France bans cellphone use in cars

Paris, Feb 7 (IANS) France has banned the use of cellphones in cars even when the engine is off as long as one has not stopped in a designated parking area, local media reported.

According to a new court ruling, violating the ban could lead to the immediate suspension of one's driver's license, Xinhua news agency quoted French daily Le Figaro as saying.

A cellphone can be used only when a car breaks down or in case of an accident, the ruling said.

France has stepped up its measures against dangerous driving in the wake of a rising road accident rate after decades of steady decline.

It recently reduced the speed limits on two-lane roads from 90 to 80 km per hour.

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