What are the rules on using air conditioning in your car in France?
Drivers should be careful about using certain features when parked
Millions of drivers will be using aircon as several heatwaves are likely to impact France this summer
Monika Wisniewska/Shutterstock
The last couple of weeks have seen temperatures soar in France – with another heatwave likely in the coming days – but this does not mean people can stay at home all day.
Employees still have to go to work, parents still need to drive children to school (for now), and life continues as normal, albeit hotter.
However, those using their vehicle for work, commuting, school runs, or for leisure purposes, should be careful about using its air conditioning.
This is not just because running a vehicle’s aircon can be expensive and consume a lot of energy, but in some cases, is prohibited.
Below, we look at the rules drivers must follow.
Engines must be turned off when stationary
The first thing to note is that while a vehicle is being driven, there are no rules in place.
Drivers can opt to use the aircon – or in winter the heating – as they wish, although there may be manufacturer recommendations to keep it within a certain level.
However, things are different when a vehicle has stopped (outside of traffic, at red lights, etc).
Article R. 318-1 of the Code de la Route (French driving rules) states that a vehicle’s engine must be turned off when parked or it is stationary, except for special needs such as cold starting in low temperatures.
It applies in all situations where a vehicle is parked, including parking lots, outside shops, in motorway service areas, etc.
Although first coming into use in 1963, the rule has remained unchanged even as vehicles have evolved.
While it does not specifically cite air conditioning, in practice the rule prevents anything that requires the engine to remain running while the vehicle is parked.
This includes aircon and heating etc.
Fines can reach up to €135 running an engine while parked.
In Germany, similar rules can see drivers fined €80, and in Italy, up to €444, as European countries look to cut down on C0² emissions from vehicles.
Keep your vehicle cool during heatwave
In conclusion, drivers should use their vehicle’s aircon only when driving, and cut the engine during any pause.
Other tips on how to keep yourself cool and your driving safe during hot weather can be found in our article here.
