For those who can afford it, speeding fines can feel like just a minor reprimand. This is a very light penalty for a serious traffic violation.
Against this background, the French government passed a new law. Under the law, motorists and motorcyclists who exceed the speed limit by more than 50 km/h could face a fine of about $4,000 and up to three months in prison.
Speeding is considered a serious traffic offense in France, but until now you could not be charged unless you were a regular driver.
However, authorities have discovered that this is not enough. In 2024 alone, 63,217 motorists were recorded exceeding the speed limit by at least 50 km/h, an increase of 69% compared to 2017.
Currently, in addition to prison sentences and fines, judges can suspend your driver’s license and prohibit you from applying for a new license for up to three years. It is also possible to impound vehicles and ban you from driving certain vehicles for up to five years.
This violation will be recorded on your criminal record and 6 points will be added to your license. You may also be ordered to take a traffic safety course at your own expense.
And this is not just a French story. Several U.S. states have also adopted special laws against speeders, known as “superspeeders,” changing the way authorities deal with speeding.
Photo: Triumph. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
