A man in France was fined €200 (approximately $215) for using his phone’s speaker function to make a call while waiting at a train station.
In an interview with BFMTV, the man explained that the incident took place on February 2 while he was waiting for a train at Nantes Station in western France.
According to him, he was having a conversation with his sister on speakerphone when a staff member from the French National Railway Company (SNCF) intervened and warned him that he would be fined €150 if he did not turn off the speaker. At first, he thought it was a joke.
However, "the staff member seemed upset and took out a form to issue the fine."
Since the man did not pay on the spot, the fine was increased to €200.
In 2023, Debrett’s, a renowned British etiquette guide, introduced new guidelines on mobile phone etiquette. The guide states, "Keep phone calls to yourself. If making a video call in a public place, headphones or earphones should be used." It also warns that "no one should be forced to listen to a call. It can be distracting, irritating, and awkward. The person on the other end of the call may even object if they realize their conversation is being overheard by unwilling eavesdroppers in a train carriage."
Viewer Comments:
If he was warned and still didn’t stop, then it’s his own fault.
I get that it’s annoying, but that fine seems a bit too much…
Well, he could’ve just held the phone to his ear.
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