The case of a driver who was fined for putting a small ‘Corsica’ sticker on her car number plate has revived discussions over what is - and is not - allowed when it comes to number plates in France.
The woman, from Bastia in Corsica, was fined €135 for putting the ‘Corse’ sticker over the usual ‘F’ for ‘France’ sign on her vehicle’s plate. She has claimed that the fine is unfair and disproportionate, and told radio station Ici RCFM: “...it is a racket, pure and simple.”
Legal rules
Yet, despite not often being enforced, the law is clear on the matter. Article R317-8 of the Code de la route (road safety driving code) states:
The blue strip to the left of the number must show the European ‘F’ for France to conform, as number plates cannot be altered or changed in anyway from their factory issue state
A vehicle’s number plates must be maintained so that they can be easily read. This includes keeping them clean as well as in good condition.
Technically, the strip to the right of the number, which shows the department number, can be changed - because vehicles do not have to show the same department number as that of the owner’s home department
However, if you wish to display a different department number on your number plate on the right-hand-side strip, you must apply for this before registering the vehicle (immatriculation).
When it comes to stickers on number plates, the law is even clearer.
You cannot place any type of sticker, even if it appears indistinguishable from the factory font or style, over your number plate, including to change the department number.
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This is because doing so amounts to changing/obscuring the visibility of an element of the number plate.
It is also illegal to drive on the road in France if there is something - such as an object, piece of luggage, flag, sign, etc - covering your number plate(s), even if only temporarily.
Key rules for number plates in FranceCode de la route / Immatriculation.ants.gouv.fr / Canva / ConnexionFrance.com
The Code de la route also stipulates other rules regardless number plates in France, including:
All vehicles and trailers must have a light device that ensures that the number on the rear registration plate is legible at a minimum distance of 20 metres at night in clear weather
Public works and agricultural vehicles may be allowed on the road with only a rear number plate in contrast to all other vehicles, which must display two, visible, non-removable plates (one at the front and one at the back) at all times
The code also states that:
Failure to comply with…this article….[regarding] registration plates shall be punishable by the fine applicable to fourth-class offences. A fourth class driving offence incurs a fine of €135.
The immobilisation of the vehicle may be ordered under the conditions provided for elsewhere in the code.
Displaying, offering, putting up for sale, selling, offering for sale or encouraging the purchase or use of a registration plate that does not comply with the characteristics referred to [here] is also a fourth-class offence. The plate shall be seized and confiscated.
