French Sports Code
In forceOTHER EVENTS INVOLVING MOTORISED LAND VEHICLES
(art. A331-22 and A331-23)
Definition
Events with motorised land vehicles that are not regulated in the other appendices, such as tractor pulling.
Rules relating to the circuit or course
The course must be closed to public traffic and be free of any obstacle or feature likely to present a particular risk to participants.
As a general rule, these events take place on non-permanent circuits and the speed that can be reached is always less than 200 km/h. They are therefore subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of article R. 331-37 of the French Sports Code, i.e. the prefectoral authorisation for the event is equivalent to approval of the circuit for the duration of the event only.
Note: For the tractor pulling, see the attached plans.
Rules relating to the equipment used
It must be ensured that:
- accessories likely to present a particular danger to the rider or his passenger inside the cockpit are protected or removed;
- a system for securing the rider to his seat is provided, except for motorbikes and quad bikes;
- the maximum noise limit of 100 dB (A) is not exceeded.
Rules relating to competitors or participants
Medical fitness:
- participants must present a medical certificate stating that they are not contraindicated in motor sports for less than one year;
- driving fitness:
- participants must present the driving licence required to drive the machine being used, as they cannot benefit from the exemption provided for in article R. 221-16 of the Highway Code;
- personal safety equipment: as a minimum, participants must be equipped with an approved helmet.
Rules governing the qualifications of supervisors
As there is no specific training for this type of event, no particular qualifications are required. The race director must hold a driving licence.
At least one race director and a sufficient number of track marshals must be present at the event, taking into account the length of the circuit.
Medical:
- Medical supervision must be adapted to the risks incurred by the participants, depending on the speed of the machines; at least one team of first-aiders must be present on the track. Access to the event site by the emergency services (ambulances, fire brigade and doctors) must be guaranteed at all times during the event.
Provisions for the protection of the public
Protection of the public must be adapted to the speed, weight and size of the equipment used. Reference should therefore be made to the safety rules laid down by the Fédération française du sport automobile or the Fédération française de motocyclisme for related disciplines, in particular, depending on the speed and inertia of the machines, the measures for protecting the public laid down for:
- hill-climbing or karting disciplines, when the machines are used on asphalt;
- off-road circuits or 4 × 4 trials disciplines, when the machines are used on off-road circuits.
In particular, fire extinguishers appropriate to the risks must be provided in sufficient numbers and in suitable locations.
Miscellaneous provisions
These events are subject to all the provisions, particularly with regard to insurance and the filing of applications, set out in articles R. 331-18 to R. 331-44 of the French Sports Code.
Tractor pulling track map
(Sectional map)
You can consult the plan in the OJ n° 101 of 29/04/2008 page 40097.
