Drive in silence or pay: new anti-noise radars

The Noiseparif Hydra sensor is at the heart of this revolution. This sophisticated device is capable of precisely detecting and measuring the sound level emitted by vehicles. Thanks to its large antenna and numerous sound sensors, it can identify offenders and photograph them, thus establishing a direct link between the excessive noise and the vehicle in question.

Approval of this device is planned for spring 2025, marking the start of a new era in the fight against noise pollution. Motorists will now have to pay particular attention to the noise emitted by their vehicle, or risk being fined.

This new discreet radar on the roads is part of a broader trend of increased surveillance of drivers. It thus joins other systems already in place or being deployed, such as speed radars, red light crossing radars, and soon those dedicated to the use of telephones while driving and non-compliance with safety distances. .

Gradual deployment and affected areas

The deployment of anti-noise radars will be carried out gradually on French territory. Initially, several pioneering cities will welcome these new systems:

• Paris
• Villeneuve-le-Roi (Val-de-Marne)
• Rueil-Malmaison (Hauts-de-Seine)
• The community of communes of the Haute-Vallée de Chevreuse (Yvelines)

These localities were chosen for their representativeness in terms of traffic and urban environment. The experience acquired in these pilot areas will make it possible to refine the system before wider deployment, particularly envisaged in Nice and Toulouse.

It is important to note that these radars will mainly be installed on sections of road limited to 30 or 50 km/h, where noise pollution is particularly annoying for local residents.

Impact on drivers and planned sanctions

Motorists and bikers will have to adapt to this new reality. The tolerance threshold was set at 85 decibelsbeyond which an infringement will be noted. Drivers whose vehicles exceed this limit will be exposed to fixed fine of 135 euroswhich can be reduced to 90 euros in the event of rapid payment.

During tests carried out in 2022, around 1% of vehicles tested emitted excessive noise. This proportion could, however, increase with the intensification of controls. The main affected will be vehicles equipped with modified exhaust pipes, often associated with motorized two-wheelers.

To avoid penalties, drivers will need to be vigilant about the condition of their vehicle and their driving style. Unlike other types of radar, where tricks sometimes make it possible to avoid fines, the anti-noise radar will leave no escape: slowing down at the last moment will be of no use in the face of this device capable of instantly measuring the sound level.

Perspectives and challenges for the future of urban mobility

The introduction of anti-noise radars is part of a broader approach aimed at improving the quality of life in urban areas. However, it raises questions about the evolution of mobility and the necessary adaptation of the French vehicle fleet.

Here is an overview of the challenges ahead:

The arrival of these new intelligent radars marks an important step in the evolution of our road infrastructure. It demonstrates the desire of public authorities to respond to environmental and public health concerns linked to noise, while posing new challenges for drivers and the automobile industry.