.

In the Somme department, gendarmes intercepted three other drivers for major speeding offenses. These included a vehicle traveling at 197 km/h in a 130 km/h zone on the A1 motorway, one at 133 km/h in an 80 km/h zone on the D936, and another reaching 139 km/h in a 50 km/h zone on the D90. Depending on the circumstances, drivers faced license retention, questioning, or vehicle impoundment. Under French law, exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h is a criminal offense that can result in fines up to €3,750, a six-point deduction from a driver's license, and a criminal record.