Bicycles: Traffic rules, mandatory equipment, fines, we tell you everything!
Traffic rules for cyclists
Cyclists must follow the same rules as motorists, including traffic rules, traffic lights, and road signs.
- Direction of travel: Cyclists must ride on the right side of the road, in the direction of traffic.
- Priority: Cyclists must respect right-of-way and give way to pedestrians at pedestrian crossings.
- Overtaking: Cyclists must overtake other road users on the left. They must also signal their intention to overtake by using an arm to indicate their direction.
- Reserved lanes: Cycle paths and cycle lanes are reserved for cyclists. The obligation to use cycle lanes or paths is established by the authority responsible for traffic control, after consultation with the prefect. However, it is strongly recommended that cyclists, for their safety, prefer to use dedicated lanes. Only children under the age of eight are allowed to use sidewalks, provided they ride at a reasonable speed and do not obstruct pedestrians.
- Parking: Cyclists must not park their bikes on sidewalks or pedestrian crossings. They must use designated parking spaces.
- Alcohol and drugs: Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited for cyclists, just like for motorists.
- Mobile phone: The use of a mobile phone while cycling is prohibited.
Main road signs to know
Source: Road Safety
What are the mandatory and recommended equipment?
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Helmet: Wearing a helmet is not mandatory in France, except for children under 12 years old. However, it is strongly recommended.
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Lighting and signaling: A bicycle must be equipped with front and rear lights, as well as an audible warning device. Reflectors must also be in place.
What fines for what offenses?
Source: Road SafetyThe main traffic offenses and associated fines for bicycles. All fine amounts indicated are fixed fines.
- Lack of lighting: €11
- Changing direction without prior warning: €35
- Riding more than 2 abreast on the road: €35
- Carrying a passenger on your bike (without a fixed seat): €35
- Towing: €35
- Exceeding the maximum speed limit*: €35
- Failure to stop at an orange light: €35
- Brake failure: €68
- Riding on the sidewalk in urban areas: €135
- Holding a phone or wearing headphones: €135
- Riding in the wrong direction: €135
- Failure to stop at a red light: €135
- Failure to stop at a stop sign: €135
- Filtering through traffic on the right: €135
- Riding under the influence of alcohol (between 0.25 and 0.4 mg/l of exhaled air): €135
- Inappropriate speed given the circumstances*: €135
- Overtaking without prior warning: €135
- Failure to yield to pedestrians: €135
*The difference between exceeding the speed limit (€35) and inappropriate speed given the circumstances (€135) is that in the latter case, the cyclist may comply with the speed limit but intentionally ignore a risk: crossing pedestrians, turns, etc.
It is important to remember that these rules are intended to ensure the safety of cyclists and other road users. It is the responsibility of each cyclist to comply with them. If you want to learn more, visit the Road Safety website.
