The year 2025 starts on a note of hope for motorized two-wheeler drivers. The extremis extension of the inter-line traffic experiment for an additional seven months (until July 2025) opens the way to possible legalization. The French Federation of Angry Bikers (FFMC) even reveals thata decree to this effect would already be on the table. A spectacular turnaround which perhaps marks the end of a long fight for users.
The last minute rescue of the interfiles
Motorcyclists and scooter riders can take a breather. The announcement of the end of the experiment on December 31, 2024 caused a shock wave in the two-wheel community. The planned return to total illegality threatened thousands of users with heavy sanctions: 135 euros fine and a withdrawal of three points from the driving license. The government finally chose the path of reason by once again extending the test, thus avoiding a catastrophic step backwards for urban mobility.
This experiment, launched on August 2, 2021 in 21 French departments, has already experienced several twists and turns. First scheduled until August 1, 2024, it was extended for the first time until September 15, then until December 31. This new seven-month extension could well be the last before definitive legalization.
Towards a historic legalization of the practice
The FFMC, spearheading the fight for the legalization of interfiles, brings a major revelation: a decree definitively authorizing this practice would already be ready. This information, if confirmed, would mark a historic turning point for urban mobility in France. The country would thus join its Belgian and Dutch neighbors, where inter-line traffic has already been legally regulated for several years.
Definitive legalization would respond to strong demand from users, particularly in congested urban areas. The experiment demonstrated the benefit of this practice for streamlining traffic and reducing travel times. The strict rules put in place during the test phase, such as authorization only in the leftmost lane of motorways and roads with two separate carriageways, made it possible to effectively regulate this practice.
Encouraging results for the future
Road Safety is currently preparing a complete report on the experiment. The first feedback seems positive enough to consider long-term legalization. The strict supervision of the practice during the test phase made it possible to demonstrate that regulated inter-lane traffic can be integrated harmoniously into the French road landscape.
The experience of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games also provided valuable lessons. The temporary suspension of the interfile on the 185 kilometers of reserved lanes had caused significant difficulties, highlighting the importance of this practice for urban mobility. These observations reinforce the argument in favor of definitive legalization.
- The government extends the experiment on inter-line traffic for another 7 months
- A definitive legalization decree would already be prepared according to the FFMC
- France could join Belgium and the Netherlands in the regulated legalization of this practice
