Compulsory equipment for driving a motorcycle
Verified 05 October 2022 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
Helmet, gloves, vest, lighting, license plates... What does the highway code say about mandatory motorcycle equipment? Can you have a fine if you don't have a mandatory accessory? This page tells you the rules to know about the mandatory equipment to drive in France with a motorized two or three-wheel (motorcycle, scooter...) or a motor quadricycle (quad).
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Compulsory motorcycle and scooter equipment and penalties in case of absence
You must wear a helmet to travel by motorbike, and your passenger.
The helmet must be approved, in accordance with the European standard. One white label attest to type of ECE approval (the green label is not likely to appear).
The helmet must be attaché.
If you drive your motorcycle without complying with these obligations, you risk a withdrawal of 3 points from your license and one fine up to €750.
In general, it is a flat-rate fine of €135.
The immobilization and the impoundment of the vehicle may be ordered.
Please note
these rules do not apply to you if you are wearing the seat belt that your vehicle is equipped with.
You can test the safety level of your equipment online:
Reminder
driving with a hand telephone or by wearing a audio device is prohibited (traffic offense punishable by a withdrawal of 3 points from the license and one fine flat-rate of €135). Only devices integrated into the motorcycle helmet are permitted.
You have to wear gloves to travel by motorbike, and your passenger.
Gloves should be CE certified Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
You recognize them by their CE label.
If you drive your motorcycle without complying with these obligations, you risk a withdrawal of 1 point from your license and a fine of up to €450.
In general, it is a flat-rate fine of €68.
The immobilization and the impoundment of the vehicle may be ordered.
Please note
these rules do not apply to you if you are wearing a seat belt with a vehicle equipped with doors and seat belts.
You can test the safety level of your equipment online:
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General case
To ride a motorcycle, you must have a high visibility vest (jacket, parka, vest, shirt or chasuble) on you or in a storage of your vehicle.
The vest must be EC certified.
If you drive your motorcycle without complying with this obligation, you risk a fine up to €38. In general, it is a flat-rate fine of €11.
Following an emergency shutdown
As a result of emergency stop, you must put on your high-visibility vest if you are to leave your immobilized vehicle on the road or its surroundings.
If you do not comply with this obligation, you risk a fine up to €750. In general, it is a flat-rate fine of €135.
At night, or during the day when visibility is poor
When you ride a motorcycle at night, or day when visibility is insufficient, you and your passenger must wear the high-visibility vest out of built-up area.
If you do not comply with this obligation, you risk a fine up to €150.
In general, it is a flat-rate fine of €35.
You can test the safety level of your equipment online:
Some equipment and outfits are not obligatory, but are suitable for driving a motorcycle: jacket, airbag vest, trousers, upright shoes.
You can test the safety level of your equipment online:
Your motorcycle must be equipped at least of main-beam headlamps, of crossing, of position rear and front, from flashing lights, of lamps stop and a fire of rear registration plate.
Lights shall be in good working order.
If you drive your motorcycle without complying with these obligations, you risk a fine of up to €450.
In general, it is a flat-rate fine of €68. The immobilization and the impoundment of the vehicle may be ordered.
FYI
one moped can be equipped with flashing lights but it is not mandatory. Road lights do not apply to mopeds. Front position lamps do not apply to two-wheeled mopeds.
Your motorcycle must have 1 registration plate, clearly arranged at the rear.
Your motorcycle must be equipped with a anti-theft device.
Failure to comply with this obligation shall be punished by a fine of up to €450.
In general, it is a flat-rate fine of €68.
Your motorcycle shall be equipped with an audible warning device (horn) approved.
Failure to comply with this obligation shall be punished by a fine of up to €450.
In general, it is a flat-rate fine of €68.
Your motorcycle must be equipped with a approved exhaust pipe who reduced the pollutant emissions and noise nuisance.
Failure to comply with this obligation shall be punished by a fine of up to €750.
In general, it is a flat-rate fine of €135.
The immobilization and the impoundment of the vehicle may be ordered.
- Highway Code: Article L431-1Immobilization and impoundment in case of driving without the mandatory equipment
- Highway Code: Articles R313-1 to R313-32-1Vehicle lighting and signaling
- Highway Code: Articles R314-1 to D314-8Tires
- Highway Code: Articles R316-1 to R316-10Maneuvering, steering and visibility devices
- Highway Code: Articles R416-17 to R416-20Advance warning triangle, high visibility vest
- Highway Code: Articles R431-1 to R431-12Helmet and gloves
- Order of 29 September 2008 concerning the high visibility vest
FAQ
- Motorcycle license: A1 license or 125 license (light motorcycle)Service-Public.fr
- Motorcycle license: A2 license (intermediate power motorcycle)Service-Public.fr
- License platesService-Public.fr
- Crit’Air sticker or pellet (air quality certificate)Service-Public.fr
- Motorcyclist: mandatory equipmentMinistry of the Interior