France Raises Drug-Use Fine to €500 Under the RIPOST Law

France has more than doubled the price of being caught with cannabis. Law 2026-798 of August 18, 2026, "aimed at offering immediate responses to phenomena disturbing public order," was published in the Journal officiel on August 19 and has applied since August 20.

What the law changes for cannabis users

The law amends Article L3421-1 of the Public Health Code. The amende forfaitaire délictuelle, a criminal fine paid on the spot to close the case, goes from €200 to €500, with a reduced rate of €400 instead of €150 and an increased rate of €1,000 instead of €450.

A new section in Article L3421-7 lets courts suspend the driving or boating license of anyone convicted of drug use for up to three years, and the suspension cannot be limited to non-work driving. Paying the fixed fine ends the prosecution, so a court suspension follows only if the case goes to court; a prefect can also suspend for up to six months for a repeat offense, according to LegiPermis. The law also extends the same €500 fine to inhaling nitrous oxide.

• No points are deducted for use without driving, according to LegiPermis.
• The measures are not retroactive to offenses before August 20.
• MILDECA says paying the fixed fine is a recognition of guilt entered on the criminal record; one Paris defense firm says it shows on bulletin no. 2 for three years.

What stays the same

Cannabis use remains punishable by up to a year in prison and €3,750 if the case goes to court. Driving with THC in the body is a separate offense with two years and €4,500. CBD with 0.3% THC or less stays legal. Read our full guide to French cannabis law or the France hub.