Taking an EV to France is a piece of cake, but there is one area that people get wrong and it has to do with France’s equivalent of the Ulez Zones the Crit’Air sticker
Which Vehicles Need The Sticker
When planning a road trip to France with an electric vehicle (EV), it’s crucial to consider both the French Crit’Air clean air sticker requirements and the latest regulations in force for Low Emission Zones (LEZs) as of January 1, 2023.
The Crit’Air sticker, a round decal displayed on the right side of the vehicle’s windshield or motorcycle, classifies vehicles based on their pollutant emissions. There are six categories, with each vehicle’s classification remaining valid for its lifetime. Certain older vehicles are ineligible for the sticker.
EVs are categorized in the cleanest category, granting greater access to LEZs. However, EV owners still need to obtain and display the sticker.
https://www.certificat-air.gouv.fr/
Which French Cities Are Affected
The sticker is mandatory in most French cities, especially during pollution peaks. The cities where it’s currently required include Paris, Lyon, Lille, Marseille, Toulouse, Chambery, and Grenoble. In Paris, for instance, cars without at least a Crit’Air 3 sticker are banned on weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm. Failing to display the appropriate sticker can result in fines.
If you currently drive a Diesel car is worth keeping an eye on upcoming changes to the regulations in France, maybe it is time to think about switching to an EV
- Paris and Greater Paris: From January 1, 2025, Crit’Air 3 vehicles will be banned, along with the existing restrictions on Crit’Air 4, 5, and unclassified vehicles.
- Lyon: Already restricts Crit’Air 5 and unclassified private vehicles, with incremental restrictions for Crit’Air 4, 3, and 2 vehicles in 2024, 2025, and 2028.
- Marseille: Will ban Crit’Air 4 vehicles from January 1, 2024, and Crit’Air 3 vehicles from January 1, 2025.
- Strasbourg: Bans Crit’Air 5 and unclassified vehicles, with restrictions extending to Crit’Air 4 from January 1, 2024, and Crit’Air 3 from January 1, 2025.
- Rouen: Already restricts Crit’Air 4, 5, and unclassified vehicles, with a future ban on Crit’Air 3 cars from January 1, 2025.
- Toulouse: Has restricted all Crit’Air 4, 5, and unclassified vehicles since January 1, 2023. Crit’Air 3 vehicles are exempt beyond 2024.
- Nice: Restrictions on Crit’Air 5 and unclassified passenger cars since January 1, 2023, but Crit’Air 4 and 3 vehicles are exempt.
- Montpellier: Banned Crit’Air 5 and unclassified vehicles from January 1, 2023, without restrictions on Crit’Air 4 and 3 vehicles.
- Grenoble: Restricted Crit’Air 5 vehicles from July 7, 2023, with Crit’Air 4 vehicles to follow from January 1, 2024, and Crit’Air 3 from January 1, 2025.
- Reims: Imposed bans on Crit’Air 4 and 5 vehicles from January 1, 2023, with no restrictions on Crit’Air 3 vehicles.
For electric vehicles, the requirement for a Crit’Air sticker depends on each city’s specific LEZ regulations. Generally, EVs are categorized in the cleanest category, granting greater access to LEZs. However, EV owners still need to obtain and display the sticker.
Where to Buy The Crit’Air Sticker And What Does It Cost
The current cost is £4 and it takes maybe a couple of weeks to arrive, so make sure you apply early as it needs to be posted to you. You can’t buy it in France.
For the most current and comprehensive information, including how to obtain a Crit’Air sticker, visit the official French website, be aware theirs lots of similar-looking sites but this is the official French government site. https://www.certificat-air.gouv.fr/
What To Read Next
If you’d like an insight on what charging your EV in France is like then can we recommend to read this article need driving-your-ev-to-the-dordogne
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