“Disregarding traffic rules by blocking traffic in a lane, whether to demonstrate or for any other reason is indeed punishable by law. We are talking here about the offense of obstruction. This offense also applies to snail operations or any manifestation of this type”. says our counsel.
What is the offense of obstruction?
“You can imagine a demonstration where drivers stop their vehicles on the road. Whether burning tires or placing camping chairs on the roadway, the driver will fall under the offense of obstruction.
Article L412-1 of the Highway Code specifies what this offense is: “The act, with a view to obstructing or hindering traffic, placing or attempting to place, on a road open to public traffic, an object obstructing the passage of vehicles or employing any means whatsoever to obstruct it”.
What are the sanctions ?
“The offense of obstruction is punishable by two years’ imprisonment and a fine of €4,500. But that’s not all. The perpetrator of this offense also incurs an additional penalty of suspension of his driving license for a period of three years or more. The offense being committed using a vehicle, it will be immobilized and impounded. Finally, the offender will also have six points removed from his driving license. explains Maître Le Dall.
“These sanctions could be even more severe. If the notion of endangering the life of others was retained, for example.
Blurring the plates, the bad idea
“Using false plates in an attempt to evade penalties is punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of €3,750, as well as a six-point deprivation, suspension of the driver’s license from three years and the permanent confiscation of the vehicle. More generally, hiding your plate is considered an offence, in the same way as if your plate is dirty or damaged. It must be legible, and it must be able to be read at first glance. Otherwise, it will cost you 135€”