David, a 54-year-old man, received a €200 fine at Nantes train station for using his phone on loudspeaker, sparking a debate on public noise regulations. While some regions impose strict etiquette, others maintain a more lenient approach.
Man Contests €200 Fine for Loudspeaker Phone Call in French Train Station
Man Contests €200 Fine for Loudspeaker Phone Call in French Train Station
A passenger in Nantes challenges a fine issued for using loudspeaker during a phone call, highlighting differing international views on noise etiquette.
A man identified only as David has sparked a controversy after being fined €200 ($166) for using loudspeaker mode while talking on the phone at Nantes train station in France. The incident occurred on a Sunday when David was conversing with his sister. Employees of SNCF, the French railway company, approached him and initially informed him that failure to turn off the loudspeaker would result in a €150 fine. When he did not pay immediately, the fine was escalated to €200.
David claims he thought the initial warning was a joke and momentarily hung up the call. SNCF confirmed that its security staff operates at train stations and has the authority to issue fines for disturbances. The company stated that David’s refusal to pay on the spot led to the increased penalty.
Although there is no explicit national law in France banning loudspeaker use in public, the French Transport Code does allow fines for creating a disturbance in public transport areas. This incident reveals a tension between individual behavior and collective societal norms, particularly regarding noise levels in shared spaces.
Public sentiment regarding loud phone calls remains overwhelmingly negative; a YouGov survey indicated that 86% of British adults consider loudspeaker usage in shared environments unacceptable. Consequently, various countries have adopted distinct regulations and practices to manage noise on public transport.
For instance, the UK offers "quiet coaches" on trains where noise is kept to a minimum. Similarly, Italian train operator Trenitalia has established "silent areas" for passengers seeking a noise-free journey. In stark contrast, Japan has a reputation for strict enforcement of public conduct, strongly discouraging phone conversations on trains. Passengers are advised to keep their phones on silent and avoid engaging in loud discussions.
In South Korea, the Busan Transportation Corporation advises passengers to use vibration mode on their phones and keep conversations discreet. This cultural diversity in noise management highlights the ongoing global conversation regarding public behavior and the etiquette around mobile phone usage.
