Notifying a demonstration in France: a guide

The Internal Security Code (article L211-1) subjects to prior notification processions, parades and gatherings of people and, generally, any demonstration on the public road. Outings in keeping with local customs are excluded.

The authority does not answer yes or no: it registers the notification and issues a receipt. It can only oppose the demonstration by a ban order justified by a risk of disturbing public order (see the article on bans and remedies).

The notification is filed at the town hall of the municipality where the demonstration will take place, or at the town hall of each municipality concerned if the route crosses several. In Paris it is filed at the police prefecture.

It must be made at least three clear days and at most fifteen days before the date of the demonstration. Clear days are whole days, weekends included: neither the day of filing nor the day of the demonstration is counted. Filing early leaves time for any discussion with the authority about the route.

The law requires the organisers’ names, first names and addresses, the signature of at least one of them, the purpose of the demonstration, and the place, date and time of the gathering and, for a march, the planned route. In practice the administration often also asks for the expected number of participants, the planned security arrangements and the means used (sound system, banners).

• Identity and contact details of the organisers (at least one signatory).
• Purpose of the demonstration: described accurately, because an inaccurate notification is penalised.
• Place, date, start and end time, route if there is a march.
• Expected number of participants and stewarding arrangements.
• A model notification is available on Service-Public.gouv.fr.

Once the notification is registered, the authority issues a receipt. Keep it: it proves that the demonstration was notified within the deadlines, and it is the document to show in case of a check.

Article 431-9 of the Criminal Code punishes with six months’ imprisonment and a €7,500 fine anyone who organised a demonstration without prior notification, organised a banned demonstration, or made an incomplete or inaccurate notification likely to mislead about the purpose or conditions of the demonstration.

This penalty targets organisers. The law provides no general exception for improvised gatherings: if in doubt, ask beforehand at the town hall, a civil liberties association or a lawyer.

Deadlines, the competent authority and even the principle (notification or authorisation) vary from one country to another. ARALLIA publishes legal sheets by country, with their official sources and verification status.