Ardèche Endures Sanctions for Mobile Phone Use While Driving: Driving License Can Be Suspended for Up to Six Months

Privas – 01.06.2026: In the French region of Ardèche, a new regulation comes into effect today that provides for the immediate withdrawal of the driving license for drivers caught talking on the phone while driving. This measure was implemented by Benoît Trévisani, the prefect of Ardèche, and aims to increase road safety and reduce the number of accidents.

The decision, which takes effect on June 1, 2026, was made after a series of serious traffic accidents in which the use of mobile phones played a role. In 2026, 19 people have already died on the roads of Ardèche, matching the total number of deaths in 2025. One particularly tragic accident occurred on May 1, 2026, in Vernosc-lès-Annonay, where five young people died. These events led the authorities to take stricter measures.

From now on, drivers caught holding a mobile phone while driving may face the immediate administrative withdrawal of their driving license. The withdrawal period can be up to six months, depending on the severity of the offense and after the case has been reviewed by the prefect. In addition to the withdrawal of the license, a fine of 135 euros and the loss of three points on the driving license will be imposed.

This measure is part of a broader plan to improve road safety in the region. Since January 15, 2026, more severe penalties have already been implemented for other traffic offenses, such as speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The “Zero Tolerance for Traffic Accidents” plan also includes intensified controls, the creation of an office for road safety and prevention, as well as prevention actions aimed at young drivers and motorcyclists.

The decision of Ardèche follows similar initiatives in other French departments. Already in November 2025, the Landes Department introduced the immediate withdrawal of the license for using a mobile phone while driving. Other departments such as Charente-Maritime, Lot-et-Garonne, and Pas-de-Calais have adopted similar measures. This development indicates a trend towards stricter penalties for traffic offenses related to mobile phone use while driving.

The authorities emphasize that using a mobile phone while driving represents a considerable risk to road safety. Studies have shown that texting while driving multiplies the risk of an accident by 23. Therefore, the new regulation is considered a necessary step to reduce the number of accidents and deaths in the region.

Drivers in Ardèche should be aware of the new regulation and avoid using mobile phones while driving to prevent both legal consequences and possible accidents.