Macron Pledges Quick Resolution on Smartphone Toll Payments
The French president responds to viral TikTok complaints about fines for using phones at tolls, tasking the Interior Minister to address the issue.
- Emmanuel Macron announced on TikTok that paying tolls with smartphones should be legally permitted and promised swift action to amend the law.
- The issue arose after a TikTok user was fined €90 and lost three license points for using Apple Pay at a toll, which police deemed 'phone use while driving.'
- The current law, under Article R412-6-1 of the French Code de la Route, prohibits handheld phone use in vehicles considered 'in circulation,' including at toll booths.
- Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau confirmed that the matter is under review and assured that changes would be implemented quickly at Macron's request.
- Experts suggest the regulation could be updated via a government decree or a directive to law enforcement, avoiding the need for legislative approval.