The Bayonne prosecutor, Mariel Garrigos, describes road delinquency as a “mass litigation field.” She points to the numbers: “In the jurisdiction of the Bayonne court, we recorded 5,672 procedures last year and 942 people attended a 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 penal code since December 2025. This reality makes the subject “a priority for criminal policy and more broadly for public policy.”
260 euros
The prosecution expresses its concern for the “escalation” of the legal response. Justice is weighed according to 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 the penalty. A repeat offender will be prosecuted and judged, with the course being part of the sentence or a probationary measure. In both cases, it is the offender’s responsibility: 260 euros. And it can only be taken once.
We believe in the power of group dynamics to bring about behavior change
Two facilitators, a psychologist, and a driving instructor trainer will lead the courses. “We believe in the power of group dynamics to bring about behavior change,” says Bernadette Ducorps, general director of the New Aquitaine Road Safety Association.
