In the event of a traffic offense on a bicycle, electric bicycle or electric scooter, can the authorities remove one or more points from your driving license (if you have one)? A legitimate question that deserves to be clarified in this explanatory file.
Traveling by bicycle, electric bicycle or electric scooter in town, in suburban or rural areas implies respecting the rules of the Highway Code. Better, several benevolent behaviors are even encouraged to reinforce your safety and that of other users, without this being compulsory – but recommended, even if it means repeating yourself.
The laws in force govern traffic, parking and equipment rules. And committing a traffic offense logically entails a sanction. Can this sanction go beyond the financial dimension and impact the number of points on your driving licence? Answer.
Can you lose points from your cycling license?
The answer is clear, clear and precise: no.
The Public Service site writes it in black on white: ” If you have the driver’s license, you do not lose points on your driver’s license in the event of a bicycle traffic violation “. In fact, only offenses committed while driving a vehicle requiring a license can cause you to lose points.
In this case, bicycles and VAE do not require any particular permit. Committing an offense with this type of vehicle cannot therefore affect the number of remaining points on your driving licence. The Public Service site nevertheless mentions an exception, the consequences of which are radical.
It is specified: However, in the event of a serious offence, the judge can suspend your driver’s license. For example, in the case of driving under the influence of alcohol or endangering the life of others“. Here, the alleged facts are more serious and therefore likely to go before a judge if the authorities deem it necessary.
And in speedbikes?
Like electric bikes, speed bikes do not require a driver’s license. They belong in fact to the category of mopeds (motorcycles under 50 cm3), which are subject to the road safety patent (BSR), today known as the AM category of the driving licence.
The AM categoryis the only one excluded from the penalty points scheme“Explains the government site dedicated to road safety. “It is issued at the end of a training course lasting a minimum of 8 hours.“, it is specified. Therefore, no points can be deducted in the event of an infraction while riding aspeed bike.
thespeed bikeis nevertheless governed by other rules: compulsory insurance, adapted and approved equipment, registration, mechanical constraints, etc.
Can you lose points from your license on an electric scooter?
Like electrically assisted bicycles, electric scooters are not subject to any specific permit. Therefore, the same rule applies: in case of violation, you cannot lose points on your driving license. On the other hand, you can be the subject of a verbalization with a fine.
Offenses and fines
While your driver’s license points are “protected” once you’re riding a scooter or bike, your bank account remains vulnerable to the slightest violation.
The Public Service site has set up a simulator which indicates the amount of the fine to be paid according to a particular offense committed on a bicycle.
Below, we have listed some of them in a non-exhaustive manner. You should also know that a fine can be reduced or increased if you pay it more or less quickly.
- Changing direction without indicating it: 2nd class, fixed fine of 35 euros;
- Driving without a bell: 1st class, fixed fine of 11 euros;
- Driving in the wrong direction: 4th class, fixed fine of 135 euros;
- Driving without lighting at night: 4th class, fixed fine of 135 euros;
- Do not ride on the cycle path when it is compulsory: 2nd class, fixed fine of 35 euros;
- Not respecting the stop at red or at the stop sign: 4th class, fixed fine of 135 euros;
- Wear headphones or earphones: 4th class, fixed fine of 135 euros;
- Refusing to give way to a pedestrian crossing a lane: 4th class, fixed fine of 135 euros;
- Holding a phone in your hand while driving: 4th class, fixed fine of 135 euros.
We also advise you to be familiar with the road signs for cyclists, to which we have returned in an explanatory file. Better understanding them also means better protecting yourself and other road users.
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