What the new red lines on some French motorways mean

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

The new lines are being deployed in places where motorists need to take extra care, for example, where visibility is reduced due to tight bends in the road.

According to French motoring news site and insurance brokers media.roole.fr they are notably being used "in specific areas where the risk of accidents is particularly high, such as approaching motorway exits, where motorists tend to brake suddenly, and in construction zones where traffic is disrupted".

It adds: "This red line can also appear in complex intersection zones, such as motorway junctions, where errors of judgement by drivers are common."

By using the colour red, drivers are said to be more aware of the lines 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 lower their speed and take safer options while driving along these sections. 

This is thought to be part of France's general strategy to reduce road deaths, which totalled 3,167 in the mainland and Corsica last year.

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