Now essential in summer, the barbecue and the air conditioner, as a measure of safety and energy sobriety, are subject to strict regulations. In France, to make a barbecue, you don’t grill anywhere and anyhow. Especially if you plan to barbecue in the city, in a park, on a beach or even in the forest. It is prohibited in certain places at the discretion of prefectures and town halls.

In co-pro, even topo, you must first ask if this is allowed. Some municipalities even prohibit doing it on balconies and terraces, or impose time slots. Another point, the areas of drought, make a barbecue, perhaps downright prohibited in times of great heat wave. The risk of fire is too great.

Question fines, according to the site www.maison-travaux.fr, if you break these rules, it is therefore a “wild barbecue”. The latter is sanctioned by a fine, the amount of which depends on the municipality. Prohibited in certain departments, the amount of the fine provided for in the event of non-compliance with this prohibition may vary. It is generally similar to a 4ᵉ class fine which can go up to 135 euros.

In the event that you cause a fire to start, during a barbecue, the fine incurred is much more severe due to the seriousness of the facts. The penalty provided by law for fires caused by recklessness is 2 years in prison and a fine of 15,000 euros. If the fire is deliberately caused, the penalty is then increased to 3 years in prison and a fine of no less than 45,000 euros.

Finally, even if we follow all these rules. Other effects related to the use of the barbecue can result in fines or injunctions. The fumes or odors can indeed be annoying. According to the Public Service website, “intensive use of the barbecue over long periods of time can constitute an abnormal disturbance in the neighborhood”, and give rise to legal proceedings, depending on the damage. There is a ban on inconveniencing the neighborhood , under penalty of a fine of 250 euros.

As for air conditioners, their use is also regulated. And if you don’t follow the rules, the bill can be steep. Especially when it comes to their noise.

According to the decree of August 31, 2006, no noise must, by its duration, its repetition or its intensity, affect the tranquility of the neighborhood or the health of man. The ambient noise limit is set at 25 decibels. Result: if the noise of your air conditioner exceeds the authorized limits, you expose yourself to a ticket of third class. This means a fine of 68€, which can be increased up to 450€. In the most extreme cases, the device responsible for the nuisance can be removed upon request of the court.

Finally, and this is more recent. As part of the government’s energy sobriety plan, transport, shops and businesses are required to limit the temperature of their air conditioning to 26 degrees. Stores were also asked not to leave doors open when using an air conditioner. For the moment, no sanction is foreseen for people who do not respect this limitation. However, the government provides for a fine of 150 euros.

You have been warned: so beware of fines!