Driving to France Crit'Air car stickers

All cars travelling in 11 low emission French cities, including Paris, Lyon and Grenobles, are required to display anti-pollution 'crit air' stickers which indicate the age and environmental classification of the vehicle. The system has been in place for 6 years but has become stricter with the most polluting vehicles now restricted in some areas.

The round stickers are ranked zero to six - ranking vehicles according to how polluting they are.

The correct sticker must be displayed by every road vehicle, including all cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, buses and coaches - a law that also applies to foreign-registered vehicles. They only cost a few pounds and will save you the risk of being hit with an on-the-spot fine of €68.

How do I apply for the Crit'Air emissions stickers?

You can apply for a sticker through the French Air Quality Certification Service online here and delivery is delivery is estimated at 5-10 days. Beware of third party websites that will apply for emissions stickers on your behalf - and charge you an exorbitant fee in the process. The cost through the official website ( https://certificat-air.gouv.fr/ ) is 3.70€ plus postage (3,11€ + 1,50€).

Breakdown cover for driving in France

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Which French cities require a 'crit air' emissions sticker?

Lyon, Aix-Marseille, Toulouse, Nice, Montpellier, Strasbourg, Grenoble, Rouen, Reims and Saint-Étienne. From 2025, all cities and agglomerations with more than 150,000 inhabitants will be required to introduce a Low Emission Mobility Zone.

I've got the emissions sticker - is there anything more to it?

Yes, it's a bit more complicated than simply displaying the Crit'Air emissions sticker.

Since the beginning of this year (2023), all vehicles with a Crit'Air rating of 5 (as well as vehicles without a sticker) have been subject to further restrictions in Low Emission Zones - a move that also affects Crit'Air 4 in some areas.

Paris and Greater Paris

Crit'Air 3 cars will be completely banned from 1 January 2025 (Crit'Air 4, 5 and non-classified vehicles are already subject to restrictions)

Lyon

Crit'Air 5 private vehicles currently subject to traffic restrictions. Crit'Air 4, 3 and 2 vehicles will be restricted over the course of 4 years from 2024.

Marseille

Crit'Air 4 cars to be banned from 1 January 2024. Crit'Air 3 vehicles will be banned from within the ZFE perimeter after 1 January 2025.

Strasbourg

Crit'Air 5 and non-classified vehicles will be banned from driving within the ZFE-m perimeter. The traffic restrictions will apply from 1 January 2024 for Crit'Air 4 vehicles and from 1 January 2025 for Crit'Air 3 vehicles.

Rouen

Crit'Air 4, 5 vehicles are already banned. The ban is due to be extended to include Crit'Air 3 cars from 1 January 2025.

Additional restrictions are applied during peaks in air pollution.

Driving to France?

The ETA Guide to Driving in France is a free e-book packed with information and advice for anyone planning a driving trip across the channel.

Download your free copy here.

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