If you're driving around Paris in a noisy vehicle, you'll soon have to watch out for radars! As the municipal team announced at the presentation of the "2021-2026 noise plan", which aims to reduce noise pollution by 2 decibels over the next five years, sensors capable of monitoring the noise emitted by excessively noisy vehicles may soon be able to punish you.
The fight against road noise pollution is intensifying in the capital, as Le Parisien reveals. From summer 2025, vehicles that are too noisy will be targeted by so-called "anti-noise" radars, capable of detecting and punishing excessive noise pollution. These radars were installed on an experimental basis in 2022 in two Paris neighborhoods, rue d'Avron (XXth arrondissement) and rue Cardinet (XVIIth arrondissement), by the Bruitparif association, which specializes in analyzing the noise environment. After promising results, these devices are about to enter a phase of verbalization.
These radars - or "Jellyfish" sensors- will be able to automatically fine motorcycles, scooters and even cars that exceed authorized thresholds. The principle is simple: as soon as a vehicle, motorcycle or car, emits a noise level in excess of 85 decibels, a penalty is imposed. This threshold is particularly aimed at tampered exhaust pipes, which are often the source of noise pollution. Installed high up on poles, the radars use advanced technology to precisely identify offending vehicles, even in dense traffic.
But what criteria will be used to automatically penalize noisy vehicles? According to Bruitparis, the organization responsible for designing the radars, the "Méduses" sensors will be used to"identify and punish excessively noisy vehicles due to over-revving, excessive speed, unbridling, the use of a non-approved or modified exhaust system, or the removal of the baffle on motorcycles".
Initial tests carried out between January and October 2022 revealed that between 10 and 44 vehicles per day exceeded noise limits in Paris. An initial phase without fines was carried out in seven pilot communities, including Paris, Nice and Toulouse. This period was used to refine the technology and prepare for approval. From the summer of 2025, the radars will enter a second phase, this time with ticketing. Each offence will be punishable by a fixed fine of 135 euros, reduced to 90 euros if paid within 15 days.
Bruitparif's "Hydre" system, already tested in other European cities such as Brussels and Barcelona, reflects a growing desire to reduce noise pollution on a daily basis. The authorities hope that, at the end of this second phase, scheduled for the end of 2025, noise radars can be deployed nationwide.
In the meantime, Parisians and tourists alike can look forward to a noticeable change in their noise environment. This project, piloted by the French Ministry of Ecological Transition, bears witness to the growing importance attached to the quality of urban life. A further step towards quieter streets that respect their sound environment.
