From 1 January 2021, it will be compulsory in France for trucks and other heavy goods vehicles to drive on roads with a ‘Dead Angle’ sign, regardless of their country of registration. This regulation is set out in Decree No 2020-1396 of 17 November 2020, which came into force on the first day of the year. This regulation concerns the obligation to place blind spot signs on vehicles with a maximum permissible weight of more than 3.5 tonnes.
The main purpose of placing these signs on large vehicles is to reduce accidents and protect the most vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and other vehicles. By identifying and warning about blind spots, it aims to increase driver awareness and encourage safer and more responsible driving, thus contributing to the protection of all road users.
There are two models of ‘blind spot’ signs:
For the transport of goods: This sign includes the drawing of a lorry and is designed specifically for vehicles of this type, as well as those related to the transport of goods.
For the transport of persons: In this case, the sign is accompanied by the drawing of a bus and must be placed on public passenger transport vehicles, as well as on private vehicles that comply with the tonnage characteristics indicated in the regulations.
These signs, depending on the type of vehicle to which they correspond, help to warn of blind spots, improving road safety and protecting users in both goods and passenger transport.
Description and Placement of the Dead Angle Sign:
The blind spot sign has dimensions of 25 x 17 cm and its application is aimed at vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes, excluding those for agricultural and forestry use (it is recommended to consult the specific regulations).
For correct placement, these signs must be placed at the front of the vehicle on both sides, maintaining a height of between 0.9 and 1.5 metres from the ground. In addition, it is necessary to place them at the rear of the car, specifically on the right side of the plane, also at a height between 0.9 and 1.5 metres from the ground. It is important to note that these signs should not be placed on the glazed areas of the vehicle. Compliance with these provisions ensures optimal visibility and awareness of blind spots, contributing to improved road safety.
*These criteria may vary for vehicles with special characteristics such as trailers, container carriers, tractors, tank vehicles, platform vehicles, among others.
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