Driving in certain French cities or at particular times of the year can cost you dearly if you have not affixed this sticker to your car or motorcycle.
Since 2017, Low Emission Zones (ZFEs) have multiplied in French cities. Their objective ? Fight against air pollution by limiting the circulation of the most polluting vehicles, particularly the oldest. To travel in a ZFE, it is mandatory to have a Crit’air sticker affixed to the windshield of your vehicle. This sticker, classified from 0 to 5 depending on the level of engine emissions, allows the authorities to identify the vehicles authorized to circulate in these zones, the code 0 corresponding to electric cars, which emit no gas.
The Crit’air sticker is not essential to travel on most roads, particularly in the countryside. But it is obligatory for traveling in ZFEs established by communities as well as in certain urban areas when the prefect establishes differentiated traffic during episodes of peak pollution. Even if you do not live in an ZFE, you are affected by this regulation if you plan to cross an ZFE, whether for personal or professional reasons.
And be careful: traveling without a Crit’air sticker in an ZFE can cost you dearly! The fixed fine for non-compliance with Crit’air regulations amounts to 68 euros. It can be reduced to 45 euros if you pay immediately, but also increased up to 180 euros in the event of late payment! In addition, all vehicles are concerned: whether you are driving a car, a motorcycle or a utility vehicle, the Crit’air regulations apply to you. And the fine for violations is the same. It is even 135 euros by default for heavy goods vehicles and coaches! Checks are becoming more and more frequent and will soon be automated to more easily sanction offenders. Finally, note that in the event of an infraction, your vehicle may be immobilized by the police and even impounded: a very rare sanction, fortunately.
Also, don’t tempt the devil and to avoid any risk of a fine, ask for your Crit’air sticker now if you don’t already have one. The procedure is simple, quick, and the same for everyone. You must order online, at the official government website, by providing you with your registration certificate (commonly called a “grey card”). The operation only takes a few minutes, the cost is 3.72 euros per vehicle (shipping included). and you receive your sticker a few days later directly to the address indicated on the registration certificate.
However, be wary of the many fraudulent sites and make sure you order your Crit’air sticker on the official website because many scammers take advantage of the situation to scam motorists who are poorly informed about the procedure.