Pay attention to this rule if you go on vacation to France

The “blind spots” sign is mandatory not only on heavy goods vehicles and buses, but also on motorhomes. Here’s everything you need to know to avoid problems on French roads this summer

Christopher Clausen / t-online

Since the start of 2021, the affixing of the “blind spots” sticker has been compulsory in France for heavy vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes. This is therefore also the case for motorhomes present on the territory. And to save you from the fine, here is everything you need to know about this simple sticker, which could get you in trouble.

What is blind spot?

The blind spot refers to the areas around a vehicle that the driver cannot see despite the mirrors. All vehicles, whether cars, trucks or buses, have blind spots directly in front and behind the vehicle as well as on both sides of the vehicle.

If a pedestrian, a car or even a bicycle is in the vehicle’s blind spot, they become invisible to the driver for a short time and risk an accident.

What exactly are the regulations in force in France?

All vehicles with an authorized total weight of more than 3.5 tonnes must carry three “blind spot” labels in France. This measure has been applicable since the beginning of 2021.

What should the label look like?

The signs are subject to a strict legal framework. They should measure 25 x 17 centimeters, have a red frame and a white inscription at the top: “Attention”. A stylized yellow and black drawing of an intersection should be in the center. In addition, there are four triangular warning signs with an exclamation point, a stylized vehicle and the inscription “BLIND ANGLES” in capital letters on a yellow background in the lower part.

There are labels with a stylized car, truck or bus. Attention, versions with a camper van are sometimes sold online, but they do not correspond to official requirements. The ADAC recommends that motorhome drivers use a sticker with the symbol of a bus.

How many stickers do you need and where to stick them?

Three stickers are required. If you have a rear bike rack, you should attach a fourth rack for safety.

These must be placed on both sides of the vehicle as well as at the rear. It is important that the vehicle’s registration plates and obligatory inscriptions remain visible. Your visibility and vehicle lighting must also not be obstructed, and it is also prohibited to attach them to glass surfaces. Where possible, stickers or plates should be attached to the rear of the vehicle, to the right of the central longitudinal axis, at a height of between 90 centimeters and 1.5 meters from the ground.

You must place the side signs on the left and right within the first meter measured from the front of the vehicle, at a height between 0.9 and 1.5 meters. If this is not possible for technical reasons, the panels should be placed as close as possible to these specifications – up to a maximum height of 2.10 meters measured from the ground.

If the rear of the vehicle is hidden by a load, for example a bicycle rack, ADAC experts recommend affixing the marking anyway and adding an additional sticker to the rear bicycle rack or its tarpaulin .

Where can I get the stickers?

You can purchase “Attention blind spots” stickers valid for France from TCS. It is also possible to purchase these stickers at gas stations located near the border. Some online stores also offer magnetic stickers.

A word of advice: don’t wait until you’re at the last rest area before the border to buy some. If they are exhausted and you continue anyway, you risk getting into trouble during a road check in France for lack of signaling.

What about trailers?

This provision only concerns vehicles (cars and trailers) weighing more than 3.5 tonnes. Therefore, if the towing vehicle or trailer (e.g. a caravan) individually weighs more than 3.5 tonnes, the marking must also be affixed only to that vehicle.

What are the fines?

Since 1^er January 2022, any person traveling in France with a motorhome weighing more than 3.5 t and who has not affixed the required stickers to the vehicle incurs a fine of 135 euros.

Translated and adapted from German by Léa Krejci

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