Three young drivers lose licenses

Three 17-year-old drivers in Tarn-et-Garonne have had their licenses revoked after traffic stops revealed either cannabis use or excessive speeding. The incidents occurred near Montech, Moissac, and Négrepelisse, raising concerns about road safety among young drivers.

First incident involves cannabis use

On September 12, 2026, a 17-year-old driver in Montech tested positive for THC during a saliva test. The driver had recently obtained their license and faced immediate revocation of their probationary license due to the positive result.

Speeding violations lead to revocations

On October 10, 2026, gendarmes stopped a vehicle on RD 957, a road with a 70 km/h speed limit, where the driver was recorded at 161 km/h. Another stop on RD 115, with an 80 km/h limit, found a 17-year-old driver traveling at 141 km/h. Both incidents led to license revocation and vehicle immobilization.

New speed limit rule increases penalties

Since December 29, 2025, speeding by at least 50 km/h over the limit is considered a serious offense. Penalties include fines up to 1,500 euros, a possible 3-year license suspension, and mandatory road safety courses for all drivers.

Probationary licenses carry strict rules

For drivers with a probationary license, which starts with only 6 points, losing these points results in license invalidation and a return to driver's education. This policy is part of a zero-tolerance approach to road safety, especially in areas with high accident rates.

Road safety concerns in the region

Tarn-et-Garonne has seen 20 road accident deaths since the start of 2026, highlighting the urgency of strict enforcement. Nationally, data from 2024 showed a 69% increase in very high speed excesses compared to 2017, with young men aged 18-24 being overrepresented in these incidents.