Adding Additional Lights to Motorized Vehicles: Compliance with French Legislation

Adding additional lights to a motor vehicle can improve the visibility, safety or aesthetics of your vehicle. However, before making any modifications, it is essential to understand and comply with current French legislation. This article explores the legal aspects of installing additional lights on vehicles in France.

Why Add Additional Lights?

1. Increased Safety: Additional lights can improve visibility in low light or bad weather conditions.
2. Custom Aesthetics: Some owners want to customize the appearance of their vehicle to make it unique.
3. Specific Features: For utility or specialty vehicles, additional lights can meet specific needs (e.g. work lights for construction vehicles).

Types of Additional Lights Allowed

In France, several types of additional lights can be legally installed, provided that certain standards are respected:

1. Beacon Lights: Used primarily to signal the presence of a vehicle in low visibility conditions.
2. Position Lights: Complement the dipped headlights for better lateral visibility.
3. Anti-dazzle Lights: Reduce glare for other drivers.
4. Towing Lights: Mandatory if the vehicle is equipped to tow a trailer.

Regulations to Respect

Approval and Certification

Any additional light must be approved and comply with European (E marking) or French standards. The installation of non-approved lights may result in penalties, including a fine and immobilization of the vehicle during a road check.

Position and Color of Lights

The regulations specify the location, color and intensity of the additional lights:

• Colors: Front lights must be white or yellow, while rear lights may be red, amber or white. Colors must follow conventions to avoid confusion with the lights of other vehicles.
• Positioning: Additional lights must not interfere with the vehicle's original lights. For example, dipped headlights must not be installed too high or too low, which could dazzle other drivers.
• Light Intensity: The intensity of the additional lights must comply with standards so as not to disrupt the visibility of other road users.

Installation by a Professional

To ensure legal compliance, it is recommended to have the additional lights installed by an approved professional. This not only ensures the quality of the installation but also compliance with current standards.

Administrative Procedures

Declaration to the Prefecture

After installing additional lights, it may be necessary to declare the modification to the prefecture or sub-prefecture of your department. This process may include updating the registration document (certificate of registration) if the modifications impact the technical characteristics of the vehicle.

Technical inspection

During the periodic technical inspection, the additional lights will be checked to ensure their conformity. Non-conformities may result in a refusal of the inspection and require rectification before being able to legally circulate.

Sanctions for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with the legislation relating to additional lights may result in several penalties:

• Fines: Violations related to non-compliant lights can result in fines ranging from 135 to 750 euros depending on the severity.
• Vehicle Removal: In the event of immediate danger, law enforcement may immobilize the vehicle until the situation is resolved.
• License Points: Certain offenses can result in a loss of points on your driving license.

Conclusion

Adding additional lights to a motor vehicle can offer significant benefits in terms of safety and customization. However, it is crucial to comply with French legislation to avoid penalties and ensure safe driving for all road users. Before undertaking any modification, check with the relevant authorities and call on qualified professionals to ensure a compliant and safe installation.

For more information on current regulations or to obtain personalized advice, do not hesitate to consult the official websites of the French government or to contact an approved automotive professional.