What is the 48SI letter?
The "48SI" is the registered letter the French Ministry of the Interior sends when your points balance reaches zero. It officially notifies the cancellation of your licence. Upon receipt, your licence is void: driving becomes driving without a licence, an offence punished by 1 year in prison and €15,000 fine.
Immediate consequences
Handing in the licence at the prefecture
You have 10 days to hand in your licence at the prefecture. If you drive after receiving 48SI, you are already in breach even without having returned the document.
Ban on reapplying for 6 months (1 year if repeat)
The period runs 6 months from the handover. It becomes 1 year if you already had a cancellation within the previous 5 years.
What appeals are available?
Administrative appeal to the prefect
You can contest within 2 months by sending a reasoned letter to the prefect: driver misidentification, missing notification of an offence (a key angle), missing documents. Success rate: around 5–10% for well-built cases.
Judicial appeal before the administrative court
If the administrative appeal fails or if you prefer going straight to court, you have 2 months to file. Average cost with a lawyer: €1,500–3,000. Success rate higher with a specialised lawyer.
How to retake the licence after 48SI?
Mandatory medical and psychotechnical tests
Before retaking, you must: medical exam with a prefecture-approved doctor (€50), psychotechnical tests in an approved centre (€90–120), and wait for the waiting period to end.
Retake theory only (if initial licence < 3 years)
If your initial licence is less than 3 years old, you must retake theory + driving. If over 3 years, theory alone is enough. New 3-year probationary licence.
Can you avoid the 48SI?
Yes, by anticipating. As soon as you reach 4–6 points, take a recovery course (€170–280, 2 days). It restores up to 4 points and can be taken once a year. The most effective way to avoid the spiral.
DevisPermis.fr to retake your licence
If you are preparing your return after a 48SI, our platform directs you to driving schools suited to experienced drivers: condensed training (15–20 h), negotiated rates. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Next step
How to get the right support?
DevisPermis.fr connects you for free with a certified driving school near you. Answer 5 questions in 2 minutes, and an advisor will call you back within 48h* to offer a tailored package.
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