Ardèche Tightens Sanctions Against Mobile Phone Use While Driving

Privas – 02.06.2026: From June 1, 2026, the French region of Ardèche will introduce the immediate suspension of driver’s licenses for drivers caught using their phones while driving. This measure aims to improve road safety and reduce the number of accidents.

The decision was made by Benoît Trévisani, the Prefect of Ardèche, following a series of serious traffic accidents in 2026. By the end of May, 19 traffic-related deaths had been recorded in the department, matching the total number from the previous year. A particularly tragic incident occurred in Vernosc-lès-Annonay, where five young people lost their lives.

The new regulation stipulates that drivers caught holding a phone while driving risk an immediate administrative suspension of their driver’s license. This measure complements existing penalties, which include a fine of 135 euros and a deduction of three points from the license. The duration of the license suspension can be up to six months, depending on the severity of the offense and after review 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 license suspension for mobile phone use while driving.

Authorities emphasize that using mobile phones while driving is a significant risk factor in road traffic. According to the French safety agency, reading a message while driving multiplies the accident risk by 23 times, as the driver typically takes their eyes off the road for an average of five seconds.

The introduction of this measure in Ardèche is part of a broader plan to improve road safety in the department. In addition to stricter penalties, enhanced controls and prevention measures are being implemented to raise driver awareness about the dangers of mobile phone use while driving.

The effectiveness of these tightened sanctions will be closely monitored in the coming months to determine if they lead to a reduction in traffic accidents and related fatalities. Authorities hope that these measures will sustainably decrease the number of traffic accidents in Ardèche.

Overall, the developments in Ardèche reflect a trend toward stricter measures against mobile phone use while driving in France, aiming to enhance road safety and save lives.