The Ardèche strengthens sanctions against the use of mobile phones while driving

Privas – 06/02/2026: From June 1, 2026, in the French region of Ardèche, the immediate suspension of the driver’s license will be applied to drivers caught using a phone while driving. This measure aims to improve road safety and reduce the number of accidents.

The decision was made by Benoît Trévisani, prefect of Ardèche, following a series of serious road accidents in 2026. Up to the end of May, 19 road deaths have been recorded in the department, a figure equivalent to that of the previous year. A particularly tragic incident occurred in Vernosc-lès-Annonay, where five young people lost their lives.

The new regulation provides that drivers caught with a phone in hand while driving face an immediate administrative suspension of their driving license. This measure complements existing sanctions, which include a fine of 135 euros and a deduction of three points from the license. The duration of the suspension can be up to six months, depending on the severity of the offense and after review of the case by the prefect.

With this decision, Ardèche joins several other French departments that have adopted similar measures. Previously, Landes, Pas-de-Calais, Charente-Maritime and Lot-et-Garonne had already introduced immediate suspension of the license for using a mobile phone while driving.

The authorities emphasize that using a phone while driving is a significant risk factor on the road. According to the French safety agency, reading a message while driving multiplies the risk of an accident by 23, since the driver averagely takes their eyes off the road for five seconds.

The introduction of this measure in Ardèche is part of a broader plan to improve road safety in the department. Besides tightening sanctions, enhanced controls and prevention actions are being conducted to raise driver awareness of the dangers related to phone use while driving.

The effectiveness of these strengthened sanctions will be closely monitored in the coming months to determine if they lead to a reduction in road accidents and related deaths. Authorities hope these measures will sustainably reduce the number of accidents in Ardèche.

Overall, this development in Ardèche illustrates a trend toward stricter measures against the use of mobile phones while driving in France, aimed at improving road safety and saving lives.