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from the does-it-matter-which-side? dept.
France bans smartphone use in cars even when you pull over
Road deaths have been on the rise lately in France and with nothing much else to pin it on, authorities are going after scofflaw drivers who text or call. It's now illegal to hold your phone on public roads even when you're pulled over to the side of the road, whether you're blocking traffic or not, Le Figaro reports. The high court ruling means that taking what some consider to be a safe step -- pulling over to talk on the phone -- could still result in points and a fine of 135 euros.
Rather create a new law, the ruling has clarified exactly what it means to be "circulating in traffic." Now, it's not enough to pull over and cut the motor in order to use your phone; you have to be parked in a designated spot. When you've had an accident or breakdown, however, you are allowed to call or text.
(Score: 1, Interesting) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday February 07 2018, @05:05AM
I see this as being the French solution to the same irritation we have when we are all queued up behind the register at our local fast food joint, and one ignoramus being served accepts a phone call, and proceeds yapping while everyone else is waiting... and probably thinking about taking that coot's phone and ramming it up his, well, 'nuff said.
Do that kind of crap on a French road and get a ticket.