Environmental stickers in France: everything about the (new) low-emission zones

What is the Crit’Air environmental sticker?

The Crit’Air environmental sticker is an eco-vignette that classifies vehicles based on their emission category. The purpose of the sticker is to improve air quality in urban areas by restricting access to certain zones for highly polluting vehicles. There are six different categories, ranging from ‘0’ (green, for electric vehicles) to ‘5’ (brown, for older diesel vehicles). The category of your vehicle is determined based on the year of manufacture, fuel type, and Euro emission standard.

Where is the environmental sticker mandatory?

The environmental sticker is mandatory in both permanent low-emission zones (Zone à Circulation Restreinte, ZCR) and temporary low-emission zones (Zone de Protection de l’Air, ZPA). Since the beginning of this year, all cities in France with more than 150,000 inhabitants must implement a permanent low-emission zone. This includes cities such as Bordeaux, Dijon, Lille, Metz, and Strasbourg.

Important cities with permanent low-emission zones:

• Paris: The sticker is required within the A86 area, Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Vehicles with a category 3, 4, 5, or unclassified sticker are not allowed.
• Lyon: Restricted access for vehicles in categories 3, 4, and 5.
• Marseille: Ban on category 4, 5, and unclassified vehicles.
• Strasbourg: Ban on category 4, 5, and unclassified vehicles. From 2027, category 3 vehicles will also be prohibited.
• Grenoble: Ban on category 3 and higher vehicles, weekdays from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Cities along the well-known Route du Soleil, such as Nancy and Dijon, also have low-emission zones where the sticker is required. The full list can be found on the official Crit’Air website.

Temporary low-emission zones (ZPA):

In cases of prolonged air pollution, temporary low-emission zones may be established. This happened in Paris in 2016 during a severe smog period, when vehicle restrictions were temporarily imposed based on their Crit’Air category. As a result, air quality improved significantly. If such measures are implemented, they are communicated via electronic road signs and the media. An environmental sticker is also required when driving through a temporary low-emission zone.

Can I drive through France without an environmental sticker?

Yes, as long as you avoid the low-emission zones, you can travel through France without a sticker. However, it’s wise to order an environmental sticker. Your travel plans might change, and you could accidentally drive into a low-emission zone. Driving without a sticker in a low-emission zone can result in a fine of at least 68 euros. At 4.91 euros, an environmental sticker is much cheaper.

How do I apply for the Crit’Air environmental sticker?

Applying for the environmental sticker is simple and can be done through the official Crit’Air website. Follow these steps:

1. Go to the official Crit’Air website.
2. Click on ‘Order your sticker’ and select ‘Vehicle registered abroad’.
3. Fill in the required information, such as your vehicle’s license plate number and year of manufacture.
4. Upload a photo or scan of your registration document.
5. Pay 4.91 euros, including shipping costs, via credit card or PayPal.

The delivery time is approximately 10 to 15 working days. Therefore, it’s recommended to order the sticker at least two weeks before departure. You will receive a purchase receipt by email, which serves as temporary proof.

Where do I place the environmental sticker?

The environmental sticker must be placed on the inside of the windshield, in the lower right corner from the driver’s perspective. This is important because it ensures the sticker is clearly visible for checks, both manually by traffic officers and via automatic radar systems. The image below shows the correct placement of the sticker.

Environmental sticker: yes or no?

With the expansion of low-emission zones in France, having the Crit’Air environmental sticker has become even more important, even for travelers using popular routes like the Route du Soleil. For just a few euros, you can easily apply for it and avoid fines and stress during your trip.