New car rules come into force

“It’s yellow, it’s ugly and it doesn’t go with anything,” but from today day-glo jackets are mandatory in all cars and motorbikes.

The law, which brings France in line with a number of other EU countries, says motorists could be fined 90 euros per item for not having a warning triangle and fluorescent jacket in their car.

The jacket must be worn when waiting by a broken-down vehicle on the hard shoulder or other roadside. During the day it increases the visibility of a person by three times and at night by five.

Motorists must also by law use their hazard warning lights when they are stationary at the roadside.

Designer Karl Lagerfeld is fronting the government’s awareness campaign to highlight the new law. The catchphrase is: “It’s yellow, it’s ugly and it doesn’t go with anything – but it can save your life.”

For the campaign (in French) click here.