Allo Allo..Driving to France this Easter? Extreme speeding is now a criminal offence

With half-term wrapping up, Easter road trips ahead and long summer drives not far behind, UK motorists heading across the Channel need to know this.

France has upgraded extreme speeding from “expensive mistake” to criminal offence.

Not a bigger fine.
Not just points.
Criminal.

Mon Dieu!

What actually counts as criminal?

If you’re caught driving more than 50km/h (around 31mph) over the posted speed limit, French authorities can now treat it as a criminal matter.

That can mean:

• Fines of up to €3,750

• Immediate licence suspension

• Vehicle confiscation

• A court appearance

And don’t forget, speed limits are shown in km/h, not mph.

On a French motorway the standard limit is 130km/h (around 80mph). Drift well north of that and you’re no longer just risking a ticket.

You’re risking something much more serious.

Why this matters now

Half-term is nearly done. Easter is around the corner. Summer won’t be far behind.

Thousands of UK drivers will be loading up and heading for France, family holidays, long weekends, Le Shuttle runs, coastal routes, autoroutes.

Many still assume European speeding works like it used to:

Pay the fine. Move on.

That assumption could now cost far more than money.

France isn’t alone either. Enforcement across Europe is tightening. Cross-border penalty sharing is stronger than ever. The old “they won’t chase it” myth? Dead.

Coming soon: Road Angel EU

This summer, Road Angel will launch its EU version, built for drivers heading beyond the UK.

Up-to-date European speed limit data.
Real-time alerts.
Extra awareness when mph becomes km/h.

It’s not live just yet, but it’s coming.

So if you’re planning an Easter getaway or mapping out your summer European road trip, keep the new French rules in mind.

And keep an eye on us.

Because very soon, wherever you’re driving in Europe…

We’ll have you covered. 🚗