Starting October 1st, drivers in the Vienne department of France will face stricter penalties for using a mobile phone while driving. If caught, they could lose their license for one month, pay a fine of 135 euros, and lose three points on their driving record. These penalties apply to actions such as programming a GPS, making a call, or replying to a text message while behind the wheel. Even using a phone with it pressed to the ear or with earphones plugged in while driving is considered a violation and is subject to the same consequences. The measure is part of a trial that will last until December 31, 2026, and it is unclear whether it will be extended beyond that date. Vienne is the eighth French department to test this policy, following the Landes, the Charente-Maritime, and the Deux-Sèvres since spring. The goal, according to the prefect of Vienne, Charles Giusti, is to discourage drivers from using their phones while operating a vehicle. Giusti shared these views during an interview on the regional radio station ICI Poitou. According to Giusti, more than 55% of phone-related violations occurred over five years ago, indicating that the issue has persisted despite existing regulations. Using a phone while driving is considered four times more dangerous for the driver and others on the road, and sending a text message is 23 times more dangerous. These statistics highlight the increased risk of distraction while driving and the potential for serious accidents. The prefect emphasized that using a mobile phone while driving is not a minor infraction of the Road Code but a serious risk to both the driver and others. The trial in Vienne is part of a broader effort to reduce the number of incidents caused by distracted driving and to reinforce the importance of safe driving practices on French roads.