Crueler than the white line, the red line is coming to our roads, with hefty fines if you don't respect it.

© Wang Wei Cheng/Shutterstock

Do white lines scare you ? Wait until you come across the red lines ! A newcomer to our roads, the red line is more visible, more intimidating and above all more expensive for your wallet if you dare to cross it. This innovation, already tested in Spain, is gradually being installed on our motorways with a clear message: dangerous overtaking puts you at great risk.

Red is the new white

The experiment has already begun on the A7 near Vienna and on the A10 towards Bordeaux. A wide scarlet strip stretches for several kilometres, impossible to miss even for the most distracted drivers. This line marks particularly accident-prone areas, those sections of road where too many tragedies have played out. Tight bends, reduced visibility, winding sections… so many places where overtaking can quickly turn into a nightmare.

The choice of red is not insignificant. This color, universally associated with danger and prohibition, instantly strikes the eye and the mind. A psychological marking that aims to shake consciences where the traditional white line was no longer enough.

Salty fines

If you thought crossing a solid white line was already expensive, wait until you see the price of the red ticket. In France, any transgression will cost you 135 euros and will make you lose 3 points on your driving license. A penalty that may seem lenient compared to our Spanish neighbors, who do not hesitate to hit harder with a fine of 200 euros and a possible license suspension of up to three months.

With this new red line, the authorities are pursuing their goal of reducing the number of road deaths. With 3,400 lives claimed in 2023, every initiative counts to avoid new tragedies. This red line is part of a broader strategy to modernize road signs, alongside other innovations such as the “dragon's teeth”, these markings that create an optical illusion to make drivers slow down.

While the initial feedback is encouraging, particularly in Spain where the system has already proven itself, the generalization of these red lines across the entire French road network could take place in the years to come. Preliminary studies show a significant improvement in the vigilance of motorists in the tested areas.

However, some experts point to a possible “surprise effect” that could fade over time. Novelty intrigues, challenges, and therefore works. But what will happen when these red lines become part of the daily road landscape ?

• A red line replaces the solid white line on certain dangerous sections of the A7 and A10 motorways
• Failure to respect this line will cost you €135 and 3 points on your licence in France, compared to €200 and a licence suspension in Spain
• If the experiment is conclusive, this system could be extended to the entire French road network

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