For those who have the money to pay, speeding fines can seem like a simple slap on the wrist, a very lenient penalty for someone who commits a very serious traffic violation.
With this in mind, the French government approved a new law that, in addition to a fine of around US$4,000, drivers and motorcyclists who exceed the speed limit by 50 km/h or more can face up to three months in jail.
Speeding is considered a very serious traffic offense in France, but, until then, you could only be convicted if you were a repeat offender.
However, authorities discovered that this alone was not enough. In 2024 alone, authorities recorded 63,217 cases of drivers exceeding the speed limit by at least 50 km/h, a 69% jump compared to 2017.
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Now, in addition to possible prison sentences and fines, judges can suspend your driver’s license and prevent you from applying for another for up to three years. They can also confiscate your vehicle and ban you from driving certain vehicles for up to five years.
This offense will be recorded on your criminal record, you will receive six points on your license and they may even force you to take a road safety course, which you will have to pay for out of your own pocket.
And it’s not just in France. Several American states have adopted specific legislation against so-called “super runners”, indicating a change in the way speeding is being treated by authorities.
Photo: Triumph. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
