Driving license retention

The retention of the driving license shall take place in the following cases:

• Driven with 0.8 g or more of alcohol per liter of blood
• Overt drunk driving
• Refusal to comply with BAC checks
• Driving under the influence of drugs
• Refusal to comply with drug use checks
• Exceeding the maximum authorized speed by 40 km/h or more, established by means of an approved device with vehicle interception
• In the event of a traffic accident resulting in the death of a person or causing bodily harm, if you are suspected of having violated the rules of use of the telephone held in hand, speed, crossing, overtaking, intersection or priority of passage
• Driving while holding a telephone in hand when the driver commits certain traffic offenses at the same time. These offenses include: driving rules, safe distance between vehicles, crossing and overlapping of continuous lines, traffic lights, speed, passing, stopping or giving way signs at an intersection, and pedestrian crossing priorities.
• Refusal to comply

Retention may occur in the following situations:

• On the occasion of random roadside checks by the police (police or gendarmes)
• On the occasion of a accident
• In case speeding more than 40 km/h established by law enforcement authorities

The police (police or gendarmerie) take your license and give you a copy of the notice of detention.

If you are unable to present your permit, you have 24 hours to hand it over to the law enforcement agencies that controlled you.

Don't forget to report to law enforcement if the address on your permit has changed.

You're no longer allowed to drive.

If you drive again, you risk a prison sentence up to 2 years and a fine of up to €4,500.

6 points are withdrawn from the driving license.

You may also additional penalties following:

• Confiscation of vehicle
• Suspension of the license for a maximum period of 3 years.
  Such suspension may not be limited to driving outside the professional activity.
• Sentence of work of general interest
• Penalty of days-fine
• Prohibition on driving certain vehicles, including vehicles without a license, for a period of up to 5 years
• Obligation to perform, at your expense, a road safety awareness course
• Cancelation of license and prohibition to apply for a new license for up to 3 years

The retention of the license lasts Maximum 72 hours (120 hours after a drunk driving or drug offense).

During this period, the prefect (or the sub-prefect depending on the department) is alerted.

The verifications are made about you and your vehicle.

For example, checking your alcohol status with a blood test.

During retention, your vehicle may be immobilized.