Renault Clio Tuned to Look Like a Sports Car Stopped by Police

In Brief

On June 30, a customized Renault Clio III was intercepted in the Somme after being recorded at 137 km/h on an 80 km/h road. This major speeding breach, now classified as a crime, was accompanied by driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, leading to the immediate immobilization of the vehicle and the driver’s custody. The penalties are severe: up to five years in prison, a fine of up to €15,000, a substantial loss of license points and the possible confiscation of the vehicle. This incident underscores the importance of roadside checks and the harsher penalties that accompany a combination of offenses.

A small green sedan, an oversized rear wing, a few sport-style stickers… and a control that spiraled out of control. On a departmental road, the Somme gendarmes quickly spotted this tuned Renault Clio, launched far too fast.

The events date back to June 30 last year, during a check by the Abbeville motorized platoon in the Somme. The third‑generation Clio was flashed at 137 km/h on a road limited to 80 km/h. An excess of more than 50 km/h, enough to constitute a major speeding offense under the current rules. Behind this simple figure lies a Clio dressed up as a sports car and a driver already well beyond the limit.

Major speeding on an 80 km/h road

On this 80 km/h stretch, the measured speed immediately places the case in the category of motor-vehicle offenses. Since the end of 2025, any exceeding the limit by more than 50 km/h is no longer a mere offense; it is a crime, with a fine of up to 3,750 € (about $4,000) and up to three months in jail. The driver also faces a six‑point deduction, possible license suspension, and even vehicle confiscation.

And then there is the physical reality, far beyond the lines of the Highway Code. According to Road Safety authorities, speed is a factor in nearly one‑third of fatal crashes. At speeds above 80 km/h (about 50 mph) the chances of escaping severe injuries in a head‑on crash become slim. On a two‑way rural road, a Clio traveling at 137 km/h leaves very little margin for error.

Alcohol, drugs and a tuned Clio: a high‑risk mix

The gendarmes did not stop at the speed observation; they performed the usual screenings. Positive results for both alcohol and drugs led to immediate custody. The car was immobilized on the spot, a first step before a possible prolonged tow. In law, driving under the influence of alcohol and driving under the influence of drugs are separate offenses. When combined with a major speeding offense, they carry far heavier penalties. The statute provides up to five years in prison, up to €15,000 in fines, a nine‑point deduction, and the possible confiscation of the vehicle.

Then there is the very distinct look of this Clio 3, which its owner clearly aimed to mimic a Renault Clio RS. One can see small sports stickers and a large roof spoiler that contrasts with the visible tow ball. In such cases, the judge can order permanent confiscation of the vehicle, followed by sale at auction. Some high‑performance cars have already been repurposed for law enforcement, such as a prepared BMW 1 Series. In the case of this tuned Renault Clio, with modifications that look rather rough, the likelihood of such an outcome seems less probable.