For those with the money, a speeding fine may seem like a light slap on the wrist, a very lenient punishment for a serious traffic violation.
With this in mind, the French government has passed a new law that allows drivers and motorcyclists who exceed the speed limit by 50 km/h or more to be punished with up to three months in prison, in addition to a fine of approximately $4,000.
Speeding is considered a serious traffic offense in France, but previously you could only be convicted if you were a repeat offender.
However, authorities determined that this was not enough. In 2024 alone, 63,217 cases were recorded of drivers exceeding the speed limit by at least 50 km/h, an increase of 69% compared to 2017.
Now, in addition to possible prison sentences and fines, judges can also suspend drivers’ licenses and prohibit people from applying for a new driver’s license for up to three years. They can also impound the 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 driving license, and they may even force you to complete a road safety course that you will have to pay for yourself.
And that doesn’t just apply in France. Several US states have introduced specific laws against so-called “super-speeders,” signaling a change in the way speeding violations are handled by authorities.
Photo: Triumph. This content was created using AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
