French Road Accident: Filming Fine & Drivers Penalized
- More than 100 drivers in France are facing €135 fines after being caught using their mobile phones to film or photograph the scene of an overturned lorry.
- The Escadron Départemental de Sécurité Routière (EDSR),a road traffic unit of the Gendarmerie nationale,identified 109 motorists apparently using their phones as they passed the accident near La Roche-de-Glun.
- The overturned heavy goods vehicle had blocked the A7 "autoroute du soleil" after the driver fell asleep, sustaining minor injuries.
french police penalized over 100 drivers with €135 fines for filming an overturned lorry on the A7 motorway, a stark reminder of France’s strict stance on distracted driving. This incident underscores the importance of road safety, with authorities actively enforcing laws that prohibit mobile phone use behind the wheel, including filming, and highlights the consequences of non-compliance. The overturned heavy goods vehicle caused critically important traffic delays, emphasizing the disruption caused by such incidents and the need for responsible driving. Learn more about the specific regulations and how France is tackling distracted driving at News Directory 3. Discover what’s next for road safety enforcement.
Drivers Fined for Filming Overturned Lorry on French Motorway
Updated June 08, 2025
More than 100 drivers in France are facing €135 fines after being caught using their mobile phones to film or photograph the scene of an overturned lorry. The incident occurred on the A7 motorway, a major route in southeastern France.
The Escadron Départemental de Sécurité Routière (EDSR),a road traffic unit of the Gendarmerie nationale,identified 109 motorists apparently using their phones as they passed the accident near La Roche-de-Glun. Rather of stopping drivers at the time, authorities recorded license plates and sent penalty notices.
The overturned heavy goods vehicle had blocked the A7 “autoroute du soleil” after the driver fell asleep, sustaining minor injuries. The resulting road closure caused critically important traffic delays as officials worked to clear the scene.
French law strictly prohibits using a mobile phone while driving for any purpose, including calls, texts, or taking photos and videos. Drivers who pay the fine within 15 days receive a reduced penalty of €90. This enforcement highlights ongoing efforts to combat distracted driving and improve road safety.
What’s next
Authorities will continue to monitor driver behavior on major roadways and enforce traffic laws to prevent future incidents of distracted driving and ensure road safety.