France Experimenting with Red Lines on Highways for Traffic Safety

france, spain - France and Spain are testing the use of red lines on highways to enhance traffic safety, aiming to alert drivers to danger and discourage overtaking violations.

France Experimenting with Red Lines on Highways for Traffic Safety

France and Spain are conducting trials with red lines on highways to improve road safety. The recent introduction of a nearly four-kilometer-long red center line on the French A7 highway is part of a safety initiative by Autoroutes du Sud de la France (ASF) to reduce accidents along the route. A similar red line can also be found on the A10 highway towards Bordeaux.

Enhancing Traffic Safety

The bright red color is intended to create a sense of danger, prompting drivers to be more cautious and comply with speed limits. While not officially included in traffic regulations, drivers in France risk a fine of 135 euros (up to 750 euros) and three penalty points on their license if caught overtaking on these red lines.

Inspired by Spain's initiative in 2021, where a red line was first implemented on the A355 in Andalusia due to a rise in accidents, French authorities aim to reduce road incidents through this visual deterrent. In Spain, violating the red line incurs a 200 euro fine and a possible three-month driving suspension.