New Law in France Will Require Car Ads to Encourage Cycling and Walking
France has enacted a new law mandating that car companies must include messages in their ads that encourage people to consider greener methods of transportation such as walking, cycling, carpooling or public transit.
Much like the “Please enjoy responsibly” disclaimers on ads for alcoholic beverages, or health warnings on cigarette packaging, car commercials will now include messages like “For short trips, choose to walk or cycle,” “Think about carpooling,” and “Take public transit daily.”
The new regulations take effect on March 1 and will apply to ads on TV, radio, in movie theatres, on billboards, in print and online. France also passed sweeping new climate regulations last summer.