Nobody knows it, but there is a speed sign that you can legally exceed. A little-known symbol of the Highway Code which will not earn you a fine or withdrawal of points.
Apart from learner drivers who have just passed their Highway Code test (and again), it is almost impossible to know all the signs and their meaning. What’s more, when you’ve had your driving license for 10, 20, 30 years or even more! Over the decades, the Highway Code evolves, new rules appear, and our memory naturally sorts it out. France today has nearly 400 different road signs, not counting additional signs and countless road markings… And when driving, there is often incomprehension, even panic: do I have the right to pass? Am I in violation?
This fear is even stronger when it comes to pace. With the proliferation of fixed, turrets, section or on-board radars, drivers have their eyes glued to their speedometer. Exceeding the imposed limit, even if only slightly, has become synonymous with relentless flash, hefty fines and loss of precious points on the license. But there is one surprising exception: one sign, listed under the code name “C4a,” deviates from these strict rules. Although present on the French network since 1979, few of us know it. And if it does indeed display a figure linked to speed, it is the only sign whose limit can be exceeded without risking the slightest sanction from the police.
Called a “recommended speed sign”, we don’t actually come across it very often. This sign is square, with a number indicated in white on a blue background. Unlike classic speed limit signs, which are round and bordered in red to indicate a formal prohibition, square-shaped signs only provide an indication. The recommended speed sign is therefore optional: it imposes no obligation on drivers, who therefore do not risk a fine or loss of points.
But if non-compliance with this indication does not constitute an offense under the law, what purpose does it serve? Of course, it’s all about safety. It is found in particular in certain tight bends, in residential or school zones, tourist or environmental zones, or even zones where weather conditions can reduce grip or visibility.
The Highway Code thus distinguishes speeding from excessive speed: the first corresponds to exceeding the maximum authorized speed, while the second corresponds to going too fast in relation to the circumstances, even when the maximum speed is not exceeded. Let’s imagine a zone limited to 50 km/h, for example. In the middle of the day, if the street is empty, you can easily drive at this speed. But a C4a sign may indicate that the recommended speed is more like 30 km/h, because if children – unpredictable users who can cross without looking – are having fun on the sidewalks, it is better to drive slower. Thus, you do not risk legal sanctions at 50 km/h, but you could be held (partially or entirely) responsible in the event of a collision, because you were above the recommended speed.
Rare in France, these informative signs remain very widespread in many other countries. In Germany, for example, there is no speed limit on the highway: you can therefore drive at whatever speed you want. On the other hand, the maximum recommended speed is 130 km/h. German drivers therefore do not risk penalties in the event of excess, but their liability may be incurred by insurance in the event of an accident… which could cost them very dearly. The same principle applies in the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States, but mainly in areas considered dangerous. In short, as you will have understood, it is better to respect the recommended speed even if it is not obligatory.
