This essential security rule costs 135 euros and a reminder of the law for drivers who do not respect it, and they are numerous.
Most motorists think they know by heart the highway code and all the panels. And yet, new rules regularly come into force, to strengthen road safety or supervise new uses – such as that of electric scooters for example. These instructions are essential to know and respect. But in practice, it is not always easy to remember the meaning of each panel, especially when you rarely come across them. This is the case of three new panels which became official in April 2025 and which recall an already existing rule. We now see them along the French motorways. Their goal: to recall a simple rule, but often ignored, while it is crucial for road safety.
The barometer of driving responsible for Vinci Autoroutes shows this: “20 % of drivers do not know this rule, and among those who know it, 67 % admit that it do not respect it systematically”indicates the document. These are security corridors. As the road safety site recalls, “Drivers must change track to leave a free path between stakeholders and their vehicles (Security corridor, editor’s note) Or shift as much as possible to the left of their track and slow down significantly “. To better raise awareness among motorists, the authorities have entered this rule in the highway code in 2018. And since April 10, 2025, three dedicated panels – SR53A, SR53B and SR53C – have been installed on the highways to remind it clearly.
When a vehicle is stopped or slowly rolls on the emergency stop band, with its distress lights or its beacons on, you have to: slow down, move away, and change your way if possible. In other words, if a motorist does not change track and does not slow down, he risks a fine of 135 euros and a reminder to the law. It is a fourth class offense, closely monitored by the police.
In short, although this rule is simple and vital for the safety of stakeholders on the road, it is too often overlooked. The three new panels therefore aim to strengthen the impact of this recall and encourage each driver to adopt reflexes that can save lives. With the approaching summer and the increase in travel, it is essential not to forget these instructions.
