
This photograph shows the logo of French National Police on a police car during a roadside check on the use of mobile phones while driving in Arras, northern France, on April 29, 2026. As of May 1, "any use of a phone while driving may result in a suspension of the driver's license," the Charente-Maritime prefecture announced at the start of the week. It specified to AFP that the length of the penalty could range from 15 days to 6 months. This Atlantic coastal tourist departement is joining two others in the Southwest, Landes and Lot-et-Garonne, as well as Pas-de-Calais, where the measure has been gradually implemented in recent months. (Photo by Sameer Al-DOUMY / AFP via Getty Images)

