France doesn’t want you to drive a car — and now it’s forcing auto companies to tell you not to. The country passed a law in December that will require car companies to tell people not to drive in its commercials, Agence France-Presse reports.
The commercials will include messages encouraging viewers to use alternative means of commuting such as public transportation, walking, cycling, or even carpooling.
The law is reminiscent of past legislation requiring tobacco companies to include stark warnings about the risks of smoking in its commercials and packaging.
While auto companies might kick up a fuss, it’s still a sign that the world is moving away from fossil-fueled powered vehicles.
However, it’s not like the country is banning car commercials outright. Instead, automakers will have three message choices to include somewhere in their ads: “Consider carpooling,” “For day-to-day use, take public transportation,” and “For short trips, opt for walking or cycling.”
The law is set to take effect in March, at which time it will impact all commercial media including print, Internet, TV, or radio. The move is a bold tactic to fight anthropogenic climate change and other countries like India should also enact something similar instead of coercing its population to buy new vehicles.
Reference- Agence France-Presse reports, NPR report, Legifrance website