The white line, in France and Switzerland
The white line, in France and Switzerland
I found on the web your column "the white line is like a wall" published on 9 June 2014 in which you stated that on the road, crossing the white line is forbidden in all circumstances. It seems to me that in France, the rule is not as strict. Is there a difference between our two countries regarding this safety line?
Claude, Annecy
Article R412-19 of the French Road Traffic Code clearly states that it is forbidden to cross or straddle a continuous longitudinal line affixed to the carriageway. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fourth-class fine and a reduction of three points on the driving licence. The fine is €135 and will be reduced to €90 if paid promptly or increased to €375 if paid late.
However, the aforementioned legal provision specifies that it is possible to straddle such a safety line when overtaking a cyclist. This means that our French neighbours do in fact tolerate partial crossing of the white line, to improve the safety of cycling enthusiasts, who will appreciate not being brushed past on narrow roads.
In Switzerland, Article 73 al. 6 lit. a of the Ordinance on Road Signs and Signals is more categorical: it is forbidden for vehicles to cross or encroach on safety lines and double safety lines.
According to the Federal Court, crossing a safety line constitutes an objectively serious infringement of road traffic regulations. Such a line may only be crossed for compelling reasons, such as when a stationary vehicle is blocking the way for a certain period of time, so that the driver of a vehicle that is impeded in its progress cannot be required to wait until the way is clear, or when this manoeuvre is the only one that makes it possible to avoid an accident or make its consequences less serious.
In Switzerland, crossing a safety line can be punishable by a minimum fine and a maximum custodial sentence, depending on the circumstances of the case, under Article 90 of the Road Traffic Act. In Geneva, a fine of CHF 240 is imposed for crossing a safety line without endangering other road users. In addition, the offender's driving licence may be withdrawn, depending on the danger caused by the manoeuvre.
On our side of the border, it's best to be patient when a slow-moving vehicle cannot be overtaken on a stretch of road with a white line without encroaching on it.
