Organization of demonstrations, processions or rallies on public roads

All processions, processions, rallies and demonstrations on public streets must be the subject of a prior declaration. It should be addressed to the following administrations:

• Town hall of the municipality or town halls of the various municipalities on whose territory the event is to take place
• Prefecture of department (prefecture of police in the Bouches-du-Rhône) when the event is to take place in the territory of communes where the national police is competent (communes of head-localities of department and other communes fixed by decree or ministerial order - inquire with his commune).

Deadlines to be respected

The declaration must be made at least 3 free days and a maximum of 15 clear days before the event.

Content of the declaration dossier

The prior declaration shall specify the following information:

• Contact details of the association initiating the event (name, address, telephone, name and address of the legal representative)
• Name, surname, address (and contact details: phone number, email address) of the organizers of the event
• Purpose of the event
• Event venue(s)
• Start and end date and times
• Itinerary if the demonstration involves the displacement of people (parade, procession)
• Estimated number of participants expected
• Description of the security arrangements put in place
• Particularities of the event (deployment of banners, installation of a sound system, etc.)

The declaration must be signed by at least one of the event organizers.

The municipality or prefecture receiving the declaration immediately issues a receipt.

The public authority shall verify that the following points are complied with:

• The necessary measures to ensure the safety of persons and property are provided for by the association (relationship with the fire brigade, possible setting up of an emergency station, etc.).
• The planned installations (tents, enclosures, bleachers, stages, rides, etc.) meet the legal and regulatory safety obligations.
• The association has taken out the necessary insurance in the event of liability.
• The association provided, if necessary, for appropriate measures to restore the public road at the end of the event.

The administration may request changes (timetables, routes, etc.). It can also provide technical support (equipment loan, provision of technical staff, room loan, etc.). The police or gendarmerie forces can help make security arrangements a reality.

If the mayor or prefect considers that the planned demonstration is likely to disturb public order, it prohibits it by an order that it notify immediately to the signatories of the declaration.

The mayor shall, within 24 hours, transmit the statement to the prefect of the department. He may attach a copy of his prohibition order.

The prefect of the department may also prohibit, during the 24 hours preceding the demonstration and until dispersal, the carrying and transport, without legitimate reason, of objects which may constitute a weapon on the site of the demonstration, the surrounding places and their access.

The challenge of a ban is made by means of a referral-injunction (also called interim measures of protection) allowing the appeal to be considered in less than 48 hours. The challenge must be made in writing, substantiated and addressed to the judge hearing the application for interim measures.

The following offenses are punishable by up to 6 months' imprisonment and €7,500 fine:

• Organization of an event on the public road without declaration
• Organization of a demonstration that has been banned
• Making an incomplete or inaccurate prior declaration