In France, the agent de surveillance de la voie publique, also known as an ASVP (municipal traffic warden), is a municipal employee. On foot or by car, they enforce parking and traffic regulations on public roads. This profession is open to every kind of profile. Would you like to become a municipal traffic warden?
This article is for you.
What are an ASVP's main duties?
The Agent de Surveillance de la Voie Publique (ASVP, municipal traffic warden) works exclusively for local authorities and the territorial civil service. The job involves:
- Intervening in the event of an offense (anti-social behavior, damage to public property)
- Checking the proper use of parking spaces: if they find that a vehicle is improperly parked, they write up a report.
- Issuing citations related to breaches of public cleanliness regulations.
- Issuing fines for failure to hold insurance
- Reporting any illegal occupation of public property.
ASVPs also ensure that public festivities run smoothly. They raise public awareness on various topics such as road safety and the hygiene measures to observe. They may carry out their duties at the entrances to town halls, prefectures and public gardens.
What equipment and uniform does an ASVP need?
Like every public safety professional, an ASVP must wear a uniform. The ASVP uniform is designed to be both functional and easily identifiable. On duty, this officer generally wears:
- Navy blue trousers
- A short- or long-sleeved polo shirt
- An ASVP tactical vest (to ensure their safety during interventions)
- A cap
- Duty boots
So if you are looking for a quality ASVP uniform, choose GK. Since 1984, the company has been manufacturing all the equipment intended for law enforcement and security professionals.
As for ASVP equipment, it generally includes:
- A notice book for writing up fines
- An electronic citation device (PVE)
- A whistle
- Handcuffs
The Agent de Surveillance de la Voie Publique must also carry an ASVP professional ID card stating the municipality they are attached to. For information, no regulatory provision allows this professional to carry a weapon.
How do you become an ASVP?
Entry requirements and selection tests
To hold the position of Agent de Surveillance de la Voie Publique (ASVP), you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old;
- Hold French nationality or that of a member country of the European Economic Area;
- Enjoy full civil rights (have no criminal conviction and be in good standing with regard to national service obligations (JAPD or JDC);
- Have a clean criminal record.
The selection tests include:
- Psychometric tests;
- A written test (which may take the form of a multiple-choice questionnaire or writing exercises);
- An oral test (the panel is often made up of representatives of the local authority).
What training is required to work as an ASVP?
There are two ASVP statuses:
- Contract ASVP status: access to this position does not require any specific qualification;
- Civil servant ASVP status: access to this position depends on passing the civil service competitive examinations (territorial administrative assistant option or technical assistant option).
To be eligible for these examinations, it is recommended that you:
- Hold a CAP, vocational studies certificate (BEP) or any other equivalent or higher qualification;
- Sit the written and oral tests.
Several approved training centers and bodies, such as the Territorial Civil Service Management Centers (CDG), offer continuing education programs. The goal? To develop your technical skills and enable you to progress in your career.
What are the career prospects?
After only a few years of service, an ASVP can become a municipal police officer or senior rural constable. They can also access several positions of responsibility such as brigadier, senior chief brigadier or chief rural constable. These roles require passing a professional examination.
In direct contact with the public, the ASVP demonstrates:
- Great diplomacy;
- Mastery of the regulations in force;
- Good physical condition (an ASVP's work is most often done standing up).
If they are a civil servant, they can move up the pay grades within the same position. Note that each grade requires a certain number of years of experience.
What is an ASVP's salary?
An ASVP's salary is set freely by the municipality they work for. An entry-level ASVP can expect around 1,500 euros net per month. This amount can rise with bonuses and allowances (residence allowance, family supplement, sensitive-area operation bonus, etc.) and reach 2,000 euros net per month. What's more, this job allows you to join the Municipal Police after only a few years of experience!