Authorities in Pas-de-Calais, Lot-et-Garonne and Landes already apply this rule, but from May 1st it will also apply in Charente-Maritime, the south-west France département that is the home of La Rochelle.
Announcing the change, préfecture said: "Every year, phone use is the cause of numerous serious accidents and multiplies by three the risk of a crash. On the road, it is vital to be able to react quickly."
In Charente-Maritime, phone use was a factor in 15 percent of fatal crashes in 2025, representing seven of the 45 people killed on the roads.
In France it is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving. This covers any use of the phone, including making or receiving a call, messaging, looking something up on the internet or photographing/filming with your phone.
Making or receiving a call using a hands-free kit which connects to the car's speakers is allowed.
In most of France, phone use costs you three points off your licence, and a €135 fine.
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However in 2025 the département of Landes began a pilot scheme of licence confiscation, and it was joined in February 2026 by Pas-de-Calais and Lot-et-Garonne.
Charente-Maritime will begin applying this rule from May 1st, having been engaged in a publicity campaign during the month of April.
From this date, anyone caught using their phone while driving will immediately have their licence suspended for a period of up to six months. The 'administrative suspension' means that the driver does not have to take a test to regain their licence, and can start driving again as soon as the suspension period is over.
The maximum suspension period will usually only be applied if the driver has also committed other offences, the préfecture added. In Landes and Pas-de-Calais, most suspensions have been for between one and two months.
Local authorities say that offenders will also be required to pay up to €200 to a victims' association.
The scheme could expand to other parts of France, at the discretion of local authorities - the département of Vienne is reported to have expressed an interest.
In Landes, 200 licences were suspended during the first three months of the rule being in place.
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