Clock change in France: caution, visibility checks and burglaries

At the end of October 2026, after the switch to winter time, several calls for caution were issued as night falls earlier, particularly for scooters and bicycles, with wearing a high-visibility vest remaining mandatory but little respected. The prefectures of Nord and Pas-de-Calais reminded people of visibility and road safety instructions. La Prévention Routière organized checks and free courses in Normandy and Besançon, while campaigns and vehicle check operations were held in several cities. Gendarmes from Doubs then Haut-Rhin reported an increase in burglaries favored by the clock change and called for vigilance. In early November, visibility awareness actions were launched in Boulogne-sur-Mer and Villeneuve-d'Ascq, and a doctor gave advice on sleep disorders.