France introduces new ruling banning drivers from pulling over to use their phones, 135 euro fine

France introduces new ruling banning drivers from pulling over to use their phones, 135 euro fine

Using your phone while driving is a big no-no in a lot of countries, but France has decided to take it a step further with a new ruling. According to Le Figaro, it is now illegal for drivers to use their phones while they’re in the car, no matter if the engine is running or not (except in certain situations).

It doesn’t matter if you’ve pulled over to the side of the road or stopped at a red light, a fine of up to 135 euros (RM653) and three demerit points await drivers who fail to follow the new ruling – the same punishment applied to those caught fiddling with their phones while driving.

There are a few exceptions to the ruling, with Bluetooth (or any other hands-free method) being accepted for accepting or making calls. Also, drivers who pull into designated parking spots and use their phones will not be punished. Should there be an emergency or vehicle breakdown on the side of the road, drivers will also be allowed to use their phones to call for assistance.

While the ruling might appear a little extreme, there is some logic behind it. Even though pulling over to use your phone is definitely safer than using it while driving, there is still a need to find a proper and safe space to pull over, even if traffic isn’t blocked. For instance, narrow roads, or a spot that may limit your visibility to other drivers, is still risky just so you can use your phone.

Closer to home, it was previously reported that the Road Transport Department (JPJ) would catch those using their phones while driving via cameras, and a fine of RM300 will be given to them. Do you think France’s new ruling be emulated here?

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard's strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • Not to worry, that will have no affect here

    Malaysian drivers are more than happy with the current arrangement of either talking or texting while driving at any speed.

    No doubt adding to the 7,000+ lives lost on the roads each year.

    Happy days~~~~~

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
    • mostly myve drivers, on Feb 07, 2018 at 12:54 pm

      and with the new gadget on myvees, they can even play games hor..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Yobike on Feb 07, 2018 at 12:29 pm

    Msia Mat motors prefers to use phones while ridings..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 1
  • Bernard on Feb 07, 2018 at 12:30 pm

    Nothing works here. I am sure by now every one knows that. Lets channel our resources to things that could work.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • terra on Feb 07, 2018 at 12:43 pm

    Improve enforcement…. too many rules and laws but no enforcement…. just bla bla bla bla…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 2
    • kzm (Member) on Feb 07, 2018 at 1:00 pm

      and u think it is easy? plus with tinted windows nowadays it make a lot more harder to enforce.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
      • Amatur 168 on Feb 07, 2018 at 3:01 pm

        Enforce tinted windows… just bla bla alasan2… Dun just skodeng pakai Ipong.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
    • Why need enforcement? Let law of natural selection sort out those stupids.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
      • Add A Comment on Feb 08, 2018 at 7:30 am

        The problem is those stupid might cause other innocent lives….plain stupid…

        – I Have Added A Comment –

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • lilytan on Feb 07, 2018 at 12:50 pm

    Please implement this here as well. Phone playing driver is a menace.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Lanhb on Feb 07, 2018 at 1:14 pm

    We are busy multitasking here…no time to do one thing at a time

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • 12yrsold on Feb 07, 2018 at 1:30 pm

    Hehehe. The article is about banning drivers bla bla bla in FRANCE & have nothing to do with M’sian but nevertheless most took this opportunity & liberty to blast M’sian bad attitude.

    It shows how fast we are to criticized but S L O W when it comes to praising. That’s the real M’sian we are seeing here !!! Cheers… bcos I can

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
    • 12yearsold,

      You don’t think in general that Malaysian drivers don’t need criticism?

      Driving in this country is an absolute disgrace and until the government decide to get serious about all the issues of motorists disobeying the road rules, many more lives will be lost.

      7,000+ deaths a year on the roads cannot be acceptable.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
      • 12yrsold on Feb 07, 2018 at 4:52 pm

        Are U criticizing for the sake of bashing or are U part of the problem ?? Please remember when U point a finger on someone, there are more fingers pointing back at U.
        Mere mortals like U should not be judging others for U will be judged by…your maker.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 4
        • An unbelievable response!

          You don’t seem too bothered about 7,000+ losing their lives on the road in this country each year.

          Unbelievable!

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
          • karam singh on Feb 07, 2018 at 9:15 pm

            What can us mortals do? When after any major accidents, the authorities could only comment the bus driver has been issued with 72 outstanding summonses since 2009 and the bus company has numerous unpaid traffic offences. The same episode repeats itself in the next Berita Terkini. Asked how the bus driver in the incident was still driving despite having unpaid summonses, they said: “What have the other agencies been doing?

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
        • benisyourdad on Feb 07, 2018 at 6:45 pm

          I agree with Bj.

          We cannot deny there is a problem. The numbers don’t lie. 7000 unnecessary deaths per year can be reduced.

          You’re out of line. And by the way, the same can be said regarding your comments where you ridicule people.. remember, it’s the Maker who judges mortals and not some 12 year old mat rempit to do so.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
          • 12yrsold on Feb 08, 2018 at 8:39 am

            B4 U type, read the article & understand 1st. It’s in FRANCE. Did I deny we have a problem ?? U & Bj are the same. HYPOCRITE. Not ALL M’sian drive like mad man. Maybe U & Bj drive like one ?!

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
      • 12yrsold on Feb 08, 2018 at 8:47 am

        You don’t think in general that Malaysian drivers don’t need criticism? – That is a sweeping statement to GENERALIZE most M’sian are bad drivers.

        Don’t bring 7,000+ deaths a year on the roads as your defense as this topic is about FRANCE. Get it !?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
    • armandd on Feb 07, 2018 at 3:04 pm

      Luckily its in france. Cheers Kerajaan MY prihatin! Puji mak puji!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • musangKing-originalz on Feb 07, 2018 at 2:49 pm

    if we want to do it, we shall do it one step ahead of France, i.e. turned off all phones in the vehicle while driving until destination. no bluetooth no gps no shit.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Johanian82 on Feb 07, 2018 at 10:26 pm

    The ruling is extreme.
    It also favors drivers of higher end cars who can operate their phone, navigation etc via a dedicated multi media system like the BMW
    i-drive or some fancy car touch screen interface.
    Will the French authorities say that is illegal too, eventually?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

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