Changes to French Emissions
Please note that this law applies whether you are holidaying or just passing through France. The fine for non compliance is €135.00
Crit'Air clean air stickers
Low emission zones in
France
France has implemented environmental zones called « Zones à Circulation Restreinte (ZRC) » which describes areas with a restricted traffic ability and
visible through specific panels.
25 cities (generally including suburbs) have announced to follow this
initiative. The permission to drive in an environmental zone « ZRC » is
achieved by purchasing an Air Quality Certificate called "Crit’Air".
This certificate which promotes cleaner vehicles is a round sticker which
certifies the vehicle's environmental class based on pollutant emissions. The
local authority decides what kind of Crit’Air category is allowed to enter the
environmental zone. Check if your city is concerned.
Be
aware : The French environmental badge is also mandatory for vehicles
registered abroad.
The badge is available for cars, motorcycles, buses and coaches...
through a dedicated website. The amount is
approx. 4,80 euro (including shipping fees). Get your certificate ! Did you order the badge last minute? The proof of payment will
serve as proof. It will allow you to circulate even if you have not yet
received the certificate.
Notice : Older vehicles covered by less stringent emission standards are
not eligible for a certificate.
Drivers
heading to France are advised that driving without a French 'clean air'
sticker, called a Crit'Air vignette – which costs as little as €3.21 – makes
them liable for an on-the-spot fine of up to €135.
The
stickers were introduced in February 2017 at a cost of €4.80 but have been
reduced since1st March 2018 to €3.11 plus postage.
From July 1st 2019, diesel cars made earlier than 2006 will be banned
from Paris.
The ban applies on weekdays between 8am and 8pm to any vehicles carrying
the Crit'Air 4 stickers and will affect light trucks as well as some older
diesel cars and motorbikes. This rule applies to all vehicles, including those
from abroad
The
stickers, and full instructions on how to get them are available from the
French government website.
https://www.certificat-air.gouv.fr/en/demande-ext/cgu
Please note it can take up to six weeks
for your order to be processed so make sure you order in time. There are other websites offering these
stickers for up to €30 so please be careful and don’t get caught out.
These
stickers are a one off purchase and last the life of the vehicle.
