Those caught with a mobile phone in hand while driving in Ardèche will face much harsher consequences than before. The prefect of the department, Benoît Trévisani, has advocated a measure that is already generating debate in France: since June 1, the use of a mobile phone while driving can not only result in a fine and loss of points on the driving license, but also an immediate suspension of the driving permit.
For the prefect, the reason is indisputable. The number of deaths in traffic accidents in Ardèche has reached a worrying level. Already in the first months of the year, 19 people lost their lives on the department’s roads. This equals the total number of fatalities from the previous year. From the authorities’ perspective, it is no longer sufficient to rely solely on the existing sanctions.
Ardèche is one of the French regions with a strong rural character. Many people depend on cars, and public transport usually plays a secondary role outside the larger towns. At the same time, the landscape is marked by winding roads and demanding routes. A slight distraction can have serious consequences there.
Until now, drivers using a mobile phone while driving faced a fine of 135 euros and loss of three points on their license. Suspension of the permit was generally only considered if an additional traffic violation was detected. With the new regulation, Ardèche goes much further. The competent authorities will now be able to impose an immediate administrative driving suspension of up to one month.
The decision is part of a broader strategy. Under the motto “Zero tolerance against road insecurity,” the prefecture has been tightening its measures against risky behavior in traffic for months. The mobile phone is considered one of the main risk factors. Experts have been pointing out for years that just a few seconds of distraction are enough to cause a dangerous situation.
Ardèche is not alone in this stance. Other French departments have implemented similar measures. There, authorities report a reduction in violations detected for mobile phone use. Whether this effect will be confirmed in the long term remains to be seen.
The new regulation will likely fuel the debate about road safety and individual freedom. However, for those responsible in Ardèche, another argument prevails: every accident avoided and every life saved justify, from their point of view, the stricter measures. Whoever looks at the screen while driving risks much more than just a simple fine.
Andreas M. B.