Sprache wechseln
A number of cities in France have enforced environmental zones for some time and they can only be driven into with a valid Crit’Air-Vignette (air quality certificate). Starting on January 1st 2023, there are legislative changes:
- The number of environmental zones is being steadily increased
- Zones can only be entered with a French environmental zone sticker
- Fines for violation lie between € 68 and € 375
WHO NEEDS THE CRIT’AIR-VIGNETTE
Any vehicle entering a French environmental zone must display a valid vignette. The vignette applies to all zones across the country, including sporadic zones (enforced during environmental alarms). A vignette is not required outside of the zones.
For vehicles from Germany: the German Umweltplakette does not fill the legislative requirements in France.
WHO CAN APPLY FOR THE CRIT’AIR-VIGNETTE
- Cars registered for the first time after 31.12.1996
- Motorcycles, trikes and light quads first registered after 01.06.2000
- Light goods vehicles up to 3,5 tons first registered after 30.09.1997
- HGVs and busses first registered after 01.10.2001
The vignette will not be issued for vehicles older than those listed above and they will not permitted to drive into the environmental zones without an applicable special exemption.
If the Euro standard is not indicated on your registration certificate, please consult the vehicle classification table.
MOTORHOMES AND HISTORIC VEHICLES
Motorhomes up to 3.5 tons are treated the same as cars. Motorhomes with a maximum gross vehicle weight above 3,5 tons are treated as HGVs.
As far as historic vehicles are concerned, the only exception applies solely to Paris and only for historic vehicles registered in France with a Carte Rise de Collection (Vehicle de Collection).
For vehicles from Germany: According to the French Federation of Vintage Cars (FFVE) the same exemption also applies to German historic cars registered with an H- number plate. For individual inquiries and requests in this regard, interested parties should contact directly the Prefecture of Police in Paris.
There are currently no other exceptions for historic vehicles in any other environmental zone.
PURCHASING THE CRIT’AIR-VIGNETTE
Even if your vehicle is registered outside of France, the Crit’Air-Vignette can only be ordered on the official website of the French Ministry of the Environment. The website is also in English and German. The vignette will be issued and sent to you by post.
When purchased on the official Website of the French Ministry of Environment, the Crit’Air-Vignettte costs € 4,51 including postage and packaging.
Other companies may also offer a service to apply for a vignette on your behalf and a surcharge may apply.
VALIDITY OF THE VIGNETTE AND WHERE IT NEEDS TO BE APPLIED
The Crit’Air-Vignette is vehicle-related and is valid for an unlimited period. If the registration number should change, you will need to apply for a new vignette.
The Crit’Air sticker is affixed to the inside of the windshield.
As far as motorcycles, trikes and quads without a fairing are concerned, the vignette must be adhered to a part that is firmly attached to the vehicle and clearly visible.
WHICH VIGNETTE IS VALID IN WHICH ZONE
Many French cities, regions and departments have reinforced environmental zones and differentiate between permanent and temporary zones.
Permanent restrictions apply to motor vehicles in the environmental zones ZFE (“zone à faible émission”) and ZCR (“zone de circulation restrainte”).
As far as the temporary environmental zones ZPA (“zone de protection de l’air”) and ZPAd (“zone de protection de l’air departementale”) are concerned, vignettes are compulsory even if restrictions only apply when the environmental alarm is sounded in response to specified pollutant limits being exceeded.
Anyone who wants to drive into affected cities with ZFE or ZCR or drive into a temporary environmental zone during an existing environmental alert must display the Crit’Air-Vignette.
If the vignette is not attached to the vehicle in accordance with the guidelines, fines will be issued. Fines lie between 68 and 375 euros, depending on the type of vehicle and the environmental zone.
DISCLAIMER
This post is informational and merely a guideline. @overlandeurope cannot be held responsible for its accuracy or for any costs/fines that may result from any legal proceedings related to the Crit’Air- Vignette.
Due to the continued expansion of the environmental zones and the tightening of regulations in existing zones, travellers to France are strongly advised to check the situation in the regions they plan to visit and purchase the Crit’Air-Vignette well in advance of the planned entry date.
