What’s Behind the Change?
For years, plugging an address into your navigation app generally guaranteed the fastest route. That changed after France adopted Decree No. 2022-1199 in 2022. This law requires navigation apps and driving assistance services to emphasize “routes with the lowest impact in terms of greenhouse gas emissions”. At first, the rule seemed invisible to users. But in the past few weeks, these regulations have been fully worked into the route-planning algorithms, partly due to pressure from groups like Île-de-France Mobilités, the Paris region’s transit authority, which advocated for changes to help better manage traffic.
How Do the New Routes Work?
The shift only became clear recently, as the major platforms adopted these environmental criteria in earnest. Now, the primary route you see is typically the one that emits less CO₂, not necessarily the quickest. Carbon impact is now part of the recommendations and is even displayed on-screen so drivers can compare options. Some faster highways are purposely avoided. For example, if a stretch of road allows speeds over 68 mph (110 km/h), the apps are required to suggest an alternate option where the maximum speed is roughly 12 mph (20 km/h) lower, according to French reports.
The outcome: Drivers are offered routes that often take longer, but produce less pollution. The main goal is encouraging driving habits that help lower CO₂ emissions and limit the effects of climate change.
It’s Not Just About the Environment
There’s more to it than emissions. Reducing road congestion is another goal. In the Paris region, authorities specifically requested that Google Maps promote alternative routes, aiming to spread out traffic—especially around the 2024 Olympic Games, which have since taken place. The idea was to prevent jams by keeping all drivers from crowding onto the same roads, according to statements from Laurent Probst, managing director of Île-de-France Mobilités.
“If they don’t do it, the State will have to take necessary measures. We’ll ask them to close their app. This is a matter of public safety,”
Probst warned Ouest-France in 2024.
Mixed Reactions From Drivers
On paper, fewer emissions and less gridlock sound great. In reality, not everyone’s happy. Waze and Google Maps built their reputation on time savings. Now, that promise is no longer the default.
The upside: users still have control. You can go into your app settings and select a faster route if you prefer, just like before. But by default, you’ll see a greener—sometimes longer—option first. For now, saving the planet may take a little extra patience.
