Can I use my phone while driving?
No, not holding it in your hand. Holding a phone in your hand while driving is banned (Highway Code art. R.412-6-1): it costs €135 and 3 points. Since 2015, wearing any sound-emitting device at the ear — earpiece, earphones, headphones — is also banned (same penalty). Only systems built into the vehicle (Bluetooth, speaker) are tolerated. Since 2020, if you commit another offence at the same time as phone use (speeding, crossing a line…), your licence can be suspended immediately.
📋 The rules
- Phone held in hand: banned — €135 and 3 points
- Earpiece/earphones/headphones at the ear: banned since 2015 (same penalty)
- Tolerated: hands-free system built into the vehicle (Bluetooth, speaker)
- Since 2020: licence suspension if another offence at the same time
- The ban applies even when stopped with the engine running (except when parked)
🔓 Exceptions
- Properly parked vehicle (engine off, out of traffic)
- Built-in systems and voice commands without handling the device
- Emergency call in immediate danger (to be assessed)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Using a hand-held phone, or wearing an earpiece, is a 4th-class offence: €135 fine and 3 points lost. Since 2020, when it comes with another Highway Code offence, officers can carry out an immediate licence suspension (up to 6 months). In a crash, phone use can worsen liability and penalties.
📎 Official sources
- Service-Public.fr · Phone and driving →
- Road safety · Phone at the wheel →
- Légifrance · Article R.412-6-1 of the Highway Code →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I hold my phone while driving?
No. Holding a phone while driving is banned and fined €135 with 3 points lost. Only systems built into the vehicle (Bluetooth, speaker) are allowed.
Are earphones allowed?
No. Since 2015, wearing an earpiece, earphones or headphones while driving is banned, even to call. The penalty is the same: €135 and 3 points. Use the vehicle's hands-free system.
Can I phone while stopped at a red light?
No. The ban applies while the vehicle is in traffic, including stopped at a light with the engine running. You must be properly parked, engine off, to use your phone in your hand.
Can the licence be suspended?
Yes. Since 2020, if hand-held phone use comes with another offence (speed, solid line, priority…), officers can immediately suspend your licence, for up to six months.
Is the phone's GPS allowed?
Only if the phone is on a mount and you don't handle it while driving. Holding it to set the route is still banned. Prefer voice control and set everything before leaving.
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