France Bans Drivers From Using Phones Even When Stopped

A high court ruling in France means it will now be illegal to hold your phone on public roads, even when pulled over and with the engine turned off.

Le Figaro reports that in an attempt to reverse the increasing number of road deaths in the country, a new ruling has amended what the current law means when it states ‘circulating in traffic’. Consequently, drivers can no longer pull over to check their phone. Instead, they must be parked in a designated spot.

The only exception to this law is if someone has had an accident or breakdown and needs to make a call or send a text.

Those found to be breaking the amended law can be hit with points on their license and a fine of 135 euros.

This ruling is just the latest attempt from French authorities to reduce the road toll. Recently, a decision was also made to reduce the speed limit on two-lane roads from 90 to 80 km/h.

As expected, not everyone is pleased with the new mobile phone law. Speaking to Le Figaro, spokesperson Yves Carras from the country’s equivalent to the AAA indicated the law is short-sighted.

“I think we should encourage motorists to stop when they’re using their phones,” he said.