But while some drivers eased off the gas out of caution, others whipped out their smartphones. The result: more than 100 fines for using a phone while driving. A brutal reminder of what the law strictly prohibits, even out of "curiosity."
A massive fine-issuing operation
The incident occurred on June 5, 2025, near La Roche-de-Glun in the Drôme department. When a truck overturned on the road, causing an emergency response and a significant slowdown, the police decided to closely monitor the drivers' behavior. And what they observed is cause for concern.
No fewer than 109 drivers were caught filming or taking photos with their phones. Rather than focusing on the road or following safety instructions, these drivers took advantage of the scene to capture images... in defiance of the Highway Code.
The police did not carry out traditional checks; they simply noted the license plates of the vehicles concerned and issued tickets on the fly, a method made possible by legislation and widely used in automated checks.
135 euro fine and 3 points removed
The drivers concerned will receive a fixed fine of 135 euros in the coming days, reduced to 90 euros if paid quickly (within 15 days). Even more annoying: three points will be removed from their driving license.
Because the law is very clear: since July 1, 2015, the use of a hand-held phone while driving is prohibited, regardless of its purpose. This includes calls, messages, but also taking videos or photos. No exceptions are made in the event of a traffic jam, slow traffic, or even a red light!
A too trivial gesture... but risky because many drivers seem to forget that behind the wheel, this gesture can have very real consequences. Not only does it distract attention, but it often slows down traffic, causing sometimes dangerous "curiosity tailbacks."
Authorities regularly point out that these behaviors pose a risk to the safety of emergency services, but also to other road users. Filming an accident scene, even briefly, diverts attention from the road and can generate inattentive reactions, including secondary collisions.
By targeting these "harmless" gestures, the police intend to send a clear message: using a phone while driving is a no-no. Even when you are stationary, as long as the engine is running and the vehicle is not safely parked, the Highway Code fully applies.
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