Alpes-Maritimes: VTC drivers suspended after toll checks at La Turbie

Seven VTC drivers have been sanctioned following checks carried out at the La Turbie toll booth. The drivers were transporting passengers in irregular situations. Meeting on September 17, 2026 at the prefecture, the disciplinary commission ordered suspensions of professional cards for two to three months.

Seven cases were on the agenda of the disciplinary commission responsible for drivers of vehicles for transport with driver (VTC), which met on September 17, 2026 at the prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes.

The cases concerned drivers checked at the La Turbie toll booth while passengers in irregular situations were on board. In three cases, the conditions of pickup notably highlighted a manifest intention to contravene the provisions of article L823-1 of the Code on the Entry and Stay of Foreigners and the Right of Asylum (CESEDA).

The journeys involved also gave rise to remuneration “out of all proportion” to that requested for a standard ride, according to the elements examined by the commission.

Up to three months suspension for drivers

The commission brings together representatives of the administration, law enforcement, and professional unions in the VTC sector. Following the examination of the seven cases, disciplinary sanctions were decided.

The professional cards of the drivers concerned have been suspended for a fixed period between two and three months. In some cases, an additional month with a suspended sentence was also imposed. This measure is intended in particular to prevent the risk of recidivism.

These sanctions fall within the disciplinary power of the prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes within the framework of regulations applicable to private passenger transport services. The administrative decisions are in addition to criminal proceedings brought before the criminal court.

The cases examined also included a section related to the rules applicable to French VTCs in Italy. The Italian national framework law of January 15, 1992 provides that only holders of an NCC authorization, for “Noleggio Con Conducente”, can take on customers on Italian territory.

Matching applications have therefore implemented geographic limitation devices. The objective is to prevent French VTCs from accepting a booking on foreign territory when regulatory conditions are not met.

The Franco-Italian border under surveillance

These sanctions come in a sector marked by checks related to movement between France and Italy. The La Turbie toll booth is in particular a control point on this route.

A few days after the disciplinary commission meeting, another mechanism was put in place concerning the control of the Franco-Italian border. On September 24, an experimental local protocol was signed at the Imperia prefecture between the Border Police services of the Alpes-Maritimes and those of Ventimiglia.

The agreement provides for a procedure for the transfer of certain persons apprehended in irregular situations in internal border areas. The mechanism is based on article 23 bis of the Schengen Border Code.

The sanctions imposed on VTC drivers and this Franco-Italian protocol remain two separate mechanisms. The former fall within the disciplinary power exercised over professional drivers. The latter concerns cooperation between French and Italian services for handling certain irregular situations at the border.

Through the sanctions imposed on September 17, the prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes also intends to act on the administrative aspect related to the transport of passengers in irregular situations. The prefect reaffirmed his determination to fight illegal immigration and to tackle the criminal networks that support it.