With the Monaco Grand Prix set to roar through the Principality from Thursday, May 22 to Sunday, May 25, the Monegasque Government has once again announced a series of toughened measures aimed at curbing dangerous driving and unruly behaviour often associated with large gatherings of high-performance vehicles during major events.
Officials have voiced concern over the increasingly common sight of impromptu meet-ups involving luxury and sports cars, which, while not officially sanctioned, tend to descend into chaos with traffic violations, noise disturbances, and erratic driving all too frequent. Such gatherings, drawn by the spectacle of the Grand Prix, have been flagged as posing a risk to public order and safety.
In response, Monaco is stepping up enforcement to ensure peace for residents and uphold road safety during what is traditionally one of the most high-profile weeks on the calendar. The most significant change is an extension of the vehicle impoundment period for drivers caught violating the Highway Code.
Any serious breach of traffic law—be it speeding, reckless manoeuvres, or creating a public nuisance—will now result in an immediate impounding of the vehicle for up to 120 hours, a considerable increase from the usual holding time. The goal is to deter thrill-seekers from turning the streets into their personal race tracks.
These enhanced penalties mirror those introduced in previous years, but authorities say the emphasis this time is on pre-emptive control and swift enforcement. The Government is calling for responsible behaviour from all visitors, reminding them that while the Principality celebrates motorsport, it does not tolerate mayhem.
As Monaco prepares to host the 82nd Formula One TAG Heuer Grand Prix, law enforcement will be on high alert to ensure that the excitement on the track does not spill over dangerously onto the streets.
