On the Paris ring road, on the freeways around Paris and on the capital's ring road, the Olympic lanes were designed to facilitate the movement of accredited persons. Now that the Olympic and Paralympic Games are over, what has become of these reserved lanes? Can we now use them again?
Most of the Olympic lanes, initially reserved for para-athletes, cabs and emergency vehicles, were deactivated on Sunday evening. However, some will remain in service until Wednesday September 11, notably on the Paris ring road between Porte de Sèvres and Porte de Bercy, and on the boulevard circulaire de la Défense. In addition, a section of the A1 freeway, between Porte de la Chapelle and Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport, remains active. This is because thousands of para-athletes have yet to leave the Olympic village and return home.
In an interview with Ouest-France on Saturday August 31, Anne Hidalgo reaffirmed her wish to transform the Olympic lanes of the ring road into carpool lanes. However, she made it clear that the final decision rests with the French government. In the event of refusal, "I will take my responsibilities", she warned. The mayor of Paris also announced the reduction of the maximum speed on the ring road to 50 km/h from this 1ᵉʳ October 2024.
Who has the right to use these lanes? What are the restrictions? Here's everything you need to know.
Since July 15, Olympic lanes have been activated on 185 km of roads around Paris, notably on the Paris ring road between Porte de Vanves and Porte de Bercy (via the north). Here are the main roads affected:
These roads will provide direct access to the competition venues, and will be marked with specific signs and road markings bearing the Games logo or the words "Paris 2024". On all these roads, the left-hand lane will be reserved for accredited vehicles.
Only vehicles accredited by the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee will be able to use these lanes. Authorized vehicle categories include:
Any other vehicle travelling on an Olympic lane without authorization will be liable to a fine of 135 euros and prosecution. This is where the new radars installed on these roads come in: thanks to the LAPI system, they can read your license plate to check whether you are authorized to drive. What's more, if these lanes are converted into carpool lanes, these radars will also be able to check the number of passengers on board the vehicles.
To help you plan your journeys on these routes, consult this interactive map for detailed daily and hourly traffic forecasts.
The Olympic lanes will mean a significant reorganization of traffic flow for ordinary users, especially for motorcyclists and scooterists, who will have to adjust their practice of interfiling. From July 15, all left-hand lanes marked with the Paris 2024 logo will be closed to unauthorized vehicles, requiring extra vigilance to avoid fines and facilitate the smooth running of the Games.
Motorcyclists and scooterists in the Paris region will be particularly affected by the introduction of Olympic lanes. Normally adept at inter-mile traffic, they will now have to adapt and modify their routes. The left-hand lanes marked with the Paris 2024 logo will be closed to them, forcing them to move one lane to the right. The ban also applies to scooters and bicycles in circulation, which must not use these lanes. This new configuration requires particular attention to avoid infringements and ensure the safety of all road users.
Radar-like devices have been installed on the ring road to check that only authorized vehicles use these lanes. These boxes scan license plates and check whether they are associated with an accreditation allowing access to the Olympic lanes. Driving on these Olympic lanes during the above periods carries a fine of €135.
Prepare now for these changes to avoid any unpleasant surprises and ensure smooth travel during the Olympic period. Read the July 9 press release from the Préfecture de Police.
Dates and Opening Time
From July 15, 2024 to September 15, 2024
Recommended age
For all
