Understanding the Controversial Phone Payment Toll Fine That Has Caught Emmanuel Macron’s Attention

A TikTok user known as ‘s4iintt’ ignited debate by claiming he received a fine for using his phone to pay at a toll, prompting President Macron to suggest potential legal changes by 2025. Current laws prohibit phone use while driving, even at tolls, creating confusion as mobile payment options evolve. Legal experts question the legitimacy of such fines, noting a lack of evidence. Ongoing discussions may pave the way for future adjustments in mobile toll payment regulations.

The TikTok Revelation on Mobile Toll Payments

TikToker ‘s4iintt’ recently sparked a conversation among his 252,000 followers with an exciting claim: “Thanks to me, there is a world where the law changes, and where you will be able to pay at the toll with your phone.” This statement came in the wake of a video he posted on January 15, where he alleged that he received a €90 fine and a deduction of three points from his driving license for using his mobile phone to pay at a toll booth. The unexpected twist? A response from President Emmanuel Macron himself.

In a video released on Wednesday evening, Macron stated, “I believe that by 2025, we should be able to pay at the toll with our phone. I have passed the file to the Minister of the Interior, and we will collectively sort this out. Thank you for the alert.” This statement prompted a swift reaction from Bruno Retailleau, the Minister of the Interior, who confirmed that a potential change in the law could be on the horizon.

The Legal Landscape of Mobile Payments

Currently, the legal framework is quite clear. According to the Highway Code, specifically article R412-6-1, “the use of a phone held in hand by the driver of a moving vehicle is prohibited.” This means that even if a vehicle is stopped at a toll, the act of holding a phone could technically lead to penalties unless it can be proven that the engine was turned off at that moment. This has raised eyebrows among internet users, especially since the Vinci highway network previously endorsed mobile phone payments on their website—an assertion they later retracted.

The TF1 Verification team consulted various legal experts, including Jean-Baptiste Iosca, president of the French Association of Road Law Lawyers, who expressed skepticism regarding the validity of such fines. “In 25 years of my career, I have never seen a ticket on this subject,” he stated. “Honestly, I don’t believe it, and I would really like to see this fine.” Despite mobile payments gaining traction since the early 2000s and becoming more common with the advent of Apple Pay in 2016, the legality surrounding the use of phones while paying at tolls remains murky.

In a follow-up report by TF1, ‘s4iintt’ reiterated his stance, claiming to have paid via phone numerous times without any issues, although he could not present the alleged fine for verification. Iosca noted that similar claims have circulated on social media, but no concrete evidence—like a ticket or video—has emerged to substantiate them. Indeed, the Verification team found that these stories tend to go viral, with many users posting similar allegations without proof.

While it’s unclear whether the TikToker’s claims are grounded in reality or inspired by social media chatter, the ongoing discussions could lead to significant changes in the law regarding mobile toll payments in the future.

If you have questions or wish to report unreliable information, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. You can also engage with our team on Twitter at @verif_TF1LCI.

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