Phone use with stationary vehicles in France

[Brian]

I know in the UK...  But if you switch the engine off you are not deemed to be in control of the car.

I was once stationary (for more than 30 minutes) on the M25 at the Dartford Crossing (in toll booth days) and used my phone to warn my client I was likely to be late. A motorbike mounted ■■■■ police officer pulled up and ticketed me for using my phone. I pointed out that my engine was off but he countered that I was sitting in the driving seat,and the keys and ignition switch were in my reach therefore, in his view, I was in control of the car. I appealed and lost as the ■■■■■ magistrates agreed with the PC.