Public spaces are tricky. They’re meant to be shared, yet they’re also full of unwritten rules. Most of us instinctively know not to play our music at full blast on a bus or narrate our phone conversations like we’re hosting a live radio show. But for those who don’t, France has a new way of reminding them—by hitting them where it hurts: the wallet.
Recently, a man known only as “David” found himself on the receiving end of this quiet crusade while at the Nantes train station in western France. He was chatting with his sister on speakerphone, probably thinking nothing of it. Then came the tap on the shoulder: a security official from France’s state-owned rail company, SNCF, told him to turn off the loudspeaker or face a €150 fine (about $155 USD).
David, convinced this was some sort of overzealous joke, didn’t take it seriously.
“I think the person was offended. She took out her notebook and fined me,” he told French TV network BFMTV.
Refusing to pay immediately turned out to be an expensive decision. The fine rose to €200 ($206 USD), and now David says he’s bringing in a lawyer to fight it.
Why the Speakerphone Struggle Exists
Public speakerphone calls divide opinion. On one side are those who see no harm—after all, they’re just talking to someone. On the other side are people who believe it’s one of the fastest ways to ruin a peaceful commute, meal, or moment of quiet.
The annoyance factor comes from more than just the noise. A phone conversation on speaker turns into a two-person performance—except neither “performer” is trying to entertain the people around them. Listeners get half the conversation, often paired with dramatic pauses and out-of-context laughter.
In enclosed spaces like trains, buses, and planes, these calls can feel impossible to escape. That’s why some public transport systems worldwide have introduced “quiet zones” where phone calls and loud conversations are discouraged or outright banned.
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Etiquette Experts Have Been Warning About This for Years
Lizzie Post, great-great-granddaughter of legendary etiquette authority Emily Post and co-host of the Awesome Etiquette podcast, has long made her position clear:
“Do not use speakerphone for calls you make in public—use headphones.”
Her advice covers not just calls but also video chats, voice notes, and streaming content with sound. Post’s “no-speaker” zones include:
- Trains and buses
- Subway cars
- Shared rides like Uber or Lyft
- Waiting rooms
- Queues
- Restaurants and cafés
- Planes
She also urges phone users to do two things:
- Tell the person on the line they’re on speaker—it’s a courtesy and can prevent awkward oversharing.
- Keep others out of the frame when making a video call—because strangers didn’t sign up to be in your personal documentary.
Noise Pollution: Not Just Annoying, but a Real Issue
While David’s fine might seem excessive to some, public noise control isn’t a new idea. The World Health Organization (WHO) has flagged urban noise as a public health concern, linking constant loud environments to stress, poor sleep, and even cardiovascular problems.
Trains, stations, and airports can be especially sensitive spots, where announcements and background noise are already loud enough without someone adding their private conversation to the mix. In fact, part of the SNCF’s code of conduct encourages passengers to “keep phone use discreet” in shared spaces.
Other Places That Crack Down on Public Phone Use
France may have made headlines for officially fining a man over his speakerphone use, but the desire for peace and quiet in public isn’t unique to the French. Around the globe, countries and transit systems have experimented with different ways to curb loud conversations and preserve a sense of shared calm.
Japan – Where Silence Is a Courtesy, Not a Rulebook Entry
In Japan, mobile phone etiquette is taken seriously, especially on trains. Many have designated “quiet cars” where talking on mobile phones is prohibited entirely. Even outside of these areas, passengers are expected to switch their devices to manner mode (silent mode) and limit conversations to a whisper—or preferably, none at all.
What’s fascinating is that enforcement rarely involves penalties. Instead, it’s driven by cultural norms. In Japanese society, disturbing others in a shared space is considered impolite enough that people mostly comply without complaint. It’s not unusual to ride a bullet train packed with passengers and still hear nothing but the soft hum of the rails.
Italy – The “Silenzio” Carriage Experience
On certain Trenitalia routes, passengers can book seats in “Silenzio” (silence) carriages. The name isn’t just decorative—these train cars are designed for peace. Phone calls are off-limits, music must be listened to with headphones, and even conversations are expected to be kept brief and hushed.
The idea is to give travelers a space to read, work, or simply relax without the distraction of overheard phone arguments about what’s for dinner. Signs throughout the carriage act as gentle reminders, and while staff can step in if someone gets too loud, peer pressure often works just as effectively.
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United Kingdom – Quiet Coaches for the British Reserve
Several UK train services, including those operated by Great Western Railway and Avanti West Coast, offer “quiet coaches.” Here, phone calls are discouraged, devices must be muted, and passengers are asked to speak softly.
While not legally binding, the British tendency toward polite, indirect confrontation means passengers usually stick to the rules—though there’s always the occasional rebel loudly discussing last night’s football match until someone clears their throat in pointed disapproval.
United States – Amtrak’s Peaceful Alternative
Amtrak’s “quiet cars” are a haven for American travelers who want a break from the chaos of commuter life. No loud talking, no phone calls, and no noisy devices are allowed. Announcements are minimal, and conductors actively remind passengers of the rules.
Unlike in France, breaking the quiet-car etiquette on Amtrak typically won’t cost you money, but persistent offenders might be asked to move to a regular carriage. The rules are enforced enough to keep the space genuinely peaceful—a small miracle in the land of constant conference calls.
France’s Legal Edge
What sets France apart is that it’s moving beyond social norms and courtesy announcements. Instead of relying solely on polite requests and the power of shame, it has the option to issue an actual fine.
This “legal teeth” approach might spark debate, but it also sends a clear message: public spaces are meant to be shared respectfully, and sometimes, that means turning down the volume—literally.
Public Reaction: Applause and Eye-Rolling
When news of David’s fine spread, the reaction was mixed. Some hailed the move as a win for public courtesy, celebrating the chance for uninterrupted peace in shared spaces. Others argued it was overreach, worrying about a slippery slope where everyday behaviors might attract hefty penalties.
On French social media, one commenter wrote, “Finally! My prayers on the 7:45 train have been answered.” Another said, “What’s next? A fine for chewing too loudly?”
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The Bottom Line
Whether you see France’s speakerphone fine as justice or overkill, it highlights a growing tension in public life: balancing personal freedom with collective comfort. In an age where almost everyone carries a device capable of broadcasting their voice, music, or videos, shared spaces are becoming battlegrounds for basic courtesy.
David’s case might end up as a footnote in legal history—or it could mark the start of a broader movement toward quiet public spaces. Either way, the takeaway is simple: if you don’t want your train ride to come with a surprise bill, keep those earbuds handy.
Because in France, at least, your loud conversation about dinner plans could cost more than the dinner itself.
