France has updated its Low Emission Zone Scheme post-pandemic
11 July 2022
If you are planning to drive in France in the future, it may be helpful for you to know that the French government has updated its Crit’Air Scheme, post-pandemic.
The Crit’Air Scheme legally requires drivers in France to use a Crit'Air vignette (clean-air sticker) on the right-hand side of their windscreen to indicate their vehicle’s emission levels. These stickers can be used to restrict access in areas where air quality is poorest in order to improve air quality, with the least polluting vehicles receiving preferential parking and traffic conditions.
The stickers, which can be ordered here, cost just €4.51 including postage but driving in restricted traffic zones, such as low emission zones, without one can result in an on-the-spot fine of up to €135.
Crit’Air vignettes indicate which category the vehicle falls into. The categories are:
- Green – Crit’Air E (zero emissions – electric and hydrogen vehicles)
- Purple – Crit’Air 1 (gas and rechargeable hybrid vehicles)
- Yellow – Crit’Air 2 (Euro 5 and Euro 6 vehicles)
- Orange – Crit’Air 3 (Euro 4 vehicles)
- Burgundy – Crit’Air 4 (Euro 3 vehicles)
- Dark Grey – Crit’Air 5 (Euro 2 vehicles)
There are currently two types of government-defined low emission zones in France:
- Permanent low-emission zones (known as ZCR – Zone à Circulation Restreinte)
- Temporary emergency low-emissions zones (known as ZPA – Zone de la Protection de l’Air)
You can find out more about low emission zones in France from the RAC.
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