CRIT’AIR sticker: how to get it, Paris, motorbike, which one?

[Mise à jour le 17 juin 2022 à 11h53] The Crit’Air sticker is obligatory to circulate in the mobility low emission zones (ZFE-m) established by local authorities such as large urban areas (Grenoble, Lyon, Paris, etc.) or to circulate when the prefect introduces differentiated circulation during pollution episodes.

What is the Crit’Air sticker?

Called Crit’Air, the air quality certificate is a document that determines the level of pollution emitted by a vehicle. It comes in the form of a sticker to be affixed to the vehicle, so that it is visible: on the windscreen if it is a car, van or truck, and on the front fork if it is a a two-wheeler. The goal? Reduce atmospheric pollution and thus reduce its impact on the environment and on the health of individuals. The least polluting vehicles benefit from advantages in terms of parking and circulation, in particular on days of mobility restriction. It exists 6 classes of air quality certificates, determined according to three criteria, indicated on the vehicle registration certificate:

Cars registered before December 31, 1996cannot obtain an air quality certificate.

• the type of vehicle,
• its engine (diesel, petrol, hybrid, etc.)
• the “Euro standard” which sets the maximum polluting emissions threshold for new vehicles.

The most polluting vehicles, i.e. those registered before December 31, 1996, are not classified and cannot obtain an air quality certificate. The green sticker is intended for 100% electric vehicles and hydrogen vehicles.

Is the Crit’Air vignette compulsory?

The Crit’Air sticker is obligatory to circulate in the mobility low emission zones (ZFE-m) established by local authorities such as large urban areas (Grenoble, Lyon, Paris, etc.) or to circulate when the prefect introduces differentiated circulation during pollution episodes.

Do you need a Crit’Air sticker in Paris?

To be able to drive in Paris, a Crit’Air vignette is mandatory. A mobility low emission zone (ZFE-m) is in effect for the city of Paris.

► For light vehicles / light commercial vehicles / motorized 2 wheelers : are allowed only green Crit’Air vignettes or 1 or 2 or 3 from Monday to Friday (except public holidays) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
► For trucks/buses: Only green or 1 or 2 or 3 Crit’Air vignettes are authorized from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week.

►Since June 1, 2021, the categorized unclassified vehicles, Crit’Air 5 and Crit’Air 4 can no longer circulate throughout Paris, including the ring road and the woods (Vincennes and Boulogne) – A86 excluded – as part of the metropolitan low-emissions zone. Are thus prohibited:

• Motorized two-wheelers, tricycles and quadricycles in circulation before 1^er July 2004
• Diesel cars in circulation before 1^er January 2006
• Petrol cars in circulation before 1^er January 1997
• Diesel light commercial vehicles in circulation before 1^er January 2006
• Petrol light commercial vehicles in circulation before 1^er october 1997
• Diesel heavy goods vehicles in circulation before 1^er October 2009
• Petrol heavy goods vehicles in circulation before 1^er october 2001

Here is the procedure to follow to obtain your air quality certificate:

• Go on the site www.certificat-air.gouv.fr, provided with his gray card. The address on the document must be current before applying.
• Enter the requested information, in particular the registration number and its date of first entry into circulation.
• This process only takes a few minutes. After completing the form and checking the summary, place for payment and synthesis. The document will be sent by post to the address indicated.

Crit’Air 1, 2 or 3: which sticker for my vehicle?

The air quality certificate applies for all vehicles. This classification of vehicles is defined by the decree of June 21, 2016, in application of articles L.318-1 and R.318-2 of the highway code.

→ Class 1 (purple sticker) : concerns gas vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles: motorized two-wheelers, tricycles and quadricycles with the EURO 4 standard (from 1 January 2017 for motorcycles and 1 January 2018 for mopeds). As well as petrol cars and light commercial vehicles with the EURO 5 or 6 standard (from 1 January 2011); but also petrol trucks, buses and coaches with the EURO VI standard (from 1 January 2014).

→ Class 2 (yellow sticker) : concerns motorized two-wheelers, tricycles and quadricycles with the EURO 3 standard (from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2016 for motorcycles and December 31, 2017 for mopeds); diesel cars and light commercial vehicles with the EURO 5 and 6 standard (from January 1, 2011), petrol cars and light commercial vehicles with the EURO 4 standard (from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2010); diesel trucks, buses and coaches with the VI standard (from 1 January 2014) and gasoline vehicles with the EURO V standard (from 1 October 2009 to 31 December 2013).

→ Class 3 (orange sticker): concerns motorized two-wheelers, tricycles and quadricycles with the EURO 2 standard (from July 1, 2004 to December 31, 2006); diesel cars and light commercial vehicles with the EURO 4 standard (from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2010); cars and light utility vehicles with EURO 2 and 3 standards (from January 1, 1997 to December 31, 2005); heavy goods vehicles, buses and diesel coaches with the EURO V standard (from 1 October 2009 to 31 December 2013) and heavy goods vehicles, buses and petrol coaches with the EURO III and IV standards.

Are motorcycles affected by the Crit’Air sticker?

The air quality certificate applies for all vehicles, including motorcycles.

• Crit’Air: 100% electric and hydrogen motorcycles
• Crit’Air 1: 2 Euro 4 wheels
• Crit’Air 2: 2 Euro 3 wheels
• Crit’Air 3: 2 Euro 2 wheels
• Crit’Air 4: 2 wheels without standard from June 2000 to June 2004

How long is the Crit’Air sticker valid for?

Once issued, the air quality certificate remains valid throughout the life of the vehicle.

What is the price of the sticker?

In France, the sticker costs €3.11 + €0.59 for postage including €3.70 in total.

Sources:

Air quality certificates: Crit’AirGovernment, 7 June 2022

Obtain your air quality certificateMinistry of Ecological Transition.