Question 1

How many points can I recover with a course?

Accepted Answer

You can recover up to 4 points through an approved road safety awareness course. These 4 points are credited to your licence the working day after the course ends. Note: if your balance is already at 12 points, the course won't add anything further (that's the legal maximum).

Question 2

How many times a year can I take a points recovery course?

Accepted Answer

You can only take one course per year. The law prohibits attending two points recovery courses within the same calendar year, regardless of which provider runs them.

Question 3

How long does a points recovery course last?

Accepted Answer

A road safety awareness course runs over 2 consecutive days, 14 to 16 hours of training in total. The programme alternates theory modules (regulations, road risks) with practical workshops and role-play.

Question 4

Is the points recovery course valid everywhere in France?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Any course run by a provider approved by a Prefecture is valid across the whole of France. The 4 points are credited to your national licence file regardless of where you took the course.

Question 5

Can I take a course if my licence is suspended?

Accepted Answer

No. To attend a points recovery course you must hold a valid driving licence. A suspended, cancelled or invalidated licence doesn't allow you to attend. However, if your licence is simply undergoing administrative renewal, check with the provider.

Question 6

What documents do I need to bring to the course?

Accepted Answer

On the day, you must bring: your original driving licence (not a photocopy), a valid photo ID (national ID card or passport), and, if applicable, your booking confirmation. Without the original licence, your registration may be refused.

Question 7

What is the course programme?

Accepted Answer

The programme is set by decree of the Ministry of the Interior. It covers: self-awareness and driving behaviour, the risks of alcohol and drugs, speed and its effects, driving rules and respect for other road users, and first aid. The course runs in groups of 6 to 8 people maximum.

Question 8

How do I book a course in Montpellier?

Accepted Answer

You can book directly online on our website by clicking "Book a course". Choose the date that suits you from the available sessions, fill in the form with your personal and licence details, then complete secure payment. You'll receive a confirmation by email.

Question 9

What is the price of a points recovery course in Montpellier?

Accepted Answer

The price of a road safety awareness course is set freely by each approved provider. Contact us directly for our current rate. We offer payment in 3 or 4 interest-free instalments via Klarna.

Question 10

Can I pay in instalments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer split payment in 3 or 4 interest-free instalments via Klarna. This option is available during the online booking process. Eligibility conditions are set by Klarna (based on the amount and your situation).

Question 11

Can I cancel or transfer my booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, under certain conditions. If you cancel more than 72 hours before the course starts, you can get a free transfer or a refund. Within that window, cancellation fees may apply. See our Terms & Conditions for full details or contact us directly.

Question 12

How many places are there per session?

Accepted Answer

Each session is capped at 20 participants maximum, in line with regulations. Places are allocated in booking order. Once a session is full, it no longer appears as available on our website.

Question 13

How do I check my points balance?

Accepted Answer

You can check your points balance on the official Points Permis online service, available on the ANTS website (ants.gouv.fr). Sign in with France Connect (using your Ameli, tax office, or similar credentials). You can also request your full driving record from your Prefecture.

Question 14

When are deducted points actually recorded?

Accepted Answer

The deduction isn't immediate. It's recorded in the national driving licence file (FNPC) after payment of the fixed fine or after a final court conviction. This usually takes 6 to 12 weeks after payment.

Question 15

Are points recovered at the course credited immediately?

Accepted Answer

The 4 points are credited the working day after the course ends. The approved provider transmits the certificate of attendance to the Ministry of the Interior the evening of the last day. The credit is usually visible on your ANTS account within 24 to 48 hours.

Question 16

Can I recover points automatically without taking a course?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you don't commit any point-deducting offence for 2 years (for a standard licence), your balance is automatically restored to 12 points. For minor offences, partial recovery of 1 point per 6 months without a serious offence is also possible.

Question 17

At what points balance does licence invalidation occur?

Accepted Answer

Invalidation occurs when your balance reaches 0 points. You then receive an official notification letter asking you to hand in your licence to the Prefecture within 10 days. You'll be banned from driving for a minimum of 6 months, after which you must retake the theory and practical driving tests.

Question 18

What is a probationary licence?

Accepted Answer

The probationary period covers the first 3 years after obtaining a category B licence (2 years for accompanied driving). During this period, the points balance starts at 6 points (instead of 12), speed limits are reduced (110 km/h on motorways, 80 km/h on roads normally limited to 90, 50 km/h in built-up areas) and the alcohol limit is 0.2 g/L.

Question 19

What is the official warning letter sent at 6 points?

Accepted Answer

This letter is sent by the Prefecture once your balance drops to 6 points or below. It informs you of the risk of invalidation and encourages you to take a points recovery course. Taking the course isn't mandatory at this stage (unless ordered by a judge), but is strongly recommended.

Question 20

What is the invalidation notification letter?

Accepted Answer

This letter is the official notification that your licence has been invalidated: your balance is at 0. It asks you to hand in your licence to the Prefecture within 10 days. From receipt, you're banned from driving. You'll need to retake your licence after a minimum 6-month ban.

Question 21

How do I request my full driving record?

Accepted Answer

You can request your full driving record online via the ANTS website or by post to your Prefecture. This document lists all offences recorded on your licence, the associated point deductions, and your current balance. It's useful to check there are no errors.

Question 22

Is the course mandatory or voluntary?

Accepted Answer

The course is most often voluntary. You choose freely to attend to recover points. It can become mandatory in two cases: after certain serious offences where a judge orders it, or when you receive an official warning letter during your probationary period (licence held for less than 3 years).

Question 23

Are there any specific medical requirements to attend?

Accepted Answer

No, there are no specific medical requirements. The course is classroom-based and doesn't involve driving on the road. If you have hearing or sight difficulties, let us know when registering so the provider can adapt the arrangements.

Question 24

Can I take the course if I don't live in Montpellier?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The course is open to any holder of a valid French licence, regardless of where you live. You don't need to reside in the Hérault or Occitanie to attend our sessions in Montpellier.

Question 25

Does the course replace the obligation to pay a fine?

Accepted Answer

No. The points recovery course is independent of paying your fines. If you've received a ticket, you must pay it (or contest it) within the legal deadlines. The course doesn't exempt you from this obligation and doesn't erase the offence.

Question 26

How many points do I lose for speeding?

Accepted Answer

The deduction depends on how much you exceeded the limit. Less than 20 km/h over: 1 point. 20–29 km/h over: 2 points. 30–39 km/h over: 3 points. 40–49 km/h over: 4 points. 50 km/h or more over the limit is a criminal offence: 6 points deducted, a possible licence suspension, and a court summons.

Question 27

Does using a phone while driving cost points?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Holding a phone while driving results in a 3-point deduction and a €135 fixed fine. If repeated within 3 years, or combined with another offence (running a red light, etc.), the deduction can reach 6 points and licence suspension may be ordered.

Question 28

Which offences deduct the most points?

Accepted Answer

The most serious offences deduct 6 points in one go: major speeding (≥50 km/h over), drink-driving (≥0.5 g/L), driving under the influence of drugs, failing to stop for police, hit-and-run, and repeat offending. These are often criminal offences on top of the points deduction.

Question 29

Does not wearing a seatbelt cost points?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Not wearing a seatbelt results in a 3-point deduction and a €135 fine. The rule applies to the driver and to passengers under 13 — the driver is responsible for their restraints. Adult passengers are each responsible for themselves.

Question 30

How many points do I lose for running a red light or stop sign?

Accepted Answer

Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign results in a 4-point deduction and a €135 fine. These offences are considered particularly dangerous as they're involved in a significant proportion of fatal intersection accidents.

Question 31

Does an automatic speed camera fine deduct points?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Automatic speed cameras (fixed, mobile, average-speed) automatically transmit the offence to the national driving licence file. The deduction happens after payment of the fixed fine or a court conviction, usually within 6 to 12 weeks. If the vehicle belongs to a company or a third party, the owner must name the actual driver for the points to be deducted from the right person.

Question 32

Does an illegal parking fine deduct points?

Accepted Answer

No. Parking offences (obstructive parking, on the pavement, blocking an entrance...) are minor fines only. They don't result in any point deduction on your licence. Towing is possible but is independent of the points system.

Question 33

Can an offence committed abroad cost me points in France?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the country and the offence. Within the EU, a directive allows information to be exchanged between member states for offences committed with a vehicle registered in another country. In practice, speeding, running red lights, drink-driving and not wearing a seatbelt can result in a ticket transmitted to the French authorities. The points deduction remains at the discretion of the French courts.

Question 34

What's the difference between a licence suspension and cancellation?

Accepted Answer

A suspension is temporary: a judge or Prefect bans you from driving for a set period (from a few months to several years). Once it ends, you get your licence back without retaking any test. A cancellation is permanent: your licence is erased from all files. You must retake the full test (theory and practical) to get a new licence, often after a waiting period.

Question 35

What is the legal alcohol limit in France?

Accepted Answer

For experienced drivers (licence held over 3 years), the legal limit is 0.5 g of alcohol per litre of blood (0.25 mg/L of breath). For drivers on a probationary licence (held less than 3 years), public transport drivers and drivers of hazardous goods vehicles, the limit is lowered to 0.2 g/L of blood (0.1 mg/L of breath) — effectively zero tolerance.

Question 36

How many points do I lose for drink-driving?

Accepted Answer

The deduction depends on the level detected. Between 0.5 g/L and 0.8 g/L: 6 points deducted (a fine up to €750). Above 0.8 g/L: it's a criminal offence, 6 points deducted, a fine up to €4,500, licence suspension up to 3 years, or even cancellation. Repeat offences carry harsher penalties: up to €9,000 in fines and 4 years' imprisonment.

Question 37

Can I drive the morning after drinking?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Alcohol is eliminated by the liver at a steady rate of about 0.10 to 0.15 g/L of blood per hour, and nothing speeds this up (not coffee, water, or exercise). If you drank heavily the night before, your level could still be above the legal limit the next morning. A breathalyser is the only reliable way to check before driving.

Question 38

What are the penalties for drink-driving on a probationary licence?

Accepted Answer

During the probationary period, zero tolerance applies: the offence threshold is 0.2 g/L (compared with 0.5 g/L for experienced drivers). Exceeding it results in a 6-point deduction (from a balance already capped at 6 points at the start of the probationary period), a fine, and possible suspension. Losing 6 points in a single offence means immediate licence invalidation.

Question 39

Does driving under the influence of cannabis cost points?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Driving under the influence of drugs (detected by saliva test or blood analysis) is a criminal offence: 6 points are deducted, a fine of up to €4,500 is imposed, and licence suspension or cancellation is possible. The presence of THC in the blood is an objective criterion, regardless of how fit you subjectively feel to drive. Combining alcohol and drugs leads to considerably harsher penalties.

Question 40

What is the maximum motorway speed in France?

Accepted Answer

The maximum motorway speed is 130 km/h in dry conditions and 110 km/h in rain or fog (visibility under 50 m). For drivers on a probationary licence, the limit is 110 km/h in dry conditions. In dense fog or other degraded conditions, temporary limits shown on variable message signs may apply.

Question 41

Is a hands-free kit allowed while driving?

Accepted Answer

Yes, using a hands-free kit (earpiece, car speaker, Bluetooth) is legal. What's prohibited is holding your phone while driving — whether for a call, reading a text, using an app, or watching a video. Note: even stopped at a red light or in traffic, if the engine is running and the vehicle isn't parked, the offence still applies.

Question 42

Is the speed limit on regular roads always 80 km/h?

Accepted Answer

The 80 km/h limit applies to two-way roads with no central separator (previously limited to 90 km/h). Dual carriageways with a central reservation remain limited to 110 km/h. Expressways (marked with a specific sign) are limited to 110 km/h. These limits can be temporarily raised to 90 km/h by Prefectural order on certain roads — check local signage.

Question 43

What's the deadline to contest a fine?

Accepted Answer

For a fixed fine, you have 45 days from the date the notice was sent (or the date of the offence for tickets handed in person) to submit a request for exemption. After that, the fine increases. For an increased fixed fine, you can still contest within 30 days of notification. All procedures are done via the ANTAI website (antai.gouv.fr) or by registered post.

Question 44

How do I contest a speed camera ticket?

Accepted Answer

Go to antai.gouv.fr with the ticket number. You can contest if: you weren't the driver at the time (name the actual driver or attach proof of sale), the vehicle was stolen, signage was missing or obscured, or the camera wasn't certified. If you own the vehicle but weren't driving, naming the actual driver is mandatory — failing to do so is a separate offence (fine up to €750).

Question 45

Does paying the fine automatically deduct points?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Paying the fixed fine counts as acknowledging the offence. The points deduction is then recorded in the national driving licence file within 6 to 12 weeks. If you contest the fine and win, no points are deducted. If you want to contest while avoiding an increase, you can deposit the fine amount during the process — points are only deducted after a final conviction.

Question 46

What is ANTAI and how do I contact them?

Accepted Answer

ANTAI (the National Agency for Automated Offence Processing) is the public body that handles tickets from automatic speed cameras and parking offences. To contest or pay a fine, use antai.gouv.fr. For any question, you can also call the (French) helpline or write to ANTAI by registered post with acknowledgement of receipt.

Question 47

Can I get back points deducted for a successfully contested offence?

Accepted Answer

If your challenge results in a dismissal or the case being dropped, the points must be restored. You need to request this from your Prefecture, attaching the court decision. If points were already deducted, they're re-credited retroactively. The process can take several months — keep all documents related to the procedure (filing receipt, court decision).

Question 48

Can I contest a points deduction without contesting the fine?

Accepted Answer

The two are linked: the points deduction is the direct result of acknowledging the offence (through payment or conviction). To contest the deduction, you must contest the offence itself before the relevant court. If you've already paid the fine, contesting the deduction alone is no longer possible — payment counts as a final acknowledgement.

Question 49

I received a ticket but wasn't the driver — what should I do?

Accepted Answer

If you're the registered keeper of the vehicle but weren't driving, you're legally required to name the actual driver within 45 days. This is done via antai.gouv.fr or by registered post to ANTAI, along with the driver's details (name, address, date of birth, licence number). Failing to name the actual driver is a separate offence punishable by a €750 fine — regardless of the original offence.

Question 50

How do I know if points have been deducted from my licence?

Accepted Answer

Check your balance via the official Points Permis online service on the ANTS website (ants.gouv.fr), accessible via France Connect. This service shows your current balance but not the detail of each deduction. For a full breakdown offence by offence, request your full driving record from your Prefecture — this document lists every deduction recorded on your licence.

Frequently asked questions

The points recovery course

Booking and payment

Driving licence points

The driving licence

Before the course

Offences and point deductions

Alcohol, speed and phone use while driving

Contesting an offence