Sustainable mobility

Checks now carried out to verify compliance with the use of carpooling lanes

Publié le 27 septembre 2023 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)

After carpooling lanes were introduced in several cities, it became apparent that a significant number of drivers were using these spaces without being authorized to do so. The State has therefore proposed to the authorities that have introduced this type of pathway to experiment, from September 2023 and for two years, with the installation of control and sanction devices.

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Image 1Crédits: DILA

The experiment on the establishment of control and sanction mechanisms proposed by the State to local authorities (in particular Strasbourg, Rennes and Nantes) provides that:

  • local actors define the control policy and the types of vehicles authorized to use the carpooling lanes, carry out the verbalization and ensure communication with users;
  • the State shall make available to local authorities a monitoring solution, consisting in particular of computer tools for detecting infringements relating to the incorrect use of reserved lanes. In addition, one or more traffic signs shall be settled to alert drivers to the presence of such a control and sanction device.

A driver traveling on a carpooling lane when he is not entitled to do so is liable to a flat fine of EUR 135.

Please note

this two-year trial phase should make it possible to define the most effective means of ensuring that the use of these reserved lanes is respected.

Article 39 of the Law of 24 December 2019 on mobility guidance, which enabled the establishment of carpooling lanes, states that: ‘where the use of a lane has been reserved [...] for public transport vehicles, taxis, vehicles carrying a minimum number of occupants, in particular in the context of carpooling, or for very low-emission vehicles, fixed or mobile devices for automated control of vehicle identification data may be implemented [...] in order to facilitate the detection of infringements of the traffic rules relating to the use of that lane reserved lane’.

Who can use the carpooling lanes?

Carpool lanes are usually open:

  • vehicles with at least two occupants on board, whatever the relationship between them (two carpoolers, a couple, a parent and his child, two employees...). Motorcycles are similarly allowed to use these lanes if two people are on the vehicle;
  • ultra-low emission vehicles that have a Crit’Air zero-emission decal, i.e. 100 % electric or hydrogen vehicles, regardless of the number of persons on board;
  • public transport;
  • to taxis, even if there are no passengers.

Local authorities and road managers may, however, define specific categories of vehicles authorized to drive on the carpooling lanes for which they are responsible.

Reminder

the establishment of such routes must enable

  • improving air quality by encouraging more people to choose public transport or carpooling and, in some cases, to purchase a very low-emission vehicle;

  • reduced transport time for occupants of public vehicles (buses, carpoolers, taxis...).

Signage of reserved lanes

Carpool lanes are indicated by a sign with a white diamond on a blue background. The reserved lanes system may be applied:

  • permanently, and in this case the sign is accompanied by a white marking drawn on the roadway;
  • temporarily, e.g. at specific times of the day; in this case a light panel, placed above the reserved lane, is lit when the reserved lane is activated and therefore only intended for carpoolers and other vehicles indicated.

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