France has announced a ban on earphones while driving a vehicle and riding a cycle. The ban will come into effect from July 1. The Government’s move is aimed at reducing accident deaths. Authorities said drivers needed to improve their attention while on the wheel, and noted that one in 10 deaths was linked to mobile phone use while driving.
Those caught with earphones will be slapped with a fine of 135 pounds ($214). The ban would mean an end to using hands-free kits. However, using the phone while having the caller on loud speaker is allowed, authorities added
Tidbits
- France is a developed country with the world’s fifth/sixth-largest economy by nominal GDP and tenth-largest by purchasing power parity.
- In terms of total household wealth, France is the wealthiest nation in Europe and fourth in the world.
- France is a founding member of the United Nations, where it serves as one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
- France is the fifth biggest military spender in the world after the United States, China, Russia, and the United Kingdom.
- Capital – Paris
- Currency – Euro
- Official language – French
- President – François Hollande
- Prime Minister – Manuel Valls
