The prefect can carry out the suspension procedure after retention of driving license as a result of of infringements following:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol
• Driving under the influence of drugs
• Refusal to comply with alcohol or drug testing
• Excess speed ⩾ at 40 km/h
• Driving while holding a telephone in hand when the driver is at the same time committing certain traffic offenses: failure to comply with driving rules, failure to observe safety distances between vehicles, crossing and overlapping of continuous lines, failure to comply with traffic lights, failure to comply with speed rules, failure to comply with certain passing rules, failure to comply with signs requiring vehicles to stop or give way, failure to comply with the priority given to pedestrians.
• In the event of a traffic accident resulting in the death of a person or causing bodily harm, if you are suspected of having violated the rules of use of the telephone held in hand, speed, crossing, passing, intersection or priority of passage
• Refusal to comply.

The prefect may also take a suspension measure if he is informed by a report of an offense punishable by additional penalty suspension of the driving license. For example, any acrobatic maneuver on a lane open to public traffic, irregular crossing of a grade crossing.

In general, the maximum duration of the suspension is 6 months.

It may, however, be increased to 1 year in the following cases:

• Traffic accident resulting in the death of a person
• Road traffic accident resulting in bodily injury
• Refusal to comply
• Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol
• Driving after drug use
• Refusal to comply with BAC checks
• Refusal to comply with drug use checks.

The suspension decision shall take effect from the date of notification of the decision.

However, if your license has been surrendered, the suspension takes effect from the beginning of the license suspension period. retention of the license.

In the event of a decision to judicial suspension it shall take place before the end of the administrative suspension period and shall automatically replace it. The two sanctions are not cumulative.

In case of suspension longer than 1 month, you must pass a medical examination so you can get your driver's license back.

Medical screening includes psychotechnical examination in case of suspension of 6 months or more.

You must undergo the medical examination without waiting for the end of the suspension period.

It is recommended that this be done approximately 1 month before the end of the suspension period.

Where to do the medical check-up?

What documents should be provided?

You must download the form "Driving license - medical opinion" and pre-fill it before passing the medical examination.

Driver's license - Medical opinion

On the day of the inspection, prepare the following documents:

• Pre-filled "Driving license - medical opinion" form
• ID
• Suspension decision and letter of notification of the suspension
• Results of biological examinations if requested in the letter of notification
• Result of psychotechnical examination if necessary.

How's the medical check?

At the appointment with the commission or the authorized doctor, you must present yourself with the results of requested medical examinations in the letter from notification of the penalty.

For example, psychotechnical examination, biological examination in the case of alcohol-related offenses involving repeat offenses or narcotics.

Psychotechnical examination is to be done with a registered psychologist with the prefect. The list of registered psychologists is available on the websites of the prefectures. The examination takes at least 40 minutes. It includes an individual interview and one or more psychotechnical tests.

The departmental medical commission or the authorized doctor shall inform you that the check is on your physical fitness, cognitive and sensory to drive.

The commission may decide to subject you to additional examinations in addition to those requested in the letter of notification of the sanction.

The committee or the approved medical practitioner may also ask, subject to medical confidentiality, advice from qualified healthcare professionals in particular fields.

The registered doctor may also ask that you be examined by the departmental medical committee.

You then have to make an appointment on your prefecture's website.

What's the price?

• Before a licensed doctor: €36
• Before the Medical Committee: €50

The average cost of the psychotechnical examination is €100 about.

The health insurance does not cover the costs of the check, nor any additional examinations.

However, medical check-ups are free of charge for a disabled person whose recognized rate of disability is 50% or more.

What is the consequence if the opinion is favorable?

The medical opinion is given to you.

It has a validity of 2 years.

What is the consequence if the opinion is unfavorable?

A decision to be unfit to drive is notified.

The letter sets out the remedies and time limits for appeal.

The letter to you notifier the decision of the prefect following the medical examination indicates how to appeal.

You can make a contentious appeal before the administrative court.

You can also go to the medical appeal board.

Your appeal does not prevent the decision of the prefect from applying.

The committee examines you, consults the authorized doctor if necessary and sends its opinion to the prefect.

If the prefect makes an unfavorable decision again, you can request a new medical examination within 6 months of that decision or make a appeal to the administrative court.

The means of appeal shall be indicated on the decision to suspend the driving license.

You can make a administrative appeal with the prefect and a contentious appeal before the administrative court.