Even for a few seconds, this gesture is obligatory when stopping under penalty of a large fine.

This traffic violation, which is too little known to motorists, can be particularly costly.

What's worse than receiving a fine for an offense you didn't even know existed? Yet, this is the fate of many motorists who, every year, commit offenses without knowing it. It must be said that the Highway Code lists thousands of prohibitions and it's almost impossible to know them all. Among all the driving rules to follow while driving, there is one that is quite vicious because it only applies to stationary cars. And yes, it is possible to be stopped and fined by the police before even taking your first turns of the wheel. And this, relatively few motorists know.

This has absolutely nothing to do with a potentially defective car (broken headlight, illegible license plate, snow-covered windshield, etc.) or a breathalyzer test. No, it is linked to a habit of certain drivers that tends to develop, especially in city centers where traffic is often denser. Who, while driving, does not notice a car parked with its hazard lights on in front of a school, another time at the foot of a building, or even in front of a tobacconist's or a bakery. Most often, the occupant of the car, who knows that he will not stay long, leaves his engine running. Without knowing, no doubt, that he is committing an offense that could cost him dearly.

An old decree from the Minister of Public Works and Transport dated 1963 prohibits this practice, which is considered polluting. "Parked vehicles must have their engines turned off, except in cases of necessity," it reads. Article R318-1 of the Highway Code explains that "motor vehicles must not emit fumes, toxic, corrosive, or odorous gases, in conditions likely to inconvenience the population or compromise public health and safety."

Leaving your engine running while stationary contributes to the emission of gases and fine particles. And, contrary to popular belief, it does not result in less fuel consumption than turning the engine off and restarting it. However, it may be worth receiving a ticket, as is the case for 2,000 to 3,000 French motorists each year.

And the bill is particularly steep since the fine for an unturned engine while parked is class 4. This corresponds to an amount of 135 euros, 90 if you pay within 3 days if the ticket was delivered in person or within 15 days if it arrived by mail. Beyond 45 days, the amount can climb to 375 euros. There is obviously no obligation, however, when the car is in circulation, stopped at a red light for example. There is also an exception that allows you to run your engine while parked, when the motorist does so in very cold weather to start their vehicle. Phew, because this practice is very useful when winter sets in, and with it its freezing temperatures...