PARIS, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Using one's cellphone while pulling over could lead to the suspension of one's driver's license in France, according to a local news report.

In a new high court ruling in February, drivers in France are banned from cellphone use not only when driving, but even when the engine is off, as long as one has not stopped in a designated parking area, according to the French newspaper Le Figaro.

A driver who breaches the law might face an immediate suspension of his or her driver's license, a much harsher punishment than the previous points deduction and fines.

The only exception is when one's car breaks down, and of course when one has an accident, according to the new ruling.

France has stepped up its measures against dangerous driving in the wake of a rising road accident rate after decades of steady decline. It recently reduced the speed limits on two-lane roads from 90 to 80 km per hour.