The government has extended the inter-file traffic practice for motorcyclists and scooters until July 31 in 21 French departments, allowing them to navigate between lanes in heavy traffic. While awaiting the results of a study to potentially legalize this maneuver, current regulations require adherence to specific safety rules. Violations can lead to fines and points deducted from licenses. Riders must remain cautious and informed as they share the road with car drivers during this period of uncertainty.
Government Extends Inter-File Traffic for Motorcyclists
The government has decided to extend the inter-file traffic practice, a cherished maneuver for motorcycle and scooter riders who skillfully weave between cars in traffic jams. This decision may leave many car drivers feeling frustrated, as the initial plan to conclude this experiment on January 1, 2025, has been altered.
In a surprising turn of events, inter-file traffic is now fully permitted for motorcycles, scooters, and other two- or three-wheeled vehicles on highways and major roads until July 31, specifically in 21 departments across France. These include Alpes-Maritimes, Bouches-du-Rhône, Drôme, Essonne, Gironde, Haute-Garonne, Hauts-de-Seine, Hérault, Isère, Loire-Atlantique, Nord, Paris, Pyrénées-Orientales, Rhône (including Lyon’s metropolitan area), Seine-et-Marne, Seine-Saint-Denis, Val-d’Oise, Val-de-Marne, Var, Vaucluse, and Yvelines. This practice allows motorcyclists to maneuver between the two leftmost lanes, a continuation of the experiment that began four years ago, offering yet another extension in a series of delays.
Future of Inter-File Traffic: What’s Next?
The question on everyone’s mind is: when will inter-file traffic be officially legalized? The government awaits the results of a comprehensive study to determine its fate. This evaluation, conducted by the Center for Studies and Expertise on Risks, Environment, Mobility, and Planning (Cerema), will play a vital role in deciding whether inter-file traffic will be formally recognized in the Highway Code. Reports suggest that the decree for legalizing inter-file traffic may already be prepared by the French Federation of Angry Motorcyclists (FFMC).
Currently, inter-file traffic exists in a gray area—neither fully prohibited nor explicitly authorized, but rather tolerated even outside designated experimental departments. A conclusive decision about its status is expected in the coming months, based on Cerema’s findings and insights from four years of trials. Until then, both motorcyclists and car drivers will need to navigate the roads together.
Regulations for Safe Inter-File Riding
Riding in inter-file comes with specific rules to avoid penalties, which can include a fourth-class fine of 135 euros and a deduction of three points from one’s driving license. Here are the essential conditions for practicing inter-file:
- Only allowed on highways or roads with two lanes separated by a central reservation and a minimum speed limit of 70 km/h.
- Must be between the two leftmost lanes of traffic.
- Maximum speed of 50 km/h while maintaining a 30 km/h difference compared to other vehicles.
- Riders must signal their intention to other road users before entering inter-file.
- Applicable for two- or three-wheeled motor vehicles that are less than one meter wide.
- Prohibited for wide-track tricycles, sidecars, and quads.
Inter-file riding is permitted under the following circumstances:
- During heavy traffic when all lanes are congested.
- When there is adequate space between vehicles to pass safely.
- When traffic becomes fluid, and vehicles exceed 50 km/h in at least one lane, motorcyclists must return to their designated lane.
What to avoid:
- Do not force your way through narrow spaces or attempt to pass if the gap is not clearly sufficient.
- Avoid overtaking other two- or three-wheeled vehicles already in the inter-file.
- Do not engage in inter-file traffic when lanes are under construction or affected by snow or ice.
As the future of inter-file traffic hangs in the balance, it’s crucial for riders to stay informed and adhere to the regulations to ensure their safety and that of others on the road.