The different types of driving licence suspension
There are two types of driving licence suspension in France. Administrative suspension is decided by the prefect, usually following a positive alcohol or drugs test, before any court ruling. Judicial suspension is ordered by a court following a serious offence. The durations and recourse options differ depending on the type.
Which offences can lead to suspension?
The main offences that can lead to suspension are: drink driving (blood alcohol level equal to or above 0.5 g/L), driving under the influence of drugs, major speeding (more than 50 km/h above the limit), hit and run, endangering another person's life and accumulation of insufficient points (zero balance).
Suspension duration
The suspension length varies according to the severity of the facts: from a few days to several years. For administrative suspensions related to alcohol, it is generally 6 months for a level between 0.5 and 0.8 g/L, and can reach 1 year above that. Courts can go further in serious cases.
Your recourse options
Administrative appeal
For an administrative suspension, you can challenge the decision before the administrative court within 2 months of the notification. A specialist lawyer can help you build a case and, in some situations, obtain a reduction or cancellation of the suspension.
Adjusted suspension
In some cases, it is possible to obtain an adjustment of the suspension for professional necessity (driving limited to the home-to-work journey, during working hours). This option depends on the nature of the offence and must be requested from the prefect or judge.
How to get your licence back after suspension?
At the end of the suspension, you will generally need to pass a medical examination and, in some cases, a psychological assessment and a driving test. If your suspension was linked to a total loss of points, you must retake the full driving exam.
How to get the right guidance?
If you need to retake your licence following a cancellation or a lengthy suspension, DevisPermis.fr directs you to driving schools specialising in refresher training. Get a quote suited to your situation 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.
Discuss it for free*Excluding Sundays and public holidays