Tough law in France: excessive speeding turns from a misdemeanor into a felony

Alert for drivers: France introduces prison for excessive speeding from the first offense. What do Romanians risk?

Starting today, December 29, 2025, the traffic rules on the roads of France have changed radically, transforming the roads of the Hexagon into one of the strictest areas in Europe for speeding. If until now exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h was treated as a serious misdemeanor, the new legislation places it directly in the category of criminal offenses.

The change is historic: prison is no longer reserved only for repeat offenders, but is applied from the first violation of the law.

1. Drastic sanctions: From fines to criminal records

The new law, recently published in the French Official Gazette, eliminates "leniency" for those who step on the accelerator pedal more than 50 km/h over the legal limit. Here are the new penalties:

•     Imprisonment of up to 3 months: Applicable immediately, without the need for a previous recidivism.
•     Fine of 3,750 euros: A huge increase from the old penalty of 1,500 euros.
•     Confiscation of the car: The vehicle can be seized on the spot and, depending on the court's decision, sold by the French state.
•     Criminal record: Being a criminal offense, the conviction will remain on the driver's official documents.

This measure comes after statistics in 2024 indicated a black balance sheet on French roads: over 63,000 cases of extreme speeding and 3,190 deaths caused by failure to comply with traffic rules.

2. Impact on foreign and Romanian drivers

For Romanian citizens transiting through France or working in this country, the idea that "I am a foreigner and nothing will happen to me" has become a dangerous history. France applies criminal law to anyone on its territory.

What happens if you are stopped by the French police?

1. Pay on the spot: Non-resident drivers are often required to pay a deposit (consignment) equal to the amount of the fine to be allowed to leave, otherwise the vehicle is impounded.
2. Driving license withdrawal: Although France cannot cancel a Romanian license, the police will physically confiscate it and the driver will be banned from driving on French territory. The license is sent back to Romania through consular channels, a process that can take months.
3. EU judicial cooperation: Through the ECRIS system, a criminal conviction in France can be communicated to the authorities in Romania. At the same time, unpaid fines are recovered through cross-border cooperation.

3. France vs. Romania: A legislative gap

The difference between how the two countries deal with excessive speeding is now huge. In Romania, no matter how fast you drive, the act remains in the administrative sphere (contravention), while in France you have already come under the criminal code.

Conclusion

If you are planning a trip to France, caution is the watchword. A speeding ticket that in Romania would only result in a temporary suspension of your license and a fine paid in half, in France can now land you in front of a criminal judge and, in extreme cases, behind bars.