Since November 1, 2025, any driver caught using their smartphone may have their driving license suspended for a period of up to six months. A radical measure, led by prefect Gilles Clavreul, who intends to make a lasting impression.
An educational phase before hardening
Since October, the Landes law enforcement agencies have been carrying out a prevention campaign to alert motorists. But for several days the pedagogy has given way to the sanction, beyond the fine of €135 and the withdrawal of three points already provided for by law, the prefect may decide on an immediate administrative suspension of the driving license.
A first in France for an offense of this type, usually punished only by a fine.
A gesture that has become commonplace but dangerous
The measure targets behavior that the authorities now consider to be commonplace. In the Landes, as elsewhere, road checks reveal an explosion in the number of drivers using their phones, often to consult a message, a route or social networks. According to Road Safety, this reflex triples the risk of an accident.
The prefect believes that only a strong response will make it possible to change habits. The objective is not to increase the number of suspensions, but to raise awareness.
A legal framework that questions
On a legal level, this decision is based on article L224-7 of the Highway Code, which authorizes a prefect to suspend a license “when his detention is incompatible with the safety of people“.
Some jurists point out, however, that this interpretation remains questionable, since the use of the telephone does not constitute a criminal offense. Lawyer Jean-Baptiste Josseaume recalls that any administrative suspension must respect a contradictory procedure, guaranteeing the driver the possibility of presenting his observations.
An experiment to follow
For now, this initiative remains strictly local. But if it proves effective, other departments could take inspiration from it. The services of the Ministry of the Interior are also closely monitoring the Landes experiment, in a context where distracted driving has become the leading cause of accidents ahead of speed and alcohol.
In the Landes, the rule will now be simple: phone in hand = license suspended. By relying on firmness, the authorities hope to stem behavior which continues to cost lives, despite years of awareness.
🟣 To not miss any news on the WorldOfSoftware, subscribe on Google News and on our WhatsApp. And if you love us, .
