Public spaces have always been complicated. They belong to everyone, yet they rely heavily on invisible social contracts to function smoothly. Most people instinctively understand these rules: don’t block doorways, don’t shout across a crowded carriage, and certainly don’t blast your personal conversations for strangers to endure. Still, not everyone gets the message—and in France, that message now comes with a price tag.

A recent incident at Nantes train station in western France has reignited debate around public etiquette and personal freedom. A man identified only as “David” was standing in the station, casually speaking to his sister on speakerphone. To him, it seemed harmless. To others nearby, it was another unwanted soundtrack in an already noisy environment.

That’s when a security officer from SNCF, France’s state-owned railway company, intervened. David was instructed to turn off the loudspeaker or face a fine of €150 (around $155 USD). Convinced the warning was excessive—and possibly a joke—he ignored it.

According to David, the situation escalated quickly.

“I think the person was offended,” he later told French news outlet BFMTV. “She took out her notebook and fined me.”

When David refused to pay on the spot, the penalty increased to €200 ($206 USD). Now, he says he plans to challenge the fine with legal representation, turning a brief phone call into a costly and time-consuming dispute.

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Why Speakerphone Calls Spark Such Strong Reactions

Few modern habits divide public opinion quite like speakerphone calls. Some people see them as no different from a face-to-face conversation—just two humans talking. Others view them as one of the fastest ways to shatter peace in a shared space.

Part of the irritation comes from the nature of the noise itself. Speakerphone conversations are unpredictable: sudden laughter, emotional tones, awkward pauses, and only half the context. Unlike music or announcements, these sounds demand attention without offering any value to the unwilling audience.

In confined environments—trains, buses, waiting rooms, or airplanes—there’s no escape. The conversation follows you, seat to seat, making silence feel like a luxury rather than a given. This is why many transport systems around the world have introduced “quiet zones,” where phone calls and loud audio are discouraged or banned entirely.

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Etiquette Experts Have Been Saying This for Years

For etiquette professionals, France’s move is hardly surprising. Lizzie Post, the great-great-granddaughter of renowned etiquette authority Emily Post and co-host of the Awesome Etiquette podcast, has long been clear on the subject.

“Do not use speakerphone for calls you make in public—use headphones,” she advises.

Her guidance extends beyond phone calls to include video chats, voice messages, and streaming content played aloud. According to Post, speakerphone use is inappropriate in places such as:

• Trains and buses

• Subways

• Ride-shares like Uber and Lyft

• Waiting rooms

• Lines and queues

• Restaurants and cafés

• Airplanes

She also emphasizes two often-overlooked courtesies: informing the person on the line when they’re on speaker, and ensuring strangers aren’t unintentionally included in video calls. After all, nobody consented to appear in someone else’s personal vlog.

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Noise Pollution: More Than a Minor Annoyance

While some may see David’s fine as excessive, concerns about public noise are grounded in more than mere preference. The World Health Organization has identified urban noise as a genuine public health issue, linking constant exposure to elevated stress levels, disrupted sleep, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Transportation hubs are especially sensitive environments. Stations and trains already compete with announcements, engine sounds, and crowd noise. Adding personal conversations to the mix only raises the volume further. SNCF’s passenger code of conduct reflects this concern, explicitly encouraging travelers to keep phone use discreet in shared spaces.

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How Other Countries Handle Public Phone Etiquette

France may be grabbing headlines, but it’s far from alone in its quest for quieter public spaces.

Japan: Silence as Social Responsibility

In Japan, mobile phone etiquette on public transport is governed less by fines and more by cultural expectation. Talking on phones—especially on trains—is strongly discouraged. Many carriages prohibit calls entirely, and devices are expected to remain on silent mode. The result? Even packed trains often feel remarkably calm, driven by mutual respect rather than enforcement.

Italy: The “Silenzio” Carriage

Italy offers travelers a choice. On certain Trenitalia routes, passengers can book seats in designated “Silenzio” carriages. Here, phone calls are prohibited, conversations are minimal, and peace is the priority. While staff can intervene, social pressure usually keeps noise to a minimum.

United Kingdom: Quiet Coaches with Polite Enforcement

UK rail services such as Great Western Railway and Avanti West Coast provide quiet coaches where phone calls are discouraged and voices kept low. Though not legally enforced, Britain’s culture of understated disapproval often does the job just fine.

United States: Amtrak’s Quiet Cars

Amtrak’s quiet cars offer Americans a rare escape from constant calls and notifications. Loud conversations and phone use are not allowed, and repeat offenders may be asked to move—no fines required.

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France’s Legal Approach: Courtesy with Consequences

What makes France stand out is its willingness to back etiquette with enforcement. Rather than relying solely on social norms or polite signage, authorities can issue real financial penalties.

Supporters argue this gives public courtesy “legal teeth,” ensuring shared spaces remain genuinely shared. Critics worry it opens the door to overregulation, where minor annoyances become punishable offenses.

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Public Reaction: Cheers, Jokes, and Skepticism

Online reactions to David’s fine were sharply divided. Some celebrated the decision as a victory for commuters desperate for quiet.

“Finally—my prayers on the 7:45 train have been answered,” one commenter joked.

Others were less enthusiastic, questioning where the line would be drawn.

“What’s next,” another asked, “a fine for chewing too loudly?”

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The Bigger Picture

Whether you see France’s speakerphone fine as justified or heavy-handed, it highlights a growing challenge of modern life: balancing individual convenience with collective comfort. In a world where nearly everyone carries a device capable of amplifying sound, public spaces are increasingly contested territory.

David’s case may fade into obscurity—or it may signal a broader shift toward stricter enforcement of shared-space etiquette. Either way, the lesson is clear: when in public, your conversation isn’t just yours anymore.

And in France, at least, forgetting your earbuds might end up costing more than your dinner plans ever would.