The Driver5 min read
Distractions at the wheel
Phone, sat nav, passengers, music: everything that diverts your attention from the road and the associated penalties.
Updated 13 June 2026
What this lesson covers
Inattention: a major factor in accidents
Phones: strictly regulated
Screens whilst driving
Sat nav: set it before you leave
Other sources of distraction
Pressure from passengers and other drivers
Legal consequences of inattention
Recap
- Inattention is involved in 23% of injury accidents in France.
- The phone multiplies the risk of an accident by 3: holding it in your hand is prohibited, penalty of 3 points and 135 euros.
- Since 2015, headphones, earpieces and hands-free kits worn on the ear are prohibited whilst driving.
- Only the vehicle's built-in phone system is permitted, but it still reduces attention.
- An entertainment screen in the field of vision carries a fine of 1,500 euros and 3 points.
- The sat nav must be programmed before departure; never handle it whilst driving.
- Eating, smoking, searching for an object or listening to music too loudly are dangerous and potentially punishable behaviours.
- Never give in to pressure from passengers or other drivers: your safety comes first.
This lesson is part of the Pass
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Unlock with the PassSources: Sécurité routière (securite-routiere.gouv.fr) and service-public.fr.