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Speeding violations exceeding 50 kilometers per hour above the legal limit are now classified as misdemeanors in France, effective Monday. Offenders may face imprisonment and hefty fines.
The French Ministry of the Interior announced that, in accordance with the law of July 9, 2025, addressing road killings and aimed at reducing road violence, exceeding the speed limit by over 50 kilometers per hour has officially been categorized as a misdemeanor starting December 29, 2025.
The announcement further noted that individuals committing this offense could be sentenced to up to three months in prison and fined €3,750, with the violation recorded on their criminal record. Additionally, it’s possible to implement vehicle impounding and suspend driving licenses for up to three years.
Marie Pierre Vedrin, the Minister of State for the Interior, stated that exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 kilometers per hour is not merely a traffic violation but an act that deliberately puts others’ lives at risk.
The Minister added that by classifying this severe speeding as a misdemeanor, coupled with stricter legal repercussions, a clear message is conveyed: there is zero tolerance for road violence.
She emphasized that driving at least 50 kilometers per hour over the speed limit represents particularly dangerous behavior, significantly increasing the risks associated with accidents. Excessive speed reduces reaction time, extends the braking distance, impairs vehicle control, and exacerbates collision severity.
Recent statistics from France revealed that in 2024, there were 63,217 instances of speeding exceeding 50 kilometers per hour above the legal limit, marking a 69 percent increase compared to 2017.
Authorities indicated that previously, severe speeding was penalized as a minor infraction and classified as a misdemeanor only in cases of repeat offenses. However, this penalty no longer corresponds to the severity and escalation of such incidents.
