This is a bad practice that some French people have the habit of repeating every winter. And even sometimes the rest of the year… However, very few drivers know that this can earn them a fine of 135 euros.
When driving, we know that few people respect all the rules. Worse still, most drivers don’t even know them! Whether you have just obtained your license or have been driving for decades, it is impossible to keep in mind the thousands of small details of the Highway Code. However, certain bad reflexes can be very costly for those who are unaware that they are prohibited. Especially when these have become a habit for some motorists.
And one of these mistakes becomes more and more common every year with the arrival of the winter season. Indeed, with the drop in temperatures, many drivers get into the habit of starting their car a few minutes before leaving in order to warm it up. Some take the opportunity to defrost the windshield, others to finish their coffee quietly while the heating turns on… But if your car is parked on a public road, this can cost you dearly. Considered a fourth class offense, this bad habit can earn you a fixed fine of 135 euros, which can even be increased to 375 euros in the event of an increase, that is to say if the amount is not paid within the allotted time.
Because according to article R318-1 of the Highway Code, “motor vehicles must not emit smoke, toxic, corrosive or odorous gases, in conditions likely to inconvenience the population or compromise public health and safety“
. Please understand that it is strictly forbidden to leave your engine running when you are stationary. And for those who think they are exempt from a fine because their car is parked in a private road, be careful: although this habit is especially very common among drivers in winter, you may sometimes do it throughout the year without even realizing it, including somewhere other than at home. So, if you wait for a passenger without turning off your vehicle, whether it’s time to run an errand, wait for your child after school, or pick up someone from outside their home… the fine is the same.
Moreover, this also applies to those who leave the air conditioning running in summer: it doesn’t matter whether you are still in the car or not, you are punishable if the police were to pass by. This rule was established in April 2011, both for ecological and economic reasons. This has led in particular to the expansion of the “start and stop” system – which automatically turns off the engine in the event of a prolonged stop, such as at a red light for example – with which many models are today equipped.
