Carpooling lanes: everything you need to know to avoid mistakes
You're bound to have come across a road sign with a white rhombus. Used in some towns and cities, this logo designates the carpool lane. Its primary aim is to smooth traffic flow at certain times of the day, especially when traffic is particularly heavy.
The principle behind this new practice
The principle is simple: this lane is reserved for vehicles carrying several passengers, particularly for carpooling, but not only.
They are generally located on the busiest roads, such as freeways and urban ring roads, to keep traffic flowing smoothly.
The implementation of car-sharing lanes is aimed at reducing the number of car-soloists. In the short term, the aim is to optimize the infrastructure by reducing the average journey time for users of the VR2+. In the medium term, to encourage users to adopt a more economical mode of travel by using shared or low-emission mobility, to facilitate and reduce their journey times.
These lanes are indicated by specific signs, recognizable by a pictogram representing a luminous white diamond.
Who can use the carpool lanes?
This reserved lane can be used when one of the following conditions is met:
- cars, with at least two people in the vehicle,being a cab in service,
- public transport,
- driving a 100% electric or hydrogen vehicle (Crit'Air 0),
- motorcycles, if two people are on the vehicle
Understanding signaling in this pathway
The white diamond has been chosen to indicate carpool lanes. The sign indicates that the rule has become applicable and that access is subject to conditions.
The maximum authorized speed is then reduced to 50 km/h on all lanes.
The end of the system is indicated by the same crossed-out white diamond. The lane then reverts to a road open to all.
The advantages of carpool lanes
Car-sharing lanes offer several advantages for motorists and the environment:
- Time savings: by allowing shared cars to circulate more freely, these lanes reduce journey times, especially during rush hours.
- Reduced carbon footprint: by encouraging car-sharing, these lanes help to reduce the number of cars on the road, and therefore greenhouse gas emissions.
- Encouraging car-sharing: the existence of these lanes encourages motorists to adopt car-sharing, a more economical and environmentally-friendly practice.
Where can you find these carpool lane zones?
Several areas in France are covered by carpool lane systems:
- Lille - A1
- Strasbourg M35 Nord et Sud
- Rennes - RN137
- Nantes - Bd Prairie Mauves
- Les Sorinières - A83
- Douane Thônex-Vallard
- Lyon - M6 et M7
- Lyon - A7
- Annecy - RD3508
- Annecy - RD1508 / RD3508
- Grenoble - A48
- Mérignac
- D936
- Aubagne A502
To locate carpooling lanes, click here.
What are the penalties for motorists who fail to comply with the conditions?
In the event of misuse of carpool lanes, motorists may be subject to penalties. If you use one of these lanes without complying with the required conditions, you risk a fine of up to €135.
In addition, there are carpool radars that detect the number of people in a vehicle, and are used to monitor compliance with these lanes. The police can also issue a fine after stopping the offender.
For example, the carpool lane on the A48 motorway approaching Grenoble is equipped with a fixed, remotely-activated automatic radar.
