Upcoming changes in 2025 regarding inter-file traffic for motorcycles

Starting January 1, 2025, interfile traffic for motorcycles will undergo major changes, part of a reform aimed at regulating this practice in a safer and more controlled manner. After a testing period, motorcyclists will have to adapt to new rules that will redefine their way of navigating traffic. This article explores in detail these developments, their implications on road safety, and the key measures to know to avoid penalties.

Interfile traffic: a practice finally regulated

Interfile traffic, although familiar to motorcyclists, has until now lacked a clear legal framework. It allows two-wheeled vehicles to move between lanes of cars, especially during traffic jams. This practice, while widely tolerated, has also led to misunderstandings and tensions between motorcyclists and car drivers.

In January 2025, this situation evolves with the establishment of strict regulations. Interfile traffic is now permitted, but only under specific conditions. Through this approach, the legislator aims to clarify and secure the practice, encouraging better coexistence on the road.

The new interfile traffic rules

With the legislative change, motorcyclists must adapt to a defined framework that stipulates where and how they can ride.

• Interfile traffic is permitted only on two-way roads divided by a central reservation.
• The roads in question must have at least two lanes in each direction and display speed limit signs of at least 70 km/h.
• The Paris ring road is an exception, with a speed limit of 50 km/h.

Indeed, these measures aim to ensure the safety of motorcyclists by reducing the risk of accidents. By incorporating rules concerning speed and authorized routes, government authorities seek to establish a framework designed to minimize the impact of two-wheelers on traffic flow.

The implications of this legalization

The legalization of interfile traffic is expected to have several positive impacts on road traffic. On one hand, it should alleviate traffic congestion, as motorcyclists will be able to avoid bottlenecks. On the other hand, a clear regulation can help reduce the irresponsible behaviors often observed on the road.

It is also relevant to address how this legalization will influence the behavior of various road users. Drivers, with knowledge of this new rule, may better anticipate motorcycle movements, contributing to greater collective safety.

Traffic conditions and affected routes

The implementation of this new regulation entails specific conditions to be respected by motorcyclists wishing to utilize interfiles. These measures are essential to ensure not only the safety of motorcyclists but also that of other road users.

The authorized routes for interfile traffic

For interfile traffic to be permitted, it is imperative that it occurs on roads meeting certain criteria. The affected routes must comply with the following conditions:

• Two-way roads with a central reservation.
• At least two lanes in each direction.
• Signage indicating a speed limit of at least 70 km/h.

It is worth noting that routes on the Paris ring road will be exempt, allowing motorcyclists to benefit from this regulation even in high traffic density areas.

Maximum speed allowed in interfile traffic

To ensure safety, speed limits have been established for interfile traffic. Here are the main points to remember:

These limits aim to reduce the risk of accidents. The speed limit is set at 50 km/h in normal traffic, while it drops to 30 km/h when vehicles are stationary, thus allowing for a cautious approach by motorcyclists.

Penalties for non-compliance with the regulation

With the implementation of this new regulation, the consequences of non-compliance with interfile traffic rules are also becoming more severe. Motorcyclists will need to pay particular attention to the established conditions to avoid potentially heavy penalties.

Fines and points on the license

In case of non-compliance with the provisions of the regulation, several sanctions may be applied, including:

• A fixed fine of 135 euros.
• A deduction of 3 points from the driving license.

These penalties are classified as violations of the 4th class, aimed at raising awareness among motorcyclists of the importance of complying with the regulation in place. The violation also includes penalties for excessive speed or for riding on unauthorized roads.

The importance of respecting rules for all users

This regulation should not be seen merely as a constraint, but as an opportunity to ensure better coexistence between drivers and motorcyclists. By adhering to these rules, motorcyclists contribute to safer traffic for everyone.

The law enforcement agencies are committed to enforcing this regulation, particularly on routes where interfile traffic is permitted, emphasizing the importance of acting responsibly and adhering to established guidelines.

Why this rule? The objectives and stakes for 2025

The legalization of interfile traffic stems from a desire to improve several crucial aspects of road traffic. The motivations behind this reform can be summarized around three main axes.

Smoothing traffic and reducing congestion

One of the primary objectives of legalizing interfile traffic is to smooth traffic flow. By allowing two-wheelers to navigate between lanes of cars, this actively contributes to reducing congestion, thus enabling better management of urban life flows.

Enhancing road safety

Another essential aspect of this reform is enhancing road safety. By establishing a legal framework, the government aims to minimize reckless behaviors, thereby reducing the number of accidents on the road. Studies show that in countries where interfile traffic is regulated, motorcycle accidents have significantly decreased.

Clarifying the practices of motorcyclists and drivers

Finally, clarifying traffic practices aims to eliminate the gray area surrounding interfile traffic, allowing for better coexistence between motorcyclists and drivers. Clarifying this practice contributes to informing users, thus reducing misunderstandings and tensions on the roads.

In summary, these new rules are part of a broader project to modernize the Highway Code and promote harmonious road use. This reform appears as a suitable response to contemporary challenges of mobility and safety.