Administrative suspension of driving licences

The Prefect may implement the suspension procedure after retention of driving licence following offences following:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol
• Driving under narcotics control
• Refusal to undergo checks on blood alcohol or drug use
• Speed ⩾ to 40 km/h
• Driving while holding a phone when the driver is committing certain traffic violations at the same time: non-compliance with driving rules, non-compliance with safety distances between vehicles, crossing and overlapping of continuous lines, non-compliance with light-signalling lights, non-compliance with speed rules, non-compliance with certain overtaking rules, non-compliance with signs requiring the stopping of vehicles or ceding the crossing, non-compliance with the transit priority for pedestrians.
• In the event of a traffic accident resulting in the death of a person or causing bodily harm, if you are suspected of having contravened the rules of use of the hand-held telephone, speed, crossing, crossing, intersection or crossing priority
• Refusal to comply

The prefect may also take a suspension measure if he is notified by means of a notice of an offence punishable by additional penalty suspension of the driving licence.

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Generally, the maximum duration of the suspension is 6 months.

It may, however, be 1 Year in the following cases:

• Traffic accident resulting in the death of a person
• Traffic accident resulting in personal injury
• Refusal to comply
• Driving while drunk or under the influence of alcohol
• Conduct after use
• Refusal to submit to BAC checks
• Refusal to undergo drug use checks

The decision to suspend shall take effect from the date of notification of the decision.

However, if your licence has been returned, the suspension takes effect from the beginning of the retention.

In the event of judicial suspension before the end of the administrative suspension period, it shall automatically replace it. The 2 sanctions do not overlap.

In case of alcohol or narcotic suspensions, or suspension greater than 1 month, you must pass a medical examination to be able to get your driving licence.

This control includes psychotechnical examination.

You can pass the medical without waiting for the end of the suspension period.

It is recommended to do this about 1 month before the end of the suspension period.

Where to do the medical check?

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What documents to provide?

You must download the "Driving Licence - Medical Notice" form and pre-fill it before taking the medical check.

On the day of the check, prepare the following documents:

• Pre-filled "Driving Licence - Medical Notice" form
• ID
• Suspension decision and letter of notification suspension
• Results of biological examinations if requested in the notification letter
• Outcome of the psychotechnical examination

How's the medical check?

During the appointment with the board or the certified doctor, you must present yourself with the results of medical examinations requested in notification of the penalty.

For example, psychotechnical examination, biological examination for alcohol-related offences with recidivism or narcotics.

Psychotechnical examination is to be done with a psychologist declared to the prefect. The list of registered psychologists is available on prefectural websites. The examination takes at least 40 minutes. It includes an individual interview, as well as one or more psychotechnical tests.

The departmental medical board or the licenced physician inform you that the check is on your fitness cognitive and sensory driving.

The Board may decide to submit you to additional reviews in addition to those requested in the letter of notification of the penalty.

The commission or the authorised doctor may also request, in accordance with medical confidentiality, advice from qualified health professionals in particular areas.

A licenced physician may also request that you reviewed by the departmental medical commission.

You must then make an appointment at your prefecture's website.

What's the price?

• Before a licenced physician: €36
• Before the medical committee: €50

The average cost of the psychotechnical examination is €100 about.

Health insurance does not cover the cost of the check or any additional tests.

However, medical check-ups are free of charge for a disabled person with a recognised disability rate of 50% or more.

What if the opinion is favourable?

The medical opinion is given to you.

It has a validity of 2 years.

What if the opinion is unfavourable?

A decision of unfitness for driving is yours notified.

The letter specifies the remedies and time limits for appeal.

The letter notifier the decision of the prefect following the medical examination indicates the means and time limits of appeal.

You can appeal to the administrative judge.

You can also refer the matter to the Medical Appeals Board.

This appeal does not prevent the Prefect's decision from applying.

The committee shall examine you, consult the authorised doctor if necessary and forward its opinion to the Prefect.

If the Prefect makes a negative decision again, you can request a new medical check within 6 months of this decision or make a appeal to administrative judge.

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Remedies are indicated on the decision to suspend the driving licence.

You can administrative appeal the Prefect and appeal to the administrative judge.