Gérald Darmanin proposes the withdrawal of the 12 points of the license in the event of driving under narcotics and alcohol

A week after the accident caused by Pierre Palmade under the influence of cocaine, the Minister of the Interior wants anyone driving under narcotics to automatically have the 12 points on their driving license withdrawn. “I propose the withdrawal of the twelve points of the driving license for anyone who drives while using drugs”declares Gérald Darmanin in an interview with Sunday newspaper (subscribers article).

He said on Sunday morning that he wanted to withdraw the license of people who drive “under drugs/alcohol because they are potential dangers”without specifying a threshold for alcohol consumption.

Towards the creation of the notion of “road homicide”?

Currently, driving under the use of narcotics and alcohol is punishable by a withdrawal of six points (excluding additional legal penalties). Additional penalties may also lead to a suspension of the permit for a maximum of three years and a cancellation of the permit with a maximum of three years of prohibition from applying for a new permit. Gérald Darmanin specifies that “the loss of the license is automatic only in recidivism today”. The Minister of the Interior also wishes “Make a medical examination compulsory for all proven drug users so that they are authorized to drive if they are receiving treatment”.

Based on the association proposal, Gérald Darmanin says he works “with Eric Dupond-Moretti [le ministre de la Justice] to rename to ‘road homicide’ fatal accidents caused by drugs and alcohol”. Approximately “600 people die each year in drug-related road accidents”remarks Gérald Darmanin.