Low Emission Zone in Switzerland

Overview

Switzerland operates one Low Emission Zone in the Canton of Geneva, known as the Zone à Faibles Émissions (ZFE). Unlike most European LEZs, Geneva's zone is not permanently enforced but is activated only during high-pollution episodes (smog events) declared by cantonal authorities.

The system uses the Stick’Air vignette, a windshield sticker that classifies vehicles into categories 1 through 6 based on their emission standards. During activation, vehicles in the most polluting categories are progressively banned from the zone, starting with the oldest and dirtiest vehicles.

The Stick’Air vignette requirement applies to all vehicles, including those registered abroad. Foreign drivers entering Geneva during a pollution episode must display the correct vignette or face significant fines.

Regulations

The Geneva ZFE operates under a tiered activation system linked to air pollution severity:

• Stick’Air categories: Vehicles are classified from category 1 (cleanest, including electric) to category 6 (most polluting). The classification is based on Euro emission standards and fuel type.
• Activation levels: When a smog event is declared, restrictions escalate progressively. Initially only category 6 vehicles are banned; as pollution worsens, categories 5, 4, and potentially 3 may also be restricted.
• Enforcement period: Restrictions apply only during declared pollution episodes and are lifted when air quality returns to acceptable levels. The zone is not active during normal conditions.

Fines for violations range from CHF 300 to CHF 10,000, depending on the severity and whether the vehicle is a repeat offender. Driving without a valid Stick’Air vignette during an activation period is also subject to fines.

The Stick’Air vignette can be purchased online or at designated points of sale in Geneva and at border crossings.

Who must comply

During activated pollution episodes, all motor vehicles entering the Geneva ZFE must display a valid Stick’Air vignette. The following rules apply:

• Passenger cars: Must display Stick’Air vignette; restricted based on category during activation
• Electric vehicles: Category 1 (cleanest) — exempt from all restrictions during any activation level
• Petrol Euro 6/6d: Category 1 — exempt from restrictions
• Diesel Euro 6/6d: Category 2 — restricted only at the highest activation levels
• Foreign-registered vehicles: Must also display a Stick’Air vignette during activation periods; no exemption for foreign plates
• Motorcycles and mopeds: Also classified and subject to restrictions during activation
• Public transport and emergency vehicles: Exempt from all restrictions

Zones — 1

Geneva Stick'AIR

Frequently asked questions