More information
Introduction (goal, purpose, meaning)
The "Angles Morts" (Blind Spots) sticker is a visual warning sign that draws attention to blind spots in road traffic. A blind spot is an area that the driver cannot see due to the vehicle design, even though it should be in view. This can result in other road users, especially cyclists and pedestrians, being overlooked in these areas and exposed to increased danger.
The sticker is intended to raise awareness of the danger in road traffic and to help motorists behave more consciously and carefully in road traffic. This should prevent accidents and increase road safety.
It is important to note that the use of the sticker alone is not enough to reduce the danger on the road. Drivers and road users need to be aware that blind spots exist and that they need to take extra care to increase road safety.
Legal basis
As of January 1, 2021, it is a legal requirement in France that all vehicles and trailers weighing at least 3.5 tons must have an "Angles Morts" sticker. This requirement is based on Article R.313-32-1 of the French Highway Code. The aim of this marking is to avoid accidents with cyclists and pedestrians, as they are often overlooked by large and heavy vehicles.
By using the "Angles Morts" sticker, other road users are made aware of the blind spot in road traffic and are thus better protected. The regulation applies to all vehicles and trailers, regardless of whether they are domestic or foreign. In the case of trailers, both the towing vehicle and the trailer must be marked if both weigh more than 3.5 tons.
Failure to comply with this requirement can be costly for the individual concerned, as France imposes a fine of up to 750 euros. It is therefore important that all operators of vehicles and trailers affected by this regulation ensure that they display the "Angles Morts" sticker to protect themselves and others on the road.
Characteristics (appearance, description)
Angles Morts sticker has a size of 25 cm x 17 cm and features a red frame with the words "Attention" emblazoned in white letters at the top. Inside the sticker is an area designed in yellow and black, which includes a stylized intersection, four triangular warning signs and a stylized vehicle (truck or bus). At the bottom of the sticker, in black letters on a yellow background, are the words "ANGLES MORTS" in capital letters.
The sticker is particularly suitable for vehicles with high quality paint, such as buses, camping vans and trucks that travel on routes in France. The film does not leave marks on the paint when removed, but at the same time is robust enough to withstand rain and wind. Since the sticker is removable, it is conditionally suitable for use in car washes and with high-pressure cleaners. Angles Morts sticker complies with the requirements of article R.313-32-1 of the French Highway Code.
Cities
The obligation for the Angles Morts sticker applies throughout France.
Affected vehicles
The following vehicles are affected by the sticker requirement:
All vehicles over 3.5 tons. This applies in particular to motor homes (M1), minibuses (M2), coaches (M3), trucks (N2, N3).
This also applies to all foreign vehicles entering France.
This does not apply to agricultural and forestry machines, winter service vehicles, emergency vehicles serving highways or roads with separated lanes, motor vehicles and trailers which, due to their structure, do not have the possibility to apply side and/or rear markings (for example dolly axle).
Penalties (fines)
In the case of a missing or incorrect Angles Mort's sticker for a vehicle, fines will apply starting Jan. 1, 2021, and may vary depending on the length of time paid and the repetition of the offense:
- 135 euros for motorhomes, trucks and buses (a "penalty category 4" violation).
If a fine is not paid after 45 days at the latest, it increases to 375 euros in "penalty category 4". If there is a repeat offense, the fine increases up to 750 euros the next time.
Important to know for foreigners:
From a fine of 70 euros or more, in accordance with EU Directive 2011/82 of 25.10.2011 "to facilitate the cross-border exchange of information on road safety-threatening traffic offenses", in the event of non-payment, enforcement proceedings are carried out in the home country, up to and including imprisonment.
Attachment instructions
The Angles Morts stickers must be visible on both sides and on the rear of the vehicle.
- They must be affixed in 3 places:
1. at the front right less than 1 m from the front of the vehicle at a height between 0.90 m and 1.50 m.
2. at the front left, less than 1 m from the front of the vehicle, at a height of between 0.90 m and 1.50 m.
3. rear right at a height between 0.90 m. and 1.50 m.
For trucks with box bodies and for trucks with semitrailers up to 7.5 tons, at least three Angles Morts stickers must be placed. The optimal locations are on the sides and rear of the vehicle. The best placement at the rear is between 0.9 m and 1.5 m high. One Angles Morts sticker for France must be placed on each side of the vehicle. In relation to the front of the vehicle, the label should be placed within the first meter.
For a truck with semitrailer, up to 6 stickers are required. According to the French road traffic regulations, in addition to the stickers on the towing vehicle, additional stickers must be placed on the semi-trailer. For semi-trailers, the Angles Morts must be placed above the rear wheel of the towing vehicle at the same height on both sides of the vehicle. The area shall be within one meter behind the fifth wheel. A sticker must also be placed on the right side of the semitrailer. If you are traveling in France with a box body truck and an additional trailer, both the trailer and the truck require 3 stickers each. All Angles Morts stickers for trucks up to 40 tons must not be placed higher than 1.5 meters.
For buses and motor homes over 3.5 tons, the same regulations apply. Both types of vehicles require at least 3 stickers. They are placed on both sides of the vehicle at a distance of one meter from the front of the vehicle, between 0.9 m and 1.5 m high. At the rear, the Angles Morts sticker must also be applied on the right side between a height of 0.9 m and 1.5 m.
The durability of the sticker can be increased by proper sticking. To do this, the surface must be flat, clean and dry. Clean the surface thoroughly beforehand to remove dust and dirt. Avoid placing the sticker on trim or sharp edges. The stickers must not be stuck on side or rear windows. They must also in no way impair the driver's view or the effect of the lighting equipment.
Exceptions
There are certain exceptions to the requirement to display the Angles Morts sticker. These include agricultural and forestry machinery, winter service vehicles, emergency vehicles on duty, motor vehicles on highways or roads with separated lanes, and motor vehicles and trailers that do not have the ability to display side and/or rear markings due to their construction, such as a dolly axle. All vehicles with a total weight of less than 3.5 tons are also exempt from the obligation of Angles Morts.
FAQ
Which vehicles are affected?
Any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 3.5 tons.
Which vehicles are exempt?
- Agricultural and forestry vehicles
- Vehicles used for winter road maintenance;
- Emergency vehicles on highways or roads with separate directional lanes;
- Motor vehicles and trailers which, due to their design, do not have the possibility of placing side and/or rear and/or rear markings (for example, dolly axle).
Does this obligation also apply to foreign vehicles?
In principle: Yes! However, if the vehicle indicates the presence of a blind spot in accordance with the national legislation of another EU member state, this will be recognized.
Where should the sticker be placed?
The sticker must be affixed in such a way that it is visible under all circumstances, and in such a way that it does not interfere with the visibility of the signs and inscriptions already required by law on the vehicle, and does not interfere with the visibility of the various vehicle lights and the driver's field of vision.
Angles Morts decals must be visible on both sides and rear of the vehicle.
- They shall be placed in three locations:
1. at the front right less than 1 m from the front of the vehicle at a height between 0.90 m and 1.50 m.
2. at the front left at a distance of less than 1 m from the front of the vehicle at a height between 0.90 m and 1.50 m.
3. at the rear right at a height between 0.90 m and 1.50 m.