The road safety figures for March 2026 in the Alpes-Maritimes have remained stable. Since January, nine people have lost their lives, the majority of whom were pedestrians.
The month of March 2026 recorded 61 bodily injuries, three fatalities and 27 serious injuries in the Alpes-Maritimes department according to the figures from the departmental road safety observatory. These levels are identical for mortality and serious injuries compared to March 2025, despite a slight increase in the number of accidents. Since the beginning of the year, nine fatalities have been recorded, compared to seven over the same period last year. Car users and pedestrians represent the majority of the victims. Article R.415-11 of the Highway Code states that “every driver must give way, if necessary by stopping, to a pedestrian (…)”
This month’s fatalities include a motorist, a user of a powered two-wheeler, and a pedestrian. Two of the victims were over 65 years old. The incidents all occurred in urban areas, with two fatal accidents on a Tuesday and another on a Sunday. Since January, pedestrians have emerged as the most affected category, with an additional death compared to last year. In 2025, there were 51 people killed and 371 seriously injured in the department.
The prefecture issued 380 license suspensions in March, compared to 422 a year earlier. The reinforced regulations, applied since March 2025, remain in effect and include no leniency for provisional licenses.
Prevention Actions in April
Two awareness campaigns are planned. A prevention village will be set up on April 28 for the city employees of Vence. On April 29 and 30, an action will be carried out for the employees of the company Roberte in Grasse. Additionally, a stand from the Alpes-Maritimes Prefecture will be present at the Rider Festival in Menton on April 18 and 19, 2026, featuring a two-wheeler simulator. These initiatives are part of the ongoing efforts to reduce road accidents on the departmental network.
As a reminder, travelling by electric scooter and other personal mobility devices are now subject to increased regulations in the Alpes-Maritimes. Since April 2, 2026, all users must wear an approved helmet, properly fastened, as well as a reflective safety vest for the entire duration of the journey, day or night. This measure comes in the wake of rising accident statistics, marked by 710 emergency interventions in 2025, against 468 in 2023. Two fatalities were also recorded in 2025.
The authorities remind that the use of a PMD (Personal Mobility Device, Editor’s Note) is permitted from age 14 and requires insurance covering civil liability. The device must have working front and rear lights, reflectors, effective brakes, and a sound warning device. Existing traffic rules continue to apply: speed limited to 25 km/h, prohibition of derestriction, obligation to use cycle facilities in urban areas when available, authorized circulation on roads limited to 50 km/h in the absence of a dedicated lane, and prohibition of circulating outside urban areas without dedicated paths. Parking on the sidewalk is only allowed if it does not obstruct pedestrians and in the absence of contrary municipal regulations.
The sanctions associated with these rules cover a wide range of situations. Failure to wear the helmet and reflective safety vest results in a fine of €35. Circulating on a forbidden road, using headphones or a hand-held phone, carrying a passenger, or riding on the sidewalk without authorization results in a €135 fine. Derestriction can be penalized with up to a €1,500 fine, with possible immobilization or confiscation. Failure to meet required equipment standards can lead to fines ranging from €11 to €35.
For more than a week, security forces have been conducting educational checks to give users time to equip themselves. All of these regulations aim to supervise a growing practice and reduce accidents in a department where PMDs are becoming an increasingly significant part of daily mobility.
