This bad habit is spreading on the roads and motorists risk being fined.
Some motorists take largesse with the Highway Code. More and more according to road safety which denounces, with supporting figures, the increase in bad behavior in the car. This will surprise no one, the use of the smartphone is particularly singled out. However, almost everyone knows what to expect if they are caught using their cell phone while driving: using a smartphone while driving is punishable by a fine of 135 euros. and a deduction of 3 points on the driving license. Other offenses, however, are much less known to motorists, who are sometimes disillusioned when they are stopped by the police.
This phenomenon is quite often observed near traffic lights which help regulate traffic between road users. For 100% of drivers, the traffic light rule is clear for two colors: green I pass, red I stop. But what does the Highway Code really say from the moment the light turns orange? If we brought an extra-terrestrial down to earth to observe the attitude of motorists when approaching an orange light, there is no doubt that he would have a hard time guessing it.
Some brake to stop, others continue their journey or even accelerate to cross the light before it turns red. Among the latter, a large number believe they are doing so completely legally, as if the color orange offered a final delay in crossing the intersection. The Highway Code is however very clear on the issue, article R412-31 stipulating that “all drivers must stop in front of a fixed yellow traffic light”. There is only one situation in which crossing the orange light is tolerated, and that is “if the driver can no longer stop his vehicle in sufficient safety conditions.” This exception applies if the risk of braking suddenly could cause an accident, in particular if the vehicle is closely followed by another which could also have been tempted not to stop.
Failure to slow down and stop in front of an orange light without mitigating circumstances is punishable by a second class fine, the offender is therefore ordered to pay 35 euros. On the other hand, unlike non-compliance with a red light – punishable by a fine of 135 euros and a withdrawal of 4 points on the license – only the police can note this offense because the cameras placed on traffic lights are not programmed to identify vehicles that turn orange. Which is no reason to play with fire.