A new road sign is spreading on the roads of France. Few drivers know its meaning because it is very recent. But not respecting it can cost 135 euros.
A new road sign has recently and discreetly appeared on French roads, particularly on major roads such as motorways. Due to a lack of sufficient information, it remains very mysterious for most motorists. Especially since the symbol used is not really representative of its function, which does not help to understand it immediately. But it is better to know how to identify it because it is multiplying in certain regions and, above all, not respecting it can be punished with a fairly heavy fine!
In practice, this famous sign can take two forms, with the same symbol: a white diamond on a blue background, when it is fixed and permanent, and a white diamond on a black background when it is “dynamic”, with an evolving light display. It indicates special traffic lanes, reserved for carpooling: it results from an initiative born from the Citizens’ Convention for the Climate in 2020, aimed at encouraging the shared use of vehicles and travel by public transport on motorways and expressways.
These lanes, also called VR2+, are specifically intended for vehicles with at least two occupants, very low-emission vehicles with a zero-emission Crit’Air sticker (including electric and hydrogen vehicles), as well as taxis, even without passengers. Motorcycles are also allowed to use them, provided they carry two people.
The aim of these developments is to promote more sustainable mobility by reducing the number of vehicles on the roads and encouraging environmentally friendly modes of transport. And it presents a very tangible advantage for those who practice carpooling or use clean vehicles, by offering them clear lanes, and therefore shorter journey times.
Although it first appeared in a few large French cities such as Lyon, Grenoble, Lille and Strasbourg, this system is set to be implemented in other metropolises such as Rennes, Marseille or Paris. However, the novelty of this measure and its specificities can sometimes be confusing. Traffic signs can vary from one region to another, indicating specific rules such as time slots during which the lanes are reserved or additional requirements for electric vehicles. For example, in Lille, these lanes are only active in cases of heavy traffic, while in Strasbourg, they are only active during weekdays during rush hour.
And be careful, because ignoring the restrictions imposed by these signs by wrongly using reserved lanes can be costly, the offense being punishable by a fine of 135 euros. And it is really not advisable to tempt the devil by ignoring the signs. Smart radars, equipped with thermal sensors, are already being tested on some of these lanes to detect the number of passengers on board and check the compliance of vehicles with the regulations. These devices can even discern whether a person is actually present or not, thus eliminating potential “false positives”.
It is therefore essential to know how to identify the associated sign and the local rules of use. So, the next time you see this diamond on the road, remember the conditions for using it, and if you are alone in your car, stay on the normal lanes to avoid a hefty fine.