Photo: blog.cardosystems.com
If you plan to travel to France with your car or motorcycle, you should know that after the 1st of July, the use of any type of earphones is illegal. It may sound a bit abrupt, but things are as real as it gets.
The French lawmakers decided that any form of earphone, be it wired or wireless, and which can be inserted in the ear represents a major distraction and must not be used while operating a vehicle on public roads. To make things even "nicer", the ban is extended to bicycles as well.
Apparently, this new restriction is aimed at reducing the number of fatalities on the French roads, and especially those caused by motorists distracted by the use of phones. Around 10 percent of the road casualties were linked to the use of mobile phones. Even if it sounds a bit wacky, even the good old Bluetooth headsets are to become illegal.
Basically, the French believe that everyone should get a car with an integrated system that allows the phone to connect wirelessly to the audio system, or use it in loudspeaker mode. Or just pull over, talk and then drive on.
Those caught using such devices in traffic will receive a fine of €135 ($150) backed by three license points deducted. Leaving the license points business aside, the same fines are envisaged for cyclists.
French officials say that the measure is expected to prevent the motorists and cyclists from becoming isolated from the road environment.
Third-party motorcycle intercom units, such as those from Cardo, Senna and other manufacturers, such Shark, Nolan, Schuberth and more remain legal. These systems usually use drivers attached inside the helmets instead of pieces that go in the ear.
Independent Bluetooth transceivers are recommended for the drivers, even though they eliminate any privacy because anyone in the car would hear what the person you're talking to is saying.
Apparently, riders who use to wedge the phone in their helmets also fall under the ban, so be careful. When in France, act like the French... and don't use headphones.
Apparently, this new restriction is aimed at reducing the number of fatalities on the French roads, and especially those caused by motorists distracted by the use of phones. Around 10 percent of the road casualties were linked to the use of mobile phones. Even if it sounds a bit wacky, even the good old Bluetooth headsets are to become illegal.
Basically, the French believe that everyone should get a car with an integrated system that allows the phone to connect wirelessly to the audio system, or use it in loudspeaker mode. Or just pull over, talk and then drive on.
Rider intercom systems remain legal
Even though recent studies show that around 42% of the respondents don't understand the need of the ban, the law passed and will be enforced.Those caught using such devices in traffic will receive a fine of €135 ($150) backed by three license points deducted. Leaving the license points business aside, the same fines are envisaged for cyclists.
French officials say that the measure is expected to prevent the motorists and cyclists from becoming isolated from the road environment.
Third-party motorcycle intercom units, such as those from Cardo, Senna and other manufacturers, such Shark, Nolan, Schuberth and more remain legal. These systems usually use drivers attached inside the helmets instead of pieces that go in the ear.
Independent Bluetooth transceivers are recommended for the drivers, even though they eliminate any privacy because anyone in the car would hear what the person you're talking to is saying.
Apparently, riders who use to wedge the phone in their helmets also fall under the ban, so be careful. When in France, act like the French... and don't use headphones.
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