Yes, the blind spot sticker is mandatory for all heavy goods vehicles and vehicles over 3.5 tons operating in France, whether French or foreign. Since January 1, 2021, no exceptions apply. A Polish, German, or Spanish truck must display the same stickers as a French heavy goods vehicle.
What is a blind spot sticker and what is it for?
The blind spot is the area that the driver cannot see in their mirrors. For a 40-ton truck, this area sometimes spans several meters around the vehicle—enough to "swallow" a cyclist or pedestrian without the driver noticing. It is precisely to raise awareness among other road users of this danger that French legislators mandated the use of highly visible blind spot stickers on the sides and rear of heavy goods vehicles.
The official blind spot sticker is standardized: it measures 25 cm x 17 cm, features a red border with the word "ATTENTION" in white, and a yellow and black zone illustrating the danger zone around the vehicle. There are two distinct models:
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The truck blind spot sticker — for freight transport vehicles
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The sticker for buses and coaches — also used for motorhomes
This point is often surprising: motorhomes use the bus visual, not the truck visual. A nuance that can be costly during an inspection if you install the wrong model.
Which vehicles are subject to the obligation?
The obligation is defined by Decree No. 2020-1396 of November 17, 2020 and the implementing order of January 5, 2021, codified in Article R.313-32-1 of the Highway Code. It concerns all vehicles with a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) exceeding 3.5 tons:
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Heavy goods vehicles and semi-trailers (categories N2 and N3)
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Buses, coaches, and minibuses (categories M2 and M3)
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Motorhomes over 3.5 tons (heavy M1 category)
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Trailers and semi-trailers over 3.5 tons
Note: For a road train (tractor + semi-trailer), the stickers must be affixed to both elements separately if each exceeds the 3.5-ton threshold.
Passenger cars, agricultural vehicles, and winter service machinery are expressly excluded from the scope.
Does the obligation apply to foreign vehicles driving in France?
First of all, let us recall that the obligation applies to all heavy vehicles on French roads, regardless of origin. This is the most frequently asked question, particularly by international transport companies. The answer leaves no room for ambiguity: the French blind spot sticker regulation applies to all vehicles traveling on French public roads, regardless of their country of registration.
A carrier based in Warsaw, Stuttgart, or Madrid whose trucks pass through France must comply with exactly the same rules as a French carrier. No waivers, no grace periods, no exceptions for transit traffic.
Concretely, this means that European transport companies must ensure that every vehicle in their fleet is equipped with compliant blind spot stickers before entering the territory. Roadside checks can take place at the border or on any French road.
Where should blind spot stickers be placed on a truck or bus?
The placement of heavy goods vehicle blind spot stickers is precisely defined by regulation. Incorrect placement is treated as a lack of signage during an inspection.
On a rigid truck (3 stickers minimum):
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On the left side, at the front of the vehicle
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On the right side, at the front of the vehicle
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On the rear, on the right side
On a road train (5 stickers): The three locations above on the tractor, plus two locations on the semi-trailer (front left and right sides).
For all side locations, the regulatory height is between 0.9 m and 1.5 m from the ground. The blind spot sticker must never cover the license plate, lights, or any other regulatory signaling device.
Point of caution often overlooked: A sticker faded by UV rays or rendered illegible by repeated washing is considered non-compliant during an inspection. A high-quality sticker, resistant to weather and high-pressure washing, is therefore essential to ensure long-term compliance.
Are there recent developments to be aware of?
Since July 2024, the European GSR II (General Safety Regulation) requires all new heavy goods vehicles to be equipped with a BSIS (Blind Spot Information System), i.e., a blind spot detection system coupled with an audible or visual warning. This technological advancement does not replace the requirement for the mandatory French blind spot sticker — it is an addition to it for new vehicles.
Mayors of large cities also have the option to prohibit access to their city centers for heavy goods vehicles not equipped with blind spot detection devices, beyond just the sticker. Paris, Lyon, and other metropolitan areas are examining or have already implemented measures to this effect.
Motorhome blind spot stickers: an often-forgotten category
The motorhome blind spot sticker deserves its own paragraph, because many owners of heavy motorhomes are unaware that they are affected. A motorhome whose GVWR exceeds 3.5 tons—which is the case for many integrated and semi-integrated models—must display the regulatory stickers.
As mentioned above, the version applicable to motorhomes is the "bus" model, not the "truck" model. This distinction may seem trivial, but it is one of the compliance criteria checked during inspections.
Where to buy compliant blind spot stickers?
To buy compliant blind spot stickers, you must ensure that the product corresponds exactly to the official model: dimensions 25x17 cm, visual in accordance with the decree's annex, and quality sufficient to guarantee long-lasting legibility.
At StickerGreen, blind spot stickers are manufactured in France in a Charentais workshop on recycled vinyl made from plastic bottles. The stated durability is at least 5 years outdoors, with resistance to high-pressure washing—a crucial point for professional vehicles subject to regular cleaning. Delivery is handled via Colissimo with a tracking number, averaging 2 business days.
FAQs
Can foreign vehicles passing through France really be fined?−
Yes. The regulation does not distinguish between French and foreign vehicles. Any heavy goods vehicle over 3.5 tons traveling on a French public road is subject to the obligation, and European Directive 2011/82 facilitates the collection of fines in other Member States.
Does the mandatory bus blind spot sticker also apply to foreign tour coaches?+
Absolutely. A Spanish or Belgian coach on an excursion in France must have the regulatory sticker on its sides and rear, just like a French coach.
How many stickers are needed for a rigid truck?+
A minimum of 3 stickers is required for a simple rigid truck: one on the front left side, one on the front right side, and one on the rear right side. For a road train with a semi-trailer, count 5 locations.
Is a damaged or faded sticker accepted during an inspection?+
No. A blind spot sticker whose visual is illegible, faded by the sun, or damaged is considered non-compliant.
Are blind spot stickers mandatory outside of cities?+
The initial regulatory text mentioned driving in urban areas, but in practice, inspections are carried out on the entire road network. It is strongly advised to keep the vehicle equipped at all times, without distinction between urban areas and national roads.