For those who have the money to pay the fine, a speeding ticket may seem like a light warning, a very light penalty for a serious traffic violation.
In light of this, the French government has passed a new law, according to which drivers and motorcyclists who exceed the speed limit by 50 km/h or more can face up to three months in prison in addition to a fine of around $4,000.
Speeding is considered a serious traffic offense in France, but until now you could only be convicted if you were a repeat offender.
However, the authorities realized that this was not enough. In 2024 alone, 63,217 cases of drivers exceeding the speed limit by at least 50 km/h were recorded, a 69% increase compared to 2017.
Now, in addition to possible jail time and fines, judges can suspend your license and bar you from applying for a new license for up to three years. They can also confiscate your vehicle and ban you from driving certain vehicles for up to five years.
This violation will be added to your criminal record, you will receive six points on your driver’s license, and you may even be required to complete a road safety course, which you must finance at your own expense.
And not only in France. Several American states have introduced special legislation against so-called “super speeders”, indicating a change in the official handling of speeding.
Photo: Triumph. This content is AI-generated and reviewed by our editorial team.
