Françoise is a member of an English forum focused on vans and motorhomes. She recently learned that, according to regulations, heavy goods vehicles must display a warning sticker regarding blind spots. However, she expresses doubts about whether this requirement also applies to camper vans and motorhomes, thinking it might be reserved for freight or public transport vehicles.
To clarify the situation, a search on the Legifrance website reveals decree n° 2020-1396 dated November 17, 2020. It states clearly that any vehicle exceeding 3.5 tons must be equipped with signage indicating blind spots, without ambiguity. Yellow stickers must be affixed to the front and rear of vehicles to warn cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians.
Françoise is not alone in finding this surprising. The obligation for motorhomes and camper vans to comply with this rule raises questions, as it may seem difficult to distinguish a 4.5-ton van from one that weighs 3.5 tons, aside from their homologation. Often, the physical characteristics of the two types of vans can be very similar.
Indeed, many heavy vans, such as the Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 models, have dimensions similar to those weighing less than 3.5 tons, and their blind spots can remain identical. Therefore, it is understandable that some users question the logic behind this regulation.
Source: vanlifemag.fr