Motorcycle convoy: can traffic be temporarily stopped?

During a motorcycle ride , convoys can sometimes exceed several dozen bikes. It therefore becomes difficult for the organizers to keep all the participants together without losing them. Some decide to temporarily block traffic lanes (intersections, roundabouts, and other merging lanes) to facilitate the passage of their companions. While this may seem practical, is it actually legal ?

What the Highway Code says

Article L412-1 of the Highway Code defines obstruction to traffic, here it is:

"The act of placing or attempting to place, on a road open to public traffic , an object obstructing the passage of vehicles , or of using or attempting to use any means whatsoever to obstruct it, with the aim of hindering or disrupting traffic , is punishable by two years' imprisonment and a fine of 4,500 euros .

Any person found guilty of one of the offences provided for in this article shall also be liable to the additional penalty of suspension , for a period of up to three years , of their driving licence, this suspension being able to be limited to driving outside of professional activity.

When an offence provided for in this article is committed using a vehicle, immobilization and impoundment may be ordered under the conditions provided for in Articles L. 325-1 to L. 325-3.

The offences stipulated in this article automatically result in a reduction of half the maximum number of points on the driving licence.

Firstly, it's important to note that obstructing traffic is a criminal offense , similar to speeding in excess of 50 km/h. In addition to facing the applicable penalties, the driver's vehicle may also be impounded.

Even if supervisors are wearing safety equipment (armband, yellow or orange vest, flashing light, etc.), the law prohibits intentionally obstructing traffic. Only law enforcement and authorized personnel have the power to temporarily close roads.

An alternative solution ?

Guiding motorcycle convoys is a regulated activity that requires trained personnel . However, it is not mandatory to be a motorcycle guide to lead a convoy, nor even to be a member of the FFGM (and thankfully so!).

Here are some tips we can give you.

- Choose your instructors carefully (level of motorcycle technical skill, interpersonal skills, behavior...).

- Indicate your supervisors (vest, armband...).

- A convoy should not exceed 10 motorcycles and 2 supervisors (12 motorcycles in total).

If you would like more advice on the legislation governing the activity of motorcycle guides for your instructors, we will be happy to shed some light on the matter...

You can contact us by email: contact@ffguidemoto.com