France: Government Has Had Enough! Gloves Come Off from Bikes in the Fast Lane

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France: Government Has Had Enough! Gloves Come Off

May
2011

  File under Travel Safety France
  Author: Mike Werner
  Location: Normandy, France

We already knew that the French government likes using the motorcycle world as scapegoat for their own failings. The French motorcycle world is quite small, some 2 million in total, so they do not represent a dangerous voting block. So when they pick on them, there is very little opposition. Non-bikers don't care, and bikers just can't fight hard enough.

Over the recent months, the mortality rate on the French roads has gone up, after many years of decline. In a knee-jerk reaction, the French government has decided to increase all drastic measures on the road. They didn't really go out of their way to understand why the increase, just decided to increase the already very strict rules.

Today, the French government has had an urgent meeting about the state of affairs on the French roads, and have decided the following. Some of the measures are good, and make sense, some are just weird.

What Changes For Everyone
They are going to remove all speed radar warning signs. Now, they are placed a few hundred meters before a speed radar, allowing drivers to adapt.

All radar warning devices (not radar detectors which are already highly illegal) are not allowed. This will probably mean for example a GPS that warns you for upcoming fixed radars, as is the case with most GPS. The new law is not clear which devices are targeted, but one can assume it's the GPS. It's a great strike for the cops, since if they stop you, and can't find anything to book you with, they can get you for your GPS.

Driving, or riding, 50 kph over the speed limit is now considered a crime. So prison, here I come. €3750 fine, 3 months prison, 6 points of your driving license and your motorcycle/car confiscated.

1000 new speed radars will be installed before the end of 2012. Driving with 0.8 g/l will result in 8 points deducted from your license (which starts out with 12 points).

Using the telephone while driving will now cost you 3 points of your license (currently it's 2).

What Changes For Motorcycles
The license plates will be enlarged, making it easier to photograph. No dimensions have been communicated, yet.

Fluorescent jackets, yellow or orange must be worn at all times.

Any biker who can not prove he/she has ridden a "big" motorcycle in the last 5 years, must take a mandatory re-training.

No dates have been released when the new laws start, but we can expect it very fast.

Via: Minister of Transport