The French government has passed a decree to lift a state of emergency imposed in November during the worst rioting in the country in nearly 40 years.
The emergency powers, which allowed local authorities to impose curfews and ban public gatherings, were lifted six weeks earlier than originally planned after New Year's celebrations proved calmer than expected.
Almost 9,000 cars were burnt out and 3,000 people were arrested in three weeks of violence.
The unrest erupted on 27 October following the accidental electrocutions of two teenagers of immigrant origin in the Paris suburb of Clichy-sous-Bois.
The rioting highlighted the disaffection of youths, most of them of immigrant origin, from poor housing estates on the periphery of France's cities and major towns.
It prompted the French Prime Minister, Dominique de Villepin, to announce a package of measures aimed at tackling the social problems at the root of the violence.
The measures, which focused on education, employment, housing and discrimination, included the establishment of a high authority to combat discrimination and promote equality.
