Tuesday, 30 June 2015

New French Driving Laws


If you are driving in France any time soon you will need to be aware of these new laws that come into force on July 1st 2015:

 Break the following new rules and you can be fined and get points:

  • Driving under the influence of drugs - 4,500€ fine and 6 points
  • Drink driving is already against the law but now the limits for new drivers i.e. anyone who took their test less than 3 years ago has been reduced from 0.5g/l to 0.2g/l - break this and expect a fine of 4,500€ and 6 points
  • Watching a screen that is not a driving aid - so it's OK to use a Sat Nav but not watch a DVD - 1,500€ fine and 3 points
  • Texting - 135€ fine and 3 points
  • Using headphones (both external and in-ear types).  This includes cyclists and only using one earphone - 135€ fine and 3 points
  • Not wearing your seatbelt - 135€ fine and 3 points
  • Smoking with a minor on board - this law has yet to be passed but it is believed it will be very soon - 68€ fine and points yet to be announced.  I am guessing this law will apply to anyone in the car, not just the driver.

 These new laws could get you a 75€ fine depending on the discretion of the police officer who catches you:

  • Eating a sandwich ... I am not sure if this law applies to all foods though.  Is a sweet OK for example?  Maybe some-one better informed can advise me.
  • Rummaging in the glove compartment
  • Listening to overly loud music that means you cannot hear normal road noises
  • Applying make-up, even if you are stuck in a traffic jam.


For further information on driving in France please do pop on over and read this blog I wrote recently - it could save you getting caught breaking the law and should help making your driving in France easier.



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24 comments :

  1. The Artful Diva30 June 2015 at 21:37

    Tougher driving safety laws are a good thing. Enforcing them is another matter.

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  2. Lois1 July 2015 at 00:24

    Good to know for when I come back!

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  3. Ali 1 July 2015 at 12:06

    Thank you for sharing, we're hoping to PPP over next year and my husband often eats & drives! I'm please to see the smoking with a minor in there, I hate seeing that.

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    Replies
    1. A Green and Rosie Life3 July 2015 at 14:00

      I do eat and drive sometimes but I best stop now.

      Delete
  4. Anonymous1 July 2015 at 13:42

    Thanks. We will be driving in France in August, good to know the new rules.

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    Replies
    1. A Green and Rosie Life3 July 2015 at 14:04

      Glad I could help. Where are you heading?

      Delete
    2. Unknown4 July 2015 at 08:41

      We are staying near Issoire, down south. Showed this to my husband, he says the eating one is the one we have to watch, he often will snack whilst driving.

      Delete
    3. A Green and Rosie Life4 July 2015 at 09:07

      I too eat whilst driving from time to time so will have to try and stop this one. Have fun down south - can we tempt you to Normandy another time?!

      Delete
  5. Tubbs1 July 2015 at 23:43

    Thank you. We may drive to France later this year so these are good to know

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    Replies
    1. A Green and Rosie Life3 July 2015 at 14:09

      Glad I can help - where in France are you thinking about visiting?

      Delete
  6. Phoebe @ Lou Messugo2 July 2015 at 08:25

    All of these are a step in the right direction as France's death toll went up again last year, but I think texting should have a higher fine. A friend got knocked off his motorbike recently by a motorist texting, it's the cause of so many accidents.

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    Replies
    1. A Green and Rosie Life3 July 2015 at 14:15

      I agree - I cannot believe how many people I see texting and driving. Is life more important than a text?

      Delete
  7. Diane2 July 2015 at 11:57

    I think these fines are pretty small considering. They're for everyone's benefit so I'm all for making the penalties steeper. I like that proposed smoking law. Kids shouldn't have to be subjected to the fumes. Hope that passes

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  8. Franglaise Mummy2 July 2015 at 17:40

    Very interesting new rules, although I agree that some of the fines are pretty small for what could be potentially fatal. Will need to bear the food one in mind when we're in France this summer!!
    #AllAboutFrance

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    Replies
    1. A Green and Rosie Life3 July 2015 at 14:18

      Yup - that's one I tend to do. Where in France are you heading this summer?

      Delete
    2. Franglaise Mummy6 July 2015 at 17:33

      We'll be at my in-laws in the Avignon area - I can't wait :-)

      Delete
    3. A Green and Rosie Life6 July 2015 at 19:09

      Have fun!

      Delete
  9. Swags2 July 2015 at 21:56

    Great graphic! :) Thanks for posting these!

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  10. Girl Gone Gallic3 July 2015 at 16:34

    Even drinking soda pop in the car is illegal in France. I once asked in a local car parts store where I could find the cup holders for my car, and got the funniest looks.

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    Replies
    1. A Green and Rosie Life3 July 2015 at 17:00

      I suppose anything not directly involved in driving can be distracting but how you enforce these new laws is, as others have said, the crucial point.

      Delete

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