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Low Emission Zones in France

19 Low Emission Zones

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Overview

France operates 19 Zones à Faibles Émissions mobilité (ZFE-m) across its major metropolitan areas. These low emission zones restrict vehicle access based on the Crit'Air vignette system, a color-coded sticker that classifies vehicles by their emission standards into six categories from 0 (electric/hydrogen) to 5 (most polluting).

Paris was the first city to implement a ZFE in 2015, and since then the program has expanded rapidly. By 2025, all French agglomerations with more than 150,000 inhabitants are required to establish a ZFE-m. The zones progressively tighten restrictions, phasing out the most polluting vehicles first. Many cities are banning Crit'Air 3 vehicles by 2025, with further restrictions planned for subsequent years.

Regulations

All motor vehicles entering a French ZFE-m must display a valid Crit'Air sticker (certificat qualité de l'air) on the windshield. The sticker classifies vehicles into six categories: Crit'Air 0 (electric/hydrogen), Crit'Air 1 (Euro 5+ petrol, Euro 6 diesel), Crit'Air 2 (Euro 4 petrol, Euro 5 diesel), Crit'Air 3 (Euro 2/3 petrol, Euro 4 diesel), Crit'Air 4 (Euro 3 diesel), and Crit'Air 5 (Euro 2 diesel). Vehicles predating Euro standards receive no sticker and are banned outright.

The fine for driving in a ZFE-m without the required Crit'Air sticker or with a banned category is €68 for passenger cars and two-wheelers, and €135 for trucks and buses. The vehicle may also be immobilized.

Stickers cost €3.67 and can be ordered online at certificat-air.gouv.fr. Foreign-registered vehicles must also display a Crit'Air sticker and can order one from the same website with additional shipping fees. Delivery typically takes 10 to 30 days for international orders.

Who must comply

The Crit'Air requirement applies to all motorized vehicles including passenger cars, vans, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and mopeds. Foreign-registered vehicles are not exempt and must also display the sticker.

Zones — 19

ZFE Angers
ZFE Angers
ZFE Annecy
ZFE Annecy
ZFE Annemasse
ZFE Annemasse
ZFE Bordeaux
ZFE Bordeaux
ZFE Clermont-Ferrand
ZFE Clermont-Ferrand
ZFE Dijon
ZFE Dijon
ZFE Grand Paris
ZFE Grand Paris
ZFE Grenoble
ZFE Grenoble
ZFE Lyon
ZFE Lyon
ZFE Marseille
ZFE Marseille
ZFE Montpellier
ZFE Montpellier
ZFE Nancy
ZFE Nancy
ZFE Nice
ZFE Nice
ZFE Reims
ZFE Reims
ZFE Rennes
ZFE Rennes
ZFE Rouen
ZFE Rouen
ZFE Saint-Etienne
ZFE Saint-Etienne
ZFE Strasbourg
ZFE Strasbourg
ZFE Toulouse
ZFE Toulouse

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a Crit'Air sticker for my vehicle?
Order your Crit'Air sticker online at certificat-air.gouv.fr. The sticker costs €3.67 plus shipping. For French-registered vehicles, delivery takes about 5 days. For foreign vehicles, allow 10 to 30 days. You will need your vehicle registration certificate.
Can foreign-registered vehicles enter French ZFE-m zones?
Yes, but foreign vehicles must also display a valid Crit'Air sticker. There is no exemption for foreign plates. You can order the sticker from the official French government website before your trip.
What is the fine for entering a ZFE-m without a Crit'Air sticker?
The fine is €68 for passenger cars and two-wheelers, and €135 for trucks and buses. Your vehicle may also be immobilized if caught without the required sticker or with a banned Crit'Air category.
Are all French ZFE-m zones the same?
No. Each city sets its own restrictions and timeline. Paris and Lyon have the strictest rules, banning Crit'Air 3 and above. Other cities may still allow Crit'Air 3 vehicles. Always check the specific rules for each zone before traveling.
Do electric vehicles need a Crit'Air sticker in France?
Electric and hydrogen vehicles receive a Crit'Air 0 sticker (green) and are always allowed in all ZFE-m zones. While not strictly required to enter, displaying the sticker avoids potential enforcement issues.

Check your vehicle compliance

Use our API to instantly verify if your vehicle can enter any of France's 19 ZFE-m low emission zones.

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