Motorcycle intercoms: rules and legislation

Using your phone while driving is extremely dangerous. This will triple the risk of an accident, according to the official website of road safety. And, according to the same source, he accounts for 10% of injuries. This is because scientific studies have shown that this simple gesture reduces the alertness of the brain by 30% and the field of vision by 50%.

In order to avoid accidents due to intercoms on motorcycles, since July 1, 2015, communication while driving is strictly prohibited in France. And this applies to both drivers and bikers.

What are the prohibited devices? What other devices can I use?

Intercoms allow communication between the motorcycle rider and his passenger (or other bikers). Very useful for chatting and receiving notifications or instructions from GPS, many bikers love to stay connected with this accessory. Find out what the road safety law says about motorcycle doorphones.

Motorcycle Intercoms: Unauthorized Devices

. Motorcycle intercoms are well authorized in 2020 provided that the device is built into the helmet. Therefore, it is imperative that you carry a helmet that is compatible with the installation of ear pads in the inner foam.

The main purpose of the current legislation isprevent the rider from being isolated from the environment... This is done by listening to music, receiving calls, or continuing a telephone conversation while driving.

Prohibition of atriums from 1 July 2015

Since July 1, 2015, anything that can allow such isolation is strictly prohibited, that is, any device that could interfere with his hearing and focus on what is happening around him; and prevent him from fully controlling his car and obstructing some vital maneuvers "while driving.

This applies to:

• Garnish
• headphones
• headphones

Good to know : it is also forbidden to lock the phone in the headset so as not to interrupt the connection.

In this way, intercom kits built into motorcycle and scooter helmets remain acceptable.

Sanctions provided by law

This rule applies to all two-wheeled vehicles: motorcycles, scooters, mopeds and bicycles. Failure to comply with this rule is considered serious stretching and is punishable by a deduction of points on licenses (minimum 3), as well as a fine of 135 euros.

Motorcycle intercoms: authorized devices

Eh yes! While French law is particularly strict with regard to prohibited telephone devices, it still allows certain deviations, subject to certain rules.

Handsfree kits: prohibited or not?

According to the decree 2015-743 of June 24, 2015, updated on June 29, 2015, the ban only applies to devices that must be worn in the ear or held in the hand. Therefore, hands-free kits can be used if:

• They are built into helmets in the same way as the speakerphone systems used in cars.
• They are glued to the outer shells of motorcycle helmets and have built-in ear pads in the inner foam.

What about bluetooth headsets?

Bluetooth headsets belong to the category of motorcycle communication devices that do not require wearing or care of the ear. hands free from movement... So yes, Bluetooth headsets, whose flat ear pads are usually embedded in internal foam, are also allowed.

However, if you choose this type of device, consider activating your smartphone's voice control beforehand. Thus, you do not have to do this in the event of a call on the road.

What about music on the steering wheel of a motorcycle?

There is music while driving prohibited if you are using wired devices for example, in-ear headphones and headsets. On the other hand, if you are using authorized intercom devices, that is, devices integrated into your helmet, you can fully listen to music by driving two wheels.

However, please note that while driving hearing extraneous noises is vital... In other words, even if listening to music while driving is not in itself prohibited, if it can isolate you from ambient noise and therefore reduce your vigilance, it is best to refrain.

Other motorcycle exceptions

Certain devices are approved for the hearing impaired. Likewise, motorcycle intercoms used in ambulances and those commonly used during driving lessons.