Man Fined $200 For Using Speakerphone In French Train Station

A man in France has been fined a fee of $200 for using the speakerphone on his cell while in a train station.

The man, who is identified as “David,” disclosed during an interview with CNN affiliate BFMTV that he as fined when using his speakerphone while waiting for a train at Nantes station in the west of the country on Sunday.

He told the outlet that he was talking to his sister with his phone on speaker when an official from France’s state-owned rail company, SNCF, intervened.

“An SNCF security person told me that if I didn’t turn off my loudspeaker, I was going to be fined €150,” David said. “I initially thought it was a joke.”

“I think the person was offended. She took out her notebook and fined me,” he added.

In the event, the fine turned out to be even higher – €200 ($207) – because he didn’t pay on the spot.

The man told BFMTV that he has hired a lawyer as he plans to contest the fine.