Angles-Morts sticker for motorhome: blind spot marking mandatory in France

Since January 1, 2022, there are fines for missing! Travelers to France have already seen them over the past few vacation days: the Angles Morts stickers affixed to trucks and buses. What sounds martial simply translates as "blind spot".

The stickers are intended to make other road users aware of the blind spot danger zones of trucks and buses.

France introduced it as mandatory on January 1, 2021 - also for foreign vehicles. The signs were launched on the basis of article R.313-32-1 of the French Highway Code. The blind spot marking is intended to prevent accidents involving trucks, buses and motor homes, or large combinations of vehicles with cyclists and pedestrians.

What is the blind spot, anyway?

It is one of the most dangerous situations in road traffic: when trucks, buses, motorhomes or large trailers encounter pedestrians and cyclists in the area of road crossings, this always poses a danger to the weaker road users.

There are plenty of blind spots on a vehicle. All areas that the driver cannot see despite his mirrors are among them, as are the roof pillars, which form blind spots. In addition, the windows and mirrors of the vehicles have different sizes.

For pedestrians and cyclists, the danger is especially great when they are standing next to turning vehicles. For the drivers of trucks, buses or motorhomes and tractor-trailers, they can be almost invisible there.

Motor home travelers have a comparatively limited field of vision when pulling out or turning, as they often cannot look to the rear or side due to the lack of windows. Even if vehicle drivers act prudently, serious accidents with often fatal injuries to cyclists and pedestrians occur time and again.

The "Angles Morts" warning signs are now intended to draw their attention to the danger zones.

What happens if I don't have an Angles Morts sticker on my vehicle?

After a grace period of 12 months, which expired at the beginning of 2022, drivers of motor homes over 3.5 tons and caravans whose towing vehicle or trailer exceeds the total weight of 3.5 tons should also think about buying such stickers as soon as they enter France.

After all, failure to comply with the French infringement class 4 can result in a fine of 135 euros, which can make a not inconsiderable hole in the travel budget. The same applies to the incorrect application of the stickers. Therefore, you should also pay attention to the right signs and the correct position on your vehicle.

The right stickers

As mentioned above, the Angles Morts sticker is also compulsory for travelers to France with motor homes over 3.5 tons, minibuses and caravans where the vehicle or trailer exceeds the 3.5 tons total weight. As of January 1, 2022, an incorrect or improperly affixed sticker will also be subject to a fine.

The official Angles Morts sticker is 25 cm high and 17 cm wide. It is available with the truck symbol as well as with the omnibus symbol. Some sticker suppliers now offer it with the RV symbol. But you should refrain from purchasing one, as it does not meet the legal requirements.

You can be on the safe side with a minibus, motorhome or team if you get the sticker with the bus symbol, which is approved by the authorities for passenger transport.

The Angles Morts stickers have a red frame with white "Attention" written on top. Inside they are yellow and black with stylized intersection and four triangular warning signs and stylized vehicle. The black lettering "ANGLES MORTS", written in capital letters, is on a yellow background at the bottom.

How or where do I have to attach the Angles-Morts signs?

The stickers are to be applied on the driver's and passenger's side as well as on the rear of the vehicle. On the sides, the sticker must be placed within the first 100 cm from the front of the vehicle at a height from the ground between 90 and 150 cm. Depending on the design of the vehicle, the height can be selected up to a maximum of 210 cm, calculated from the ground.

At the rear, the height from the ground is also to be selected between 90 and 150 cm and to the right of the longitudinal centerline. If the rear is covered, e.g. by bicycle or motorcycle carriers, it is recommended to attach an additional Angles Morts sign on the right side of the bicycle or motorcycle carrier at the prescribed height to play it safe during a traffic control.

Which version is the right one and where can I get it?

Retailers offer the signs in different variations. Today, you can find removable signs as well as adhesive or magnetic ones. We would like to offer you a list of advantages and disadvantages:

Removable Angles Morts Signs

Sometimes, for example, for the vacation stay, only temporarily adhesive stickers are enough. This task is best met by removable stickers. Their special adhesive ensures that the signs can be removed at any time without leaving any residue. When they are no longer needed, you can easily pull them off the vehicle without harming the substrate.

However, these stickers can be allergic to sun, rain and driving through a car wash. In addition, they are not very durable.

Adhesive stickers

Standard stickers are made of high quality monomeric PVC film with removable or permanent adhesive. As a result, the stickers adhere to all smooth, grease-free surfaces. They offer durability of up to four years, are robust and do not fade quickly.

For this, removing the sticky stickers can be difficult and sometimes leave traces.

Magnetic signs

Magnetic stickers, which find a good hold on suitable surfaces and are also reusable, do not require any adhesive at all. The magnetic stickers are recommended for short-term attachment to vehicles. The magnetic adhesive surface makes the stickers effortless to apply and just as quick to remove.

The disadvantages of the magnetic Angles-Morts foils must not be concealed here either - they are easy to remove even by unauthorized persons and adhere only to metallic surfaces.

Reusable signs with suction cups

The fourth alternative is signs equipped with micro suction cup technology. Similar to magnetic signs, these are easy to handle, but have the major disadvantage that they contain plasticizers that can damage the vehicle's paint. In addition, they are designed for short-term use only.

Here are the stickers available

Legally valid Angles-Morts stickers are available in the ADAC online store and in some ADAC offices as a 3-piece warning set for motorhomes, campers and buses. They are also available on Amazon or at Camping Wagner and you will also find them at gas stations near the border if you want to decorate your vehicle with the stickers "at the last minute" before crossing the border.

Conclusion

Before you think long and hard about the sense or nonsense of a measure, you should buy three Angles-Morts stickers and apply them properly on your vehicle. A rule is a rule. Besides, a trip to one of the Germans' favorite travel destinations is always worthwhile - even with stickers.

And if you don't want to put stickers on your vehicle, just buy the alternatives that are removable. This allows you to attach and remove the blind spot warning labels or markings at any time. Because if you are caught without the signs, it will cost you a fine.

Attach the warning labels to the sides and rear of the vehicle according to the instructions at the top of the article.

Angles Morts Stickers Frequently Asked Questions

Collage cover image: © glougass / Depositphotos.com and © www.securite-routiere.gouv.fr