New rules on road etiquette

TRAFFIC rules have been altered in a government decree.

Drivers are now obliged to give way to pedestrians if they walk into the street or show “a clear intention” to do so. Despite this, pedestrians are asked to bear in mind the speed and proximity of traffic and to use a designated crossing where one is within 50 metres. Other new rules include:

- Children under eight can legally ride bicycles on pavements, in the absence of signs to the contrary, if they ride slowly and carefully. Councils may put in place signs allowing cyclists to go through red lights if turning right.

- Drivers having held a car driving licence for at least two years and wanting to use a moped or three-wheeler of 50cc or more must do a seven-hour course, unless they have insured one for five years or have done the three-hour course brought in in 2009.

- Removing components limiting scooters’ maximum speed (débridage) now attracts a €135 fine. Checks can be made, and impounding or even confiscation can be ordered.

- Paris motorists can now park from 20.00 to 7.00 and on Sundays at 7,000 delivery zones marked with a dotted yellow line.

- People insured third-party are no longer compensated from a state fund if they crash into a wild animal. They need comprehensive insurance to be covered for damage in such cases.