How does the Crit'Air sticker work in France?

If a vehicle pollutes less, its owner will have more opportunities to drive and park in restricted areas. Conversely, the more a vehicle pollutes, the less its owner will be able to drive and park in restricted zones.

This sticker must be displayed on the vehicle when driving in low-emission zones (ZFE), or during episodes of high pollution, if the prefect establishes differentiated traffic.

Vehicles are classified into 6 categories, numbered from 0 to 5, according to their date of entry into service, the type of fuel used and European emission standards (Euro standards). Each category corresponds to a different sticker color:

• Crit'Air 0 (green): for electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles, which emit no pollutants on the road.
• Crit'Air 1 (purple): for recent petrol vehicles (Euro 5 and 6 standards, since January 2011).
• Crit'Air 2 (yellow): for older petrol vehicles (Euro 4 standard) and recent diesel vehicles (Euro 5 and 6 standards, since January 2011).
• Crit'Air 3 (orange): for older petrol vehicles (Euro 2 and 3 standards) and older diesel vehicles (Euro 4 standards).
• Crit'Air 4 (brown): for older diesel vehicles (Euro 3 standards).
• Crit'Air 5 (gray): for older diesel vehicles (Euro 2 standards).

Vehicle classification is valid for the entire life of the vehicle, and is identical throughout the country. However, each local authority has the option of selecting incentives, limitations, restrictions and the vehicles concerned, depending on local air pollution levels.

The Crit'Air sticker is compulsory in certain zones, notably the Low Emission Zones. In these zones, traffic is banned to vehicles whose sticker is deemed too polluting according to the pollution level, or to vehicles without a sticker (unclassified vehicles). During pollution peaks, temporary restrictions may also apply.

The aim of these low-emission zones is to reduce air pollution. Cities such as Paris, Lyon, Grenoble, Strasbourg and Lille have introduced such zones.

The Crit'Air sticker is available online from the official public service website. All you need to do is enter the details from your vehicle registration document, and the sticker will be mailed to your address. The sticker costs €3.70, including postage, for vehicles in mainland France, and €4.51 for vehicles outside France.

You will receive your sticker within approximately 10 days. Pending receipt of your sticker, you will receive a dematerialized invoice by e-mail with a facsimile of your sticker within 24 hours of placing your order. The facsimile will serve as proof of your request and the classification of your vehicle.

Once you've ordered and received your sticker, you'll need to affix it to the inside of your windscreen.

If you decide to drive in a restricted zone without the appropriate sticker, or if you are in a differentiated traffic zone without the right to do so, penalties may apply.

Fines for non-compliance with Crit'Air restrictions are €68 for light vehicles and two-wheelers, rising to €180 if payment is not made within 45 days. For heavy goods vehicles, the fine is €135, rising to €375.

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