France Implements New Phone and Steering Wheel Laws

France has implemented new penalties for using a phone while driving, including the potential loss of a driver's license for 15 days to 6 months. One driver, identified as Dibault, received a two-week suspension and mandatory awareness training following an infraction. The enforcement aims to address the danger posed by distracted driving, including tasks like adjusting GPS devices or changing music. Jean Bourgoin, president of the Landes Automobile Club, described the measure as both a regulation and an announcement intended to increase effectiveness. The rule aims to reduce phone usage by drivers, with pedestrians reporting near-misses caused by distracted drivers. The Prefect of Landes is overseeing the implementation of these measures. This policy follows similar measures in Pate Calais, Lotte-Garonne, the Landes, and Charentes-Maritimes. The decision has caused division within the political class and sparked anger in French-speaking and European countries. The measure is currently being applied provisionally pending a final decision from the Court of Justice of the European Union. Starting May 1, four French departments will enforce new penalties for using a mobile phone or steering wheel while driving. Violators face driver's license suspensions ranging from 15 days to 6 months. The regulation was reported as a novelty for the May 1 holiday.