As of January 1st 2021, all heavy vehicles in France (both goods and passenger transport vehicles) must be fitted with a sign to inform others about their vehicle’s blind spots. Failure to comply with this obligation may result in a 4th class fine which is usually 136 euros but in a worst-case scenario, it can be as much as 750 euros. The French government has published details on where to stick the signs on the vehicle.
Although, the new regulation already applies from January 1st, clarification of the law was only published two days ago, on 6 January.
Source: securite-routiere.gouv.fr
> Download the signs HERE <<<
What vehicles have to have blind spot stickers?
All heavy vehicles over 3,5 tonnes, including foreign lorries travelling in France, have to be fitted with an infographic sticker informing other road-users about their vehicle’s blind spots, according to the decree published by the French Ministry of Ecological Transition on November 20th.
Where should the stickers be placed?
Stickers must be visible on both sides and at the back of the vehicle „in all circumstances”, explains the French regulation. This means that the signs must be placed between 0.90m and 1.50m above the ground – except for special cases.
Stickers must be placed in such a way that they don’t cover the vehicle’s regulatory plates and inscriptions, any of the lights or signals, and don’t hinder the driver’s field of view.
Strict vision standards to come
However, the requirement of the sticker is only a part of the safety plan. The decree accepted by the French government says motor vehicles (except for agricultural vehicles and equipment whose maximum speed does not exceed 40 km / h), must be constructed or equipped in such a way that the driver’s field of vision, forwards, towards the to the right and to the left, is sufficient for safe driving.
To comply with the decree, vehicles must be fitted with one or more indirect vision systems. For example, rear-view mirrors arranged so as to allow the driver to see from his seat the road towards the rear of the vehicle, whatever the load, and whose field of view visibility does not include a blind spot likely to obscure a vehicle about to pass it.
The controls of the various vehicle devices that may be used while driving must be easily accessible by the driver while the vehicle is in motion.
If this is not the case, the vehicle must be guided by a conveyor in front of it.
A precise explanation of the rules will nonetheless not be published until January, as the EU authorities in Brussels are reportedly examining the decree.
Photo credit @ lebureaudecom.fr/