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RATP Driver Detained After Driving Without D Licence While Under the Influence

The cases expose gaps in licence reporting and drug-testing procedures that could prompt tighter oversight of Paris public-transport staff.

Overview

  • A RATP bus struck a pedestrian with its side mirror in Ivry-sur-Seine, causing only minor facial injuries that required transport to hospital.
  • Police found the driver was operating despite an annulled D-category licence and under the influence of narcotics, and he was arrested and placed in custody.
  • RATP said it will open disciplinary proceedings that could lead to the driver’s revocation and reiterated a zero-tolerance policy while noting it carries out regular alcohol and saliva drug tests.
  • Separately in Nogent-sur-Marne, a RATP driver and a passenger fought with improvised weapons including a knife and a sledgehammer; both were detained and the inquiry was later closed without charges.
  • D-category licences are required to drive vehicles used for passenger transport, and these incidents raise questions about vetting, driver reporting duties, and whether checks and reporting rules will be tightened.