Rules around listening to music while driving in France

The rules on listening to music in your car in France are under scrutiny online after an internet user claimed that it is illegal to listen to any music while driving, risking a €35 fine.

The user posted on the video sharing site TikTok, claiming (in French): “Don't use your car anymore. With what is in place from July 1, I can assure you we are all in deep sh**. If you are used to listening to music, that will be the end of it. 

"If you listen to music while driving, you will be fined €35. No, you are not dreaming, you will be fined €35. This is not fake news. Just type it into the internet. It’s on Google, you'll see.”

However, the Interior Ministry has refuted the claims, replying that the law in fact states:

• Drivers are permitted to listen to music while driving.

• There is no law on the volume of music allowed (except if it is causing a nuisance, see below).

However: 

• The driver must always "behave prudently" at all times, even if loud music is playing.

• The driver must "be constantly in a condition and position to carry out all the manoeuvres required of them conveniently and without delay", and any music must not interfere with this.

This is stated in article R412-6 of the Code de la route (Highway code).

Headphones, earbuds, and playing music too loudly

There are some limitations when it comes to music playing in cars; headphones and earbuds are not allowed.

Since July 1, 2015, it has been forbidden to use earphones or headphones to listen to music or the radio in your vehicle. 

Drivers who break this rule are liable to a fine of €135, and the loss of three points from their driving licence.

Equally a driver can be penalised for playing music too loudly, with the windows open in the middle of a town centre. 

Article R318-3 of the Code de la route states: “Motor vehicles must not make any noise likely to cause a nuisance to road users or local residents.” 

This includes music playing from the vehicle’s sound system or radio.