Ardèche toughens sanctions for using a phone while driving: license suspension up to six months

Privas – 01.06.2026: A new regulation comes into effect today in the French region of Ardèche, providing for the immediate withdrawal of the driving license for drivers caught using a phone while driving. This measure was introduced by Benoît Trévisani, the prefect of Ardèche, and aims to increase road safety as well as to reduce the number of accidents.

The decision, which comes into effect on June 1, 2026, was made following a series of serious accidents in which the use of mobile phones played a role. In 2026, 19 people have already lost their lives on the roads of Ardèche, a figure equivalent to the total number of deaths in 2025. A particularly tragic accident occurred on May 1, 2026, in Vernosc-lès-Annonay, where five young people lost their lives. These incidents prompted the authorities to take stricter measures.

From now on, drivers caught in the act of holding a mobile phone while driving face immediate administrative withdrawal of their driving license. The duration of this measure can be up to six months, depending on the severity of the offense and after review of the case by the prefect. In addition to the withdrawal of the license, a fine of 135 euros as well as a loss of three points on the license are also provided.

This measure is part of a broader plan to improve road safety in the region. Since January 15, 2026, harsher penalties have already been applied for other offenses, notably speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The plan “Zero tolerance towards road accidents” also includes increased controls, the creation of an office dedicated to safety and road prevention, as well as awareness campaigns aimed at young drivers and motorcyclists.

Ardèche’s decision is in line with similar initiatives in other French departments. In November 2025, the Landes department had already established the immediate withdrawal of the license in case of phone use while driving. Other departments, such as Charente-Maritime, Lot-et-Garonne, and Pas-de-Calais, have implemented equivalent measures. This development marks a trend towards stricter penalties for offenses related to mobile phone use while driving.

The authorities emphasize that using a phone while driving constitutes a major risk to road safety. Studies have shown that writing a message while driving multiplies the risk of an accident by 23. The new regulation is therefore considered a necessary step to reduce the number of accidents and deaths on the region’s roads.

Drivers in Ardèche are urged to be aware of this new rule and to avoid using the phone while driving, in order to prevent both legal consequences and accident risks.