The air conditioning in the car is especially useful in the summer. But sometimes getting it started can cost money.
Even if the temperatures currently seem a little milder, this does not mean that we are immune to new heat waves this summer. Especially for departures on vacation, destination the South! Your car’s air conditioning may therefore still be necessary. However, a rule of the Highway Code might make you think twice.
In France, driving a vehicle is not limited to respecting the traffic rules of the Highway Code. There are also regulations aimed at protecting the environment which, if not complied with, can lead to fines. One of them could concern you if you use air conditioning in your car.
Article R. 318-1 of the Highway Code, clarified by an order of November 12, 1963, stipulates that “parked vehicles must have their engines stopped, except in case of necessity, in particular during cold starts .”
So if you are caught using the air conditioning in a stationary vehicle, for example at a motorway service station or in a supermarket car park, with the engine running, you risk a fourth class fine. or 135 euros less in your wallet.
New legislation in Italy states that using the air conditioning in your car, whether you’re parked or stuck in traffic, can cost you between 223 and 444 euros in fines. The reason for this prohibition is to avoid leaving the engine running when the vehicle is parked, in order to keep the air conditioning running.
In Germany, Article 30 of the Highway Code, entitled “Environmental protection, prohibition of driving on Sundays and public holidays”, stipulates in paragraph 1 that “the use of vehicles […] must avoid unnecessary noise and emissions of polluting gases. In particular, it is prohibited to leave vehicle engines running unnecessarily […]”. So if you are caught using the air conditioning in a stationary vehicle with the engine running, you risk a fine of up to 80 euros.
