End of the experiment of inter-lane traffic: slipping between two lanes is now prohibited for motorcycles

The experiment began in 2016 in 11 departments. MAXPPP – Thibaud MORITZ

The experiment, conducted since August 2021 in 21 departments including Hérault and Pyrénées-Orientales, ends this Wednesday, January 1. Users of motorized two-wheelers and three-wheelers must comply with the highway code or face sanctions.

It's over. Starting this Wednesday, January 1st, motorcyclists will have to bite their lip: interfile traffic (CIF) is prohibited everywhere in France. Since August 2021, weaving between cars when traffic is heavy or congested, which happens very frequently in cities like Montpellier, was authorized on an experimental basis in 21 departments. Including Hérault and Pyrénées-Orientales, to name only those located in Languedoc-Roussillon.

The practice was perfectly regulated: it only concerned motorways and expressways separated by a central reservation; cars had to be stationary or driving very slowly; it was forbidden to exceed 50 km/h; to force the passenger, etc. But we forget all that. The decree of 28 July 2021, after being extended last September, ends on 1 January. According to the Road Safety website, this experiment was to “make it possible to study the conditions under which this practice could be authorised, made safe and taught”.

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What sanctions ?

From now on, users of two-wheelers and motorized three-wheelers must comply with the highway code: to overtake a vehicle, even in a traffic jam, you will have to change lanes. Passing between two rearview mirrors is therefore once again strictly forbidden. Under penalty of sanctions. And not the least: a fixed fine of 135 euros and the withdrawal of three points on your driving license.

In an article published on its website last July, the Fédération des motards en colère (Fédération of Angry Bikers) assured that making inter-file traffic official “by respecting a certain number of common sense safety rules”, would allow this practice to be taught in driving schools. A plus, according to the FFMC, for safety, traffic flow and understanding between road users. “The absence of rules would allow irresponsible behavior to flourish”, the federation estimated.

Mixed results

Auto Plus recalls that an initial experiment was conducted between 2016 and 2021 in 11 departments. And that at the end, an initial report was published, not particularly convincing. “While accidents involving motorized two-wheelers had decreased by 10% nationwide, a 12% increase in accidents had been observed on road networks where the CIF was authorized, our colleagues emphasize. Certain risky behaviors – such as speeding or reckless maneuvers – had been noted, showing that education and rules were not always respected.”