The prosecutor of Bayonne, Mariel Garrigos, describes road delinquency as a “mass litigation” domain. She emphasizes the numbers: “In the jurisdiction of the Bayonne court, we recorded 5,672 procedures last year and 942 people attended a training course.” The range of offenses includes speeding, driving without a license or insurance, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and even road homicides, a qualification added to the criminal code since December 2025. This reality makes the subject “a priority for criminal policy and more broadly for public policy”.
The prosecution emphasizes its concern for the “escalation” of legal response. The justice system weighs the response based on the seriousness of the offense and the offender’s profile. A first-time offender who runs a stop sign without causing an accident will likely be directed towards a criminal composition measure, where the awareness course serves as an alternative to a sentence. Repeat offenders will be prosecuted and judged, with the course being part of the sentence or a probationary option. In either case, the offender is responsible for the cost: 260 euros, and it can only be taken once.
“We believe strongly in the power of the group to bring about behavior change,” said Bernadette Ducorps, the director general of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Road Safety Association. Two facilitators, a psychologist, and a driving instructor trainer will oversee the courses. “We believe strongly in the power of the group to bring about behavior change,” reiterated Ducorps.
