France bans use of mobile phones in car even if car is parked

In France, it is now illegal to use mobile phones in cars even when the car is pulled over to side of road and stopped. The only time you can use a mobile phone in car is when the car is parked in a designated parking area. Any one who violates this rule will be fined €135 and get three penalty points on their license for three years.

Do note that this does not apply to those who are using hands free calling. The reason for this new rule is an incident where a driver was fined in 2017 for parking car at a roundabout with hazard lights on to take a call. In case of a vehicle breakdown, phone calls are allowed to be made from the car.

The rule is definitely weird as there are rules prohibiting drivers from stopping their vehicles in areas that could create an accident. Most countries does not allow anyone to stop near a roundabout (circle) and it doesn’t matter if the driver is taking a phone call or not. Stopping at such intersections always attracts fine. Anyways, if you are in France, do remember this new rule while driving.