Several new measures have been introduced to make driving in France safer. They cover penalties for drug-driving, a new ‘road murder charge’, harsher penalties for speeding, digitalised driving documents and medical tests for those ‘unfit to drive’.
Below are the five key changes announced by the government.
1. Automatic licence suspension for drug-driving
Those found guilty of driving under the influence of drugs will see an “automatic” suspension of their licence.
Driving under the influence of drugs – or alcohol – will lead to eight points being removed from a licence, instead of the current six.
2. The creation of a ‘road murder’ charge
If somebody dies as a result of a car accident involving a driver under the influence, the charges laid against them will now be of ‘road homicide’ (homicide routier)
3. Harsher penalties for speeding
Those caught driving 50 km/h above the legal speed limit will now be charged with a ‘gross speeding offence’ (grand excès de vitesse).
Previously, the first speeding offence of a driver led to a fine, and only a second offence would lead to a misdemeanour, but this will now be applied from the first offence if the speeding is excessive.
4. Digitalisation of driving documents
While physical driving licences will remain in place, in 2024 they will also be available via smartphones.
5. Medical exams for those ‘unfit to drive’
If a driving offence is linked to a person’s medical condition (for example, deteriorating eyesight or slow reflexes) their licence will be suspended until they are deemed “fit to drive” by a medical professional. They will have to undergo a series of tests before their licence is given back to them.