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France, speed bumps have been a feature on roads for decades, sparking ongoing debate. Are they effective safety measures,or merely a source of driver frustration and inconvenience?">
Speed Bumps in France: A love-
Speed Bumps in France: A Love-Hate Relationship
Published: 2025-04-29
For decades, speed bumps, or “slowders” as they’re sometimes called, have been a fixture on French roads, intended to enhance safety in urban areas. However, these traffic calming devices are a constant source of debate. Are they effective safety measures, or simply a nuisance to drivers?
The rise of the ‘slowder’
Since the 1970s, speed bumps have been used in France to secure urban areas and reduce driver speeds. Their installation intensified in the 1990s, formalized by decree n ° 94-447, which established standards for height and placement.
Did You Know?
The official term for a speed bump in France is frequently enough “ralentisseur,” which translates directly to “slow-downer.”
Despite these regulations, a importent number of speed bumps fail to meet the required standards. According to reports, 90 % of them do not meet these standards.
Despite this non-compliance, the Council of State has resisted calls for their removal, deeming them useful for traffic control.
Driver Dissatisfaction
Many motorists find speed bumps to be a major inconvenience. The traditional donkey back
, commonly found at city entrances and near schools, is a frequent source of complaint.
The issues include:
- Unpleasant vibrations
- Premature vehicle wear
- Noise pollution for residents
- Potential vehicle damage
These problems are exacerbated when speed bumps exceed the regulated height (10 cm maximum) or are placed on roads wiht speed limits above 30 km/h. Regulations also prohibit their installation on high-traffic roads exceeding 3,000 vehicles per day.
Pro Tip
If you encounter a speed bump that seems excessively high or poorly placed, report it to your local municipality. Document the location and, if possible, take photos.
This widespread non-compliance fuels disputes and prompts authorities to consider their future. But are speed bumps truly essential for road safety?
Road Safety Implications
Despite the complaints, speed bumps are unlikely to disappear entirely.The Council of State maintains that even non-compliant speed bumps are effective in reducing driver speeds.
though, some municipalities are exploring alternatives:
- Educational Radars: These devices display a driver’s speed to encourage them to slow down.
- Roadway Modifications: Narrowing roads can change a driver’s perception of space, naturally promoting caution.
- Optical Illusions: 3D markings or zigzag lines are being tested to capture driver attention and encourage slower speeds [3].
Citroën is even funding certified speed bumps to enhance road safety in rural France, starting with a pilot initiative in Issoire [1].
The Numbers Don’t Lie
While motorists may dislike speed bumps, statistics suggest they are effective. They can reduce speeds by 8 to 12 km/h. According to the Interministerial National Observatory for Road Safety (ONISR), they can lower bodily accidents by 20% in residential areas.
Given these statistics, especially near schools and other sensitive areas, authorities are unlikely to eliminate them completely. The challenge lies in finding the right balance to protect road users while minimizing inconvenience.
The Legal Landscape
The debate surrounding speed bumps extends to the legal realm. A recent court ruling in France clarified that speed bumps must conform to 1994 standards. this ruling could lead to the removal of nearly half a million “illegal” speed bumps [2].
Following this ruling, two speed bumps in Toulon were ordered to be demolished for failing to meet the 1994 regulations.
FAQ: Speed Bumps in France
- Are speed bumps mandatory in France?
- No, but municipalities often install them to improve road safety.
- What are the regulations for speed bump height?
- the maximum height is 10 cm.
- Can speed bumps be placed anywhere?
- No, they are restricted to roads with speed limits of 30 km/h or less and cannot be placed on high-traffic roads.
- What can I do about non-compliant speed bumps?
- Report them to your local municipality.
