Meaning of new red lines appearing on French motorways

Major French motorways have seen the addition of red lines along its tarmac, in an attempt to keep drivers alert to the risk of danger when overtaking.

The line – which is in place of the traditional uninterrupted white line on motorways (or autoroutes in French) – is being employed to improve safety on roads. 

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).

It does not change the rules of such markings, which forbid overtaking on these sections (as opposed to a broken white line, where overtaking can take place), but 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 should appear along more sections and motorways across France in the near future.

Fine for failing to follow rules

The white line preventing overtaking on a motorway is usually employed in a place where such a manoeuvre is dangerous, such as a sharp bend or where there is low visibility. 

By making these lines red, drivers are said to be more aware of the line and not drive across them, stopping them from overtaking.

In addition, due to the general association for drivers between the colour red and danger, they may inadvertently drop their speed and take safer options whilst 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