Phone at the wheel in France 2026: fines, points deduction

Phone at the wheel causes 15 % of France's fatal accidents, as much as alcohol. The legal response has tightened: since 2015, any hand-held use is an offence, and since 2020 holding a phone while driving can lead to licence suspension if combined with another infraction. This 2026 guide details the precise rules, exceptions and sanctions.

Basic rule: hand-held phone forbidden

Article R. 412-6-1 of the Road Code prohibits a moving driver from hand-held phone use. This applies as soon as the vehicle moves, even at a red light or in a jam. Only a vehicle parked roadside with engine off and key removed escapes the ban. Holding the phone, even without using it, can be fined if the agent finds driving is impaired.

Standard sanctions

Class 4 offence. Fixed fine: €135 (reduced €90 if paid within 15 days, raised €375 after 45 days). 3-point licence deduction. As a simple offence, it cannot alone cause licence suspension - but combined with another (speeding, red light, no seatbelt), suspension may be ordered.

2026 tightening

Since the 1 January 2026 law (implementing decree), holding a phone combined with a road offence can trigger: immediate licence suspension up to 6 months (on-site police withholding); fine raised to €450; mandatory awareness course. This targets drivers caught red-handed by new 2026 French multi-offence urban speed cameras.

Earpieces and headsets: forbidden since 2015

Since July 2015, any device emitting sound into the driver's ear is forbidden: Bluetooth earpieces, wired earphones, headphones (even partially worn). Same sanctions: €135 and 3 points. Also applies to cyclists and users of Motorised Personal Mobility Devices. One exception: medical hearing aids.

Authorised devices: car hands-free kit

Only a device built into the vehicle or on a fixed mount is authorised. Legal options: Built-in car Bluetooth (OEM system, hands-free connection). Fixed windshield or dashboard mount: phone stays visible but isn't hand-held. Voice control (Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa Auto): legal to send messages, make calls, play music without touching the screen. CarPlay / Android Auto interface: dedicated screen, no direct handling.

Gestures still forbidden

Even with a mount, some uses are fine-worthy. Typing an SMS on screen, even mounted: deemed dangerous driving. Watching video or non-navigation content: offence. Adjusting Google Maps or Waze while moving: discouraged (formally forbidden if prolonged handling impairs driving). Driver must stop safely for any long handling.

Motorcyclists and cyclists

Same rules apply with adaptations. Motorcyclists: earpiece forbidden, but Bluetooth intercoms built into helmets (to talk to passenger or hear navigation) are tolerated so long as not in solo-audio mode. Cyclists and scooters: same earpiece ban, €135 fine, no points deduction on B licence (bike and scooter not licence-based).

Checks: how are they done?

Three check types exist. Visual: agent can fine on sight during a standard road check. Video-fining: urban CCTV and urban cameras detect hand-held phone, then mail the fine. 2026 multi-offence cameras: new devices detecting phone, seatbelt, safety distance and speed simultaneously. 200 units deployed by end-2026 in major metros.

Why phone at wheel is so dangerous

Per INRS and Road Safety studies: sending an SMS multiplies accident risk by 23. A call cuts attention by 3 for the 15 minutes after call. Reading screen causes full 5-second inattention on average = 150 m on motorway at 130 km/h. Phone causes 1 in 10 French accidents.

Good practice: phone-free driving

A few simple habits. Enable "Do not disturb while driving" (iPhone, Android) to cut notifications. Set navigation before starting (destination + audio). Hand phone to passenger if handling needed. Stop at motorway rest area for long calls. Use a carpooler as "communication assistant" for long trips.

France quote and training

DevisPermis.fr offers post-licence courses and eco-driving training covering good digital-at-the-wheel practice. Fill our form for 3 personalised quotes within 48h.