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On January 1, 2021, the French road code will be changed and it will become mandatory to mark the blind spots on vehicles. The obligation would apply to everything above 3.5 tonnes and also to foreign vehicles.
The Belgian Febetra, say the Belgian TLN, regrets that the French authorities are following their own course in this area and oblige foreign vehicles to install these facilities. For this reason, Febetra has now asked the IRU to have the unilateral measure canceled or postponed until there is European legislation on it. TLN is still considering steps. Below you will find an overview of the information we currently have.

1. Subject vehicles
Every vehicle with a GVW of more than 3.5 tonnes must be equipped with a sign warning of blind spots. This signage can be affixed to the vehicle by means of a sticker, a sign affixed by clamps or other means of attachment, or can also be painted on the body.

2. Signage
In article 3.2 you will find a short video with the required model as provided for in the bill. This model must have the following dimensions: 25 cm height and 17 cm width.

The colors must meet the following standards:

RAL

  • red 3024
  • yellow 1021
  • curry yellow 1027
  • orange 2008
  • black 9005

PANTONE

  • red 185
  • yellow 012
  • curry yellow 3975
  • orange 716
  • neutral black.

3. Where should the signage be installed?
3.1. Trucks and tractors

Signage on trucks and tractors must be placed on the right rear (between 0.9 and 1.5 m from the ground) and on each side at the front (between 0.9 and 1.5 m from the ground).

3.2. Trailers and semi-trailers
Signage must be installed on trailers and semi-trailers at the rear right at a height between 0.9 and 1.5 m, as well as on each side. For trailers, the side signage must be fixed in the first meter of the front bodywork at a height between 0.9 and 1.5 m. For semi-trailers, this must be in the first meter behind the fifth wheel at a height between 0. 9 and 1.5 m high.

The French Federation of Manufacturers has produced a short video showing how the signage should be installed, you can watch it here .

3.3. Exceptions
For vehicles where it is technically impossible to provide signage according to the above-mentioned requirements, this must be done at the closest possible height and within the limit of 2.10 m.

For container chassis, car transporters, tractors for semi-trailers, tank vehicles, platform vehicles, adjustable arms for tipping wagons and dollies for which it is technically impossible to affix the rearmost mark, the rearmost mark may be placed in a position compatible with the technical characteristics of the vehicle. vehicle.

Vehicles that have been proven to be structurally impossible to affix the side and / or rear marking are exempt from this.

Transition period
Vehicles that already have side and rear signage indicating the presence of blind spots according to the legislation of another Member State of the European Union, comply with this obligation.
A transitional period of 12 months is foreseen during which vehicles already equipped with a blind spot warning on the sides and rear are deemed to comply with the provisions of the Decree, even if this warning does not fully conform to the established model.

Sanctions
Failure to comply with the obligation to provide signage is punishable by a fine provided for second class offenses (reduced fine: € 22, fixed fine: € 35).

The ministerial order can be found here

Source: Royal Federation of Belgian Transporters & Logistic Service Providers.