French President Emmanuel Macron recently took to TikTok to address growing concerns over fines imposed on drivers using their smartphones to pay tolls, sparking widespread attention and discussion across social media platforms.
The controversy began when the TikToker known as 'Saint' shared his personal experience on TikTok, claiming he received a hefty fine of 90 euros along with the loss of three points on his driving license for making a toll payment using Apple Pay. His video quickly went viral, garnering over 4.7 million views within days.
On January 22, 2025, Macron directly responded to 'Saint's' complaint, stating, "Bonjour, je viens de vous voir. Je crois qu’en 2025, on doit pouvoir payer au péage avec son téléphone." This statement signaled Macron's acknowledgment of the practicality of smartphone payments and his intent to review existing legislation surrounding the issue.
Under current laws, the French Road Code explicitly forbids the use of phones held by drivers, even when the vehicle is temporarily stationary, such as at toll booths. According to Article R412-6-1, this regulation is grounded on the need to minimize distractions for drivers. While many users routinely pay tolls via their smartphones without incident, stricter enforcement has highlighted the potential for fines and penalties.
Saint, expressing his astonishment at the fine, remarked, "Il y a zéro vanne." He detailed how he was simply following his usual routine when he used his phone to complete the transaction at the toll, only to be stopped by police just as he received confirmation of the payment.
Numerous other TikTok users chimed in, sharing similar tales of receiving fines, thereby amplifying the conversation around the seeming absurdity of penalizing drivers for using modern technology to pay tolls. The sentiment was clear: many found the current law outdated and disconnected from the realities of everyday transactions.
Following the uproar on social media, Macron pledged to discuss the situation with his Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, asserting, "J’ai passé le dossier au ministre de l’Intérieur et on va collectivement régler ça." By showcasing his engagement with digital platforms and public sentiment, Macron aimed to position himself as a responsive leader willing to adapt regulations to current practices.
This interaction on TikTok marks not just a response to public outcry but also reflects the broader shift toward digital payments. With increasing acceptance of contactless transactions across various sectors, Macron's statements may signal forthcoming legislative changes to accommodate the use of smartphones for toll payments.
The question remains, will the law adapt swiftly enough to reflect these social changes, or will the enforcement of outdated rules continue to dominate? Macron's public acknowledgment of the issue offers hope for fans of mobile payments, who now look forward to progressive changes on the horizon.
While practical solutions are yet to be revealed, the incident opens the door for discussions about technological advancements and legislative alignment, highlighting the challenges faced by both users and lawmakers as society navigates new modes of daily transactions.