in Landes, using a phone while driving can cost you your driver’s license

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Landes motorists are warned. After several weeks of education to prevent them from calling while driving, there is now zero tolerance. “I arrested you, sir, because you had your phone with you. Given the way it was set up, it was blocking your view. Please note that this may be verbalized.”explained a policeman. “I use it like a tablet, like a GPS. So it gets a little complicated. But it’s dangerous, that’s for sure.”recognize the driver being checked.

Since November 1, in Landes, the sanctions have become increasingly severe. Calling, sending a text message or replying to an email while driving is punishable, in addition to a deduction of three points and a fine of 135 euros, your driving license is revoked. The provisions of the highway code grant this right to the prefect. “We’re going to keep the suspension at fifteen days to a month. In principle, it would be more like fifteen days when cell phone use while driving is an offense alone. And when you have additional offenses, which can be of various types, there, we can go up to a month.”explained Gilles Clavreul, prefect of Landes.

An action justified, according to the authorities, by the increasing number of deaths on Landes roads. 31 this year compared to 26 in 2024. Deaths were mostly caused by phone calls. This sanction was welcomed by motorists. “I completely agree. I just had an accident. The girl behind me was on her cell phone. She didn’t notice her phone slowing down and I had whiplash,” clearly a woman.

“We don’t pay enough attention to everything that happens. We can’t drive with a phone in hand. That’s impossible”said a man. Since the implementation of sanctions two weeks ago, around fifteen drivers have received suspension letters in the next few days.