Meaning of new red lines appearing on French motorways
Drivers who fail to follow rules relating to the marking face a €135 fine
The lines are now starting to be used in France. This photo shows them employed in southern Spain
Junta de Andalucía
Major French motorways have seen the addition of red lines along their tarmac, in an attempt to keep drivers alert to the risk of danger when overtaking.
The lines – which serve much the same function as traditional uninterrupted white lines on French roads – are being employed to improve safety.
The markings have been successfully trialled in Spain, and are expected to be widely rolled out in Europe, and potentially the US (where they would replace yellow lines).
As compared to the traditional continuous white lines used on roads to forbid overtaking (as opposed to a broken white line, where overtaking can take place) these are designed to be easier for drivers to spot.
A four-kilometre stretch of the A7 motorway near Lyon is the first in France to employ these red lines, and a section of the A10 near Bordeaux has also implemented such a line.
Road safety authorities will evaluate their impact on the number of accidents and traffic fluidity. If successful, they may appear along more sections and motorways across France in the near future.
Fine for failing to follow rules
Similarly to continuous white lines, the new lines are being deployed to ban overtaking in places where it could be dangerous, such as a sharp bend or where there is low visibility.
However, by using the colour red, drivers are said to be more aware of the line and less likely to drive across them as compared to the use of white.
In addition, due to the general association for drivers between the colour red and danger, the aim is to encourage drivers to drop their speed and take safer options while driving along these sections.
Drivers in France who are caught overtaking across these red lines will face a fine of €135, and the loss of three points from their licence.
In Spain, the fine is €200, and whilst points are not taken from a driver’s licence for such an offence, the licence can be confiscated for up to three months.
Read more: French speed cameras set to detect more types of offences
