Stricter Penalties Loom: "Road Homicide" Inches Closer to French Law

France is poised to potentially introduce the term "road homicide" into its Penal Code, signaling a significant shift in how fatal traffic accidents are prosecuted. The National Assembly is actively considering a proposed law aimed at bolstering the fight against dangerous driving and creating a new category of offense to address fatal road incidents involving aggravating circumstances.

The bill, championed by Member of Parliament Éric Pauget from the Les Républicains party, has already cleared its initial hurdle by being adopted in the Law Committee. This Tuesday marks its return to the Assembly for a second reading, bringing it one step closer to becoming law.

The core objective of this legislative push, as outlined in the Law Committee’s report from April 30th, is to take "a firmer stance against dangerous behaviors" on French roads. The urgency of this matter is underscored by the stark reality that 3,431 lives were lost in traffic accidents across France last year.

The proposed law seeks to reclassify involuntary homicides that occur under specific aggravating conditions as "road homicides." This newly defined offense aims to impose harsher penalties on drivers found responsible for fatal accidents where contributing factors such as excessive speeding (exceeding the speed limit by more than 30 km/h), alcohol or illicit substance consumption, or the use of mobile phones at the time of the accident are present.

Under the proposed legislation, individuals convicted of "road homicide" could face a prison sentence of up to seven years and a fine of €100,000. Importantly, accidents lacking these aggravating circumstances will continue to be classified as involuntary homicides, carrying potentially lighter sentences.

The bill also introduces the concept of "road injury," designed to address accidents causing injuries resulting in a work incapacity of more than three months. Drivers found responsible for such injuries could face a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of €75,000.

This legislative initiative began with its initial submission in October 2023. The National Assembly approved the proposal in its first reading in January 2024. However, the Senate introduced modifications in March of the same year. The Senate’s Law Committee significantly revised Article 1, which defines the characteristics of "road homicide," by removing certain circumstances that would qualify as such an act. One key deletion was the refusal to comply with a police order (refus d’obtempérer).

Further complicating the timeline, the dissolution of the National Assembly in June 2024 caused a delay in the Law Committee’s adoption of the text, which was finally achieved on April 30, 2025.

The move towards stricter penalties for dangerous driving comes in the wake of several high-profile accidents that have sparked widespread public concern. One such case involves comedian Pierre Palmade, who was released from prison in April after serving time for a serious car accident he caused in February 2023 in Seine-et-Marne.

Adding to the public pressure for change, renowned chef Yannick Alléno voiced his support for a "modern arsenal" of laws to "toughen justice" on France Info on May 1st. Alléno has been fighting a legal battle since his 24-year-old son was killed in 2022 by a drunk driver speeding at 120 km/h in a stolen car in Paris.

The introduction of the "road homicide" terminology seeks to address the concerns of families who have lost loved ones in traffic accidents. It is intended to ensure that sufficiently harsh penalties are applied in cases involving dangerous driving behaviors. As an example, Pierre Palmade was sentenced to five years in prison, with two years suspended, in November 2024. He was later released under house arrest with an electronic monitoring bracelet after serving four and a half months.

The proposed law reflects a growing determination to hold drivers accountable for their actions on the road. The shift towards classifying certain fatal accidents as "road homicide" sends a clear message that dangerous driving behaviors will not be tolerated. The outcome of the National Assembly’s second reading will determine whether this significant change to the French Penal Code becomes a reality. The implementation of this law would mark a pivotal moment in France’s ongoing efforts to reduce road fatalities and create a safer environment for all road users. The potential impact on driver behavior and the broader legal landscape remains to be seen, but the move underscores a commitment to ensuring justice for victims of road accidents and their families. Furthermore, the debate surrounding this proposed law highlights the complexities of balancing individual freedoms with the need to protect public safety. Finding the right balance will be crucial as the legislative process moves forward and the long-term effects of the law are evaluated.