LIST: What offences will France’s new AI cameras be able to detect?
From 2025 the new cameras will see more than just excess speed
The new cameras will be set up to detect offence such as using a mobile phone at the wheel and not wearing a seatbelt
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New AI-enabled cameras are set to come into force in France from 2025, with new capabilities to detect a range of other road offences beyond excess speed.
The use of AI will allow the cameras to draw intelligent conclusions on driver behaviour, and improve the cameras’ efficiency for use in issuing fines.
Their use has been approved by the Assemblée nationale.
The offences set to be identified, as reported by Le Figaro Automobile, are:
Any driver found to break these rules risks a fine of €135 and the potential loss of three points from their licence – the same as if they were pulled over by police officers.
Read also: How do driving points work in France, how often are they given, and what about foreign licences?
Upgrading budget
The changes are part of the government’s 2025 budget plans, which include a total of €46.3 million for speed camera/radar maintenance and improvement.
The funds will go towards upgrading cameras to catch more offences, increasing the fleet of mobile radar units in France, and the prevention (and repair) of camera vandalisation.
Read also: Unmarked radar cars will be in more French regions soon
Read also: French speed cameras set to detect more types of offences
It is currently unknown how many of the 4,000 or so functioning cameras currently in operation in France will be equipped to check for these new offences, or where they will be located.
For example, they may not be placed along roads with higher speed limits, as it could be more difficult to accurately catch offending drivers.
The French Code de la route (Highway Code) already allows cameras (radars) to detect a range of offences on the roads, including:
The offences listed above
Using lanes and carriageways reserved for certain categories of vehicle
Driving on hard shoulder areas
Crossing and overlapping solid lines
Travelling in the wrong direction
Ignoring stop signs
Exceeding maximum authorised speeds
Dangerous overtaking or overtaking in an area where it is forbidden
Entering an intersection or the space between two stop lines
Not wearing an approved helmet (for bikes)
Driving without valid insurance
Driving a vehicle that exceeds permitted noise emission levels
Driving a vehicle that exceeds permitted vehicle weight limits
The illegal movement of a vehicle on the left-hand side of a dual carriageway
