In fact, this fine is rarely applied, but few people respect this daily obligation.
Even the most cautious recognize it: when you circulate on foot, we often sprains the safety rules. It is not always unconsciousness, but rather small banal habits. Crossing a few meters from the pedestrian passage, walking for a few seconds on the road along parked cars, or ignoring a slightly erased ground marking … So many everyday gestures which, even in appearance, are never completely without risk. And yet these differences are rarely sanctioned.
This laxity is not always synonymous with impunity. The Highway Code is indeed providing for sanctions for certain offenses committed on foot. Among them, a little -known fine of 4 euros is in force. Its derisory amount can make you smile, but it highlights an essential principle: even on foot, we remain subject to specific rules. Very few people are aware of it, and even less know exactly what they risk in the event of control.
The offense in question concerns an extremely common behavior: crossing a pedestrian passage while the pedestrian fire is red. This practice, widespread even when the street seems deserted, constitutes a violation of article R412-37 of the Highway Code. This specifies that pedestrians must respect the light signaling in the same way as the vehicles. In a video published on Tiktok, the police @Fitman86 reminds Internet users that we can “Be verbalized up to 4 euros by crossing the road irregularly, that is to say: cross outside the pedestrian passage while it is located less than 50 meters from us, or cross while the little red guy is lit“. Failure to comply with this rule therefore exposes to a fixed fine of 4 euros, even if, in fact, the verbalizations remain very rare.
However, this rule makes sense. Crossing a street must remain a thoughtful act, especially in the presence of children. When you walk with them, give the example: wait for the pedestrian green light, even if there is no car. Learn to look to the left, then right, and to cross in a straight line, without running. For children who go alone to school, these simple habits can make all the difference. The best protection is always prevention.
