Installed for several months, the much-feared carpooling radars will start flashing from today in Lyon.
It’s been almost four years since French motorists became aware of carpooling lanes on certain roads. The principle is simple: you can use the left lane if there are several of you in the vehicle. These lanes are indicated by a bright white diamond when they are active. To prevent fraud, speed cameras were set up in 2023, only in the test phase. As of today, on the M6 and M7 roads near Lyon, formerly sections of the A6 and A7 motorways, these devices are now operational and can flash violations.
A fine of €135
Several systems are installed in both directions on these 16 km of road. They monitor carpool lanes 24/7. If you drive alone in these lanes and get caught by a carpooling radar, it will cost you €90 if you pay immediately. Otherwise, it will be a €135 fine, but without losing points. Some vehicles are exempt from carpooling. If you are more of a lone driver, you can still use these lanes if you drive a low-emission vehicle with a Crit’air 0. Emergency vehicles, technical services and taxis also have a free pass. In the event of an accident on the two right-most lanes, the carpooling lane will be deactivated. This is the only exception that will allow you to use the left lane if you are alone on board.
For the vast majority of French people on their holiday route through Lyon, a point of passage for many motorists, this should not change much. It is rare that we travel alone in a car on the holiday route. These carpooling lanes should even potentially save time, since fewer cars will be able to overtake on the left.
How do carpool radars work?
Carpool radars are equipped with thermal sensors, capable of detecting the heat given off by human bodies. This means that they know exactly how many people are in the vehicle. So you won’t be able to fool them with dummies, unless perhaps they emit a heat source. Although some have already tried… Adults, children, babies and even pets, carpool radars are able to differentiate, thanks to artificial intelligence, the exact composition of the types of people in the car. As a reminder, there must be at least two human beings on board.
However, there can be errors. That is why every time carpool radars report that a vehicle is at fault, they also take photos that are directly sent to the police for verification. No fines issued to motorists by these devices will be automated. Once the situation is resolved, the photos are destroyed.
Source: www.autoplus.fr
