When are drivers in France allowed to cross a continuous white line?
Avoid a fine and points on your licence by familiarising yourself with these rules
A solid, continuous white line between two lanes in France means that you must not cross and that it is dangerous to overtake here - although there are some rare exceptions
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Crossing a solid, continuous white line between lanes on a normal road in France will usually risk a fine of €135 and three points from your licence - but do you know the exceptions to this rule?
The usual rules for solid lines
A solid, continuous white line between two lanes in France means:
The lines and situations can vary, but generally appear on sharp bends, or on hills with a restricted view, or a high likelihood of poor weather conditions that limit visibility.
The same applies to all continuous lines on roads, whether they are centre lines or lane dividers.
The ‘do not cross’ instruction is not just a suggestion; it is a legal stipulation of the Code de la route (road laws).
What if you cross a solid line?
If you cross a solid line without good reason, you risk:
Fixed fine of £135
The loss of three points on your driving licence (in France, you have a certain number of points and lose them in the event of an offence; the opposite way round to the UK, where you receive points in the event of an offence).
Read also: How do driving points work in France, how often given and what about foreign licences?
Read more: Driving licences: New rules on medicals, UK exchanges and renewals in France
Even if you only straddle the line and do not cross it completely, you risk:
Fixed fine of €135
Loss of one point.
In serious cases/breaches:
Read also: Driving rules and penalties tighten in France: key changes explained
What are the exceptions?
There are some exceptions. For example, you can cross the line if:
It is the only option to avoid an accident
There are animals or horse riders on the road, and you can cross/overtake safely, without endangering other road users or spooking the horses
There are roadworks or mobile construction sites on the other road, and you can cross/overtake safely
There is an obstacle on the road, such as a large rock, or large tree stump/branch etc
There is a light motorised vehicle in the road, and you can cross/overtake safely
Crossing the line and/or overtaking ‘safely’ means that your actions will not endanger any other road users or yourself.
What about cyclists, tractors, buses…?
Since July 2015, the code has also stated that you can also cross a continuous, solid line to overtake a cyclist if:
The road goes two ways, and has a speed limit of no more than 50 km/h
You return to your position in the traffic as soon as possible
You can overtake without obstructing anyone or causing danger.
Article R. 414-4 of the Code de la route states that:
Visibility must be sufficient, there must be no danger, the user must be able to return to their place in the traffic without causing any disruption, this action must be possible within a reasonably short time, and finally, the driver wishing to overtake the bicycle must not themselves be about to be overtaken.
They must also signal their intention to overtake and move out of the way sufficiently to avoid any risk to the cyclist.
However, it is still strictly prohibited to overtake certain vehicles when there is a continuous, solid line, including:
In these situations, you must wait for a sign, signal, or the end of the continuous line - as well as pay close attention to other road users - to ensure that it is safe to overtake before doing so. When overtaking, you must always indicate.
