Three warning signs are also mandatory for campers

The rule is not new, but still unknown to many: Anyone driving a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of more than 3.5 tons on French roads of any category must equip it with the yellow, red and white "Angles Morts" warning signs, which alert other road users to the so-called "blind spots".

They have been mandatory since the beginning of 2021, but in the course of increased police checks, not only at the borders but everywhere on French roads, the gendarmes are increasingly encountering tourists who are unaware of the labeling requirement. This is because motorhomes from abroad are also subject to the rule and even a 3.8-ton Ducato panel van camper must display the conspicuous stickers. Anyone who does not comply risks a fine of 135 euros.

Exactly three of the 25 x 17 centimeter stickers are prescribed. One each on the driver's and passenger's side, another on the rear. The side stickers must be one meter away from the front of the vehicle and at a height of between 0.9 and 1.5 meters. The same dimensions apply to the sticker at the rear; it must be placed on the right-hand side of the vehicle, but window areas are taboo.

If you don't want to permanently change the look of your camper, you can opt for magnetic plates, which at least adhere well to removed panel vans with original bodywork and are only slightly more expensive than conventional stickers at around 16 euros. However, this solution is not suitable for motorhomes with special plastic bodies.

The ADAC also recommends attaching an additional sticker to the rear when using a bicycle rack, although this is not further regulated in the regulations. The warning stickers are available at petrol stations near the border or from various online retailers. (aum)