January 1 usually marks the entry into force of new government measures. On social networks, as this symbolic date approaches, some are taking the opportunity to circulate false anxiety-provoking announcements. In mid-December 2025,publications assert that in 2026 radars integrating artificial intelligence (AI) will flash three new offenses and accumulate sanctions. But it is false, as confirmed to AFP by Road Safety, which described these rumors as “pure misinformation“.

“Radars will detect three new offenses from 2026!“, says the voice-over of a video posted on TikTok on December 10, 2025 and shared more than 112,000 times: integrating AI, “they will not onyl be able to control speed, but also detect three additional offenses: failure to respect safety distances between vehicles, lack of seat belts, and use of the telephone while driving. in the event of an infraction, the amount of the fine will be 135 euros, accompanied by a withdrawal of three points on the licence. And these sanctions can be combined“, says the video. According to her,the idea is to modernize the radar fleet and expand it.

“In one flash of a radar, we could lose up to eight points on our license“, alert another videoposted on December 11, shared more than 6,000 times, and relaying a report from TF1.

False Alert: Radars Won’t Be Penalizing Seatbelt Use or Phone Handling in 2026

the rumor originated from a report on TF1 news on December 10, 2025, suggesting a new technology would allow radars to detect seatbelt non-compliance, phone use while driving, and unsafe following distances. The report claimed this technology “could be” installed on turret and construction site radars from 2026, possibly eliminating speeding fines but increasing penalties for other offenses – up to eight points lost on a driverS license with each additional violation costing 135 euros.

A TikTok video from TF1 echoed this, stating the technology “will be” deployed from 2026 on the same types of radars, aiming to “reduce the number of accidents.”

however, this information is false.While the technology does exist, the Road Safety Delegation confirmed to AFP on December 12, 2025, that it will not be used to penalize these specific violations in 2026, as the necessary radar approvals are currently lacking. TF1 has not yet responded to inquiries from AFP.

The Road Safety Delegation firmly stated, “January 1 will not see the entry into force of this new functionality on radars… It is pure disinformation to say that radars will have new features in 2026,” labeling the claims a “fantasy of certain media.” This false claim has resurfaced in the media repeatedly over the past three years.

France to Expand Radar Network, But Current Tech Limited to Speeding and Red Light Violations

France is planning a important expansion of it’s speed camera network, with a target of 4,200 pieces of equipment visible by the end of 2026. This includes 1,600 active turret radars (for speed and crossing violations) and 600 autonomous construction site radars (semi-fixed and movable for speed control in work zones). However, current radar technology in France is legally restricted to detecting only two types of offenses: speeding and running red lights. This limitation stems from the lack of official approval for radar systems capable of detecting other infractions, such as illegal phone use while driving – despite the dangers posed by distractions and distances and the use of the telephone.hand held“.

But sence no radar capable of flashing them is approved for this,these offenses cannot be detected by these devices nor punished.

The annex to the finance bill mentions a radar park “stabilized” in 2026 (archived link ici).”The target for equipment visible by the end of 2026 is estimated at 4,200 pieces of equipment“, dont “1,600 active turret radars (controlling speed or crossing), which represents the largest fleet” et “600 autonomous construction site radars (semi-fixed radars intended to ensure speed control in construction site or temporary danger zones and movable)“.

Currently, “the radars only flash two infractions: the vitesse and the crossing” of the red lights and priority to the right“.

2025/12/18 09:51:12