On the occasion of New Year’s Eve, the state is deploying a specific security plan throughout the Alpes-Maritimes. Over 1,000 police officers, gendarmes, firefighters, and military personnel are mobilized.
As the night of December 31 approaches, the prefecture of Alpes-Maritimes announces a large-scale mobilization. The security context requires heightened vigilance. Festive gatherings, nighttime travel, and public events are the focus of the authorities’ attention. Laurent Hottiaux, prefect of Alpes-Maritimes, has instructed the implementation of a specific security plan. Any offender arrested must be immediately handed over to the justice system.
According to the instructions of the Minister of the Interior, “firmness and reactivity” will be the watchwords of this evening. The strategy is based on zero tolerance for behaviors dangerous to oneself and others. More than 1,000 police officers, gendarmes, firefighters, and military personnel will be deployed on the ground.
Administrative bans extended over several days
Several prefectural orders strictly regulate the New Year’s Eve period. An order dated December 29, 2025, provides for bans from December 31 at 6:00 PM until January 1 at 6:00 AM. Takeaway sales and transportation of alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all municipalities of the Alpes-Maritimes department. The consumption of alcoholic beverages in public spaces is also prohibited in the perimeters of the municipalities designated by the order.
The same text provides for a circulation restriction for minors. Any minor under 13 years not accompanied by an adult will not be allowed to move in the specified perimeters from 11:00 PM until 6:00 AM the next day.
Another prefectural order, dated December 18, 2025, extends certain prohibitions until January 5, 2026, at 8:00 AM. The distribution, sale, and purchase of fuels, corrosive combustibles, and flammable gases in portable containers are banned throughout the department, except for duly justified necessity. Retailers, managers, and operators of service stations must take necessary measures to ensure compliance with this ban. This obligation also applies to stations equipped with automated devices.
Entertainment fireworks are subject to strict regulation. The sale or transfer of F2 and F3 category entertainment fireworks listed in the order dated December 17, 2021, is prohibited. The possession, transportation, and use of these fireworks are also banned on public roads, towards public spaces, in places of large gatherings, in their vicinity, and in residential buildings.
A deployment across the entire departmental territory
The security strategy covers the entire Alpes-Maritimes. On the ground, 250 gendarmes, 370 police officers, including a Mobile Force Unit, 393 firefighters, and 9 Sentinel groups are mobilized. The mission is to ensure the safety of people and property on road networks, in public areas, and during religious services. The national context of attack risk imposes this reinforced organization.
This arrangement is implemented in close coordination with municipalities that have a municipal police. The internal security forces will also be mobilized to ensure the safety of the fireworks in Cannes. Several thousand people are expected on this occasion.
A firm response to mortar fire
Recent mortar fire in the department and elsewhere in France is deemed unacceptable by the state. The stance taken revolves around total firmness against the perpetrators of these acts. These practices endanger inhabitants and law enforcement officers.
Two arrests occurred on Sunday, December 28. On Monday, December 29, the national police seized 100 kg of pyrotechnic articles in Nice, approximately 500 mortars representing 4,000 candle shots. Since September, 449 pyrotechnic devices have been seized by customs at Nice airport during freight checks.
As in previous days, drones will be deployed by the national police and gendarmerie. These aerial means will allow the rapid identification and arrest of offenders, in coordination with ground crews.
Enhanced road checks during the night
Vigilance also extends to road networks. Numerous checks will be conducted in the middle and end of the night. Combating driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is a priority. Law enforcement will also seek to identify any dangerous behavior, particularly speed violations.
A legal reminder accompanies this plan. Since Monday, December 29, 2025, speeding over 50 km/h qualifies as a crime. Penalties may include up to three months imprisonment and a €3,750 fine. In 2025, the prefecture of Alpes-Maritimes has suspended 1,172 driving licenses for major speeding offenses.
As the new year approaches, the state is thus implementing a clear strategy. Prevention, inspections, and immediate arrests structure this highly monitored New Year’s Eve.
