Particle.news
Download on the App Store

France Makes Extreme Speeding a Criminal Offense Starting Dec. 29

A decree published today implements the July 9 law to toughen responses to dangerous driving.

Overview

  • Driving 50 km/h or more over the limit will carry up to three months in jail and a €3,750 fine with entry on the criminal record.
  • Courts may order vehicle confiscation, license suspension up to three years, five‑year or longer bans on certain vehicles, and mandatory safety training.
  • The shift replaces a fifth‑class contravention previously applied to such violations except in cases of repeat offending.
  • Road safety officials cite 63,217 such offenses recorded in 2024, a 69% increase since 2017.
  • The government presents the change as a firm judicial response to road violence, with minister Marie‑Pierre Vedrenne calling it a clear message.