There is a way to correctly position your hands on the steering wheel to avoid risking a fine.
Do you also have memories, close or distant, of your driving instructor who constantly reminded you where to put your hands on the steering wheel during your first hours of driving? The position of the hands at 10:10, who hasn’t heard it? It must be said that it is recommended by the greatest automotive experts.
The hands are thus placed on the steering wheel as if you were looking at a clock, with the left hand at the 10 o’clock position and the right hand at the 10 minute position. This grip allows precise control of the steering wheel while offering a good range of movement for making turns and maneuvers.
But that’s the theory. In practice, many motorists do not position their hands on the steering wheel as they were taught. Is that bad ? And above all, are we at risk if we drive a vehicle without having both hands on the steering wheel? At no time does the Highway Code dictate the way you hold your steering wheel. Whether two-handed, one-handed or even without hands. So don’t panic if you come across the police without respecting the famous hand position at 10:10 a.m., they have no way of fining you. On the other hand, certain situations can, however, result in a fine.
Article R.412-6 of the Highway Code stipulates that “all drivers must constantly be in a condition and in a position to carry out conveniently and without delay all the maneuvers incumbent upon them.” Obviously, this does not prohibit you from taking your hand off the steering wheel to drink water or adjust the air conditioning, but if you come across a police officer or a gendarme who is a little too zealous, a simple elbow at the window may be enough to get rid of him. stop, especially in the event of driving considered dangerous (poor control of the vehicle’s trajectory). A 2nd class fine is provided for this, which corresponds to a fine of 35 euros.
So there is no universal law that specifically requires drivers to have their hands on the wheel at all times. However, it is important to remember that keeping your hands on the steering wheel allows for better responsiveness in the event of an emergency and better control of the vehicle in general. Road safety recommendations generally encourage drivers to keep both hands on the wheel when possible, especially in driving situations requiring increased attention, such as on highways or during sharp, more dangerous turns.