Cameras count passengers in VAO/HOV lanes — Spain fines up to €200, France enforces Paris lane
Automated camera systems in Spain and France detect occupants in VAO/HOV lanes; Spain fines up to €200, France enforces a París lane since 3 March 2025 with €135 penalty.
Several European cities have begun using camera systems that detect how many people are inside a vehicle to enforce special lanes reserved for multi-passenger vehicles. Drivers who use these VAO/HOV lanes while travelling alone can now face fines without being stopped.
Automated checks, different rules by section
In Spain authorities have expanded automated enforcement of VAO (high-occupancy) lanes by combining licence-plate recognition with passenger-counting cameras. On some stretches the rule requires at least two people in the car; on others conditions differ, so drivers are urged to follow local signage. The penalty for unauthorised use of such a lane in Spain can reach €200.
France has already introduced similar measures. Since 3 March 2025 a lane on part of the Boulevard Périphérique in Paris has been reserved for vehicles carrying at least two people, as well as for public transport, taxis and certain other categories. That lane is active on working days during morning and afternoon peak hours, and the sanction for breaching the rule is €135.
French enforcement uses video-surveillance systems that count occupants in both front and rear seats and read licence plates. The system initially flags a potential infringement; an authorised official then reviews the recording before a fine is issued.
Practices are not identical across Europe. The report notes that Bosnia and Herzegovina also uses measures related to high-occupancy lanes, but enforcement and sanctioning differ from the approach recently adopted in Spain. Because rules vary by country and by road section, drivers must check local regulations and road signs.
Spanish and French authorities argue the measures are aimed at reducing congestion, the number of cars on urban roads and polluting emissions by encouraging shared trips. The basic message to drivers is straightforward: "There is no problem if you are alone in the car — the problem starts if you drive alone and enter a lane reserved for multi-passenger vehicles."
Photo: press material from the event
