British drivers heading to France are advised by the RAC that driving without a French 'clean air' sticker, called a Crit'Air vignette – which costs as little as €4.18 – makes them culpable for an on-the-spot fine of up to £117.
French 'clean air' stickers (Crit'Air vignettes) - Your questions answered
- What are the French 'clean air' stickers?
- Why have they been introduced?
- What areas and vehicles do they affect?
- How much will it cost me, and where do I buy them?
- What happens if I don't buy one?
5* Comprehensive European Breakdown Cover
We have been helping motorists in Europe for over 100 years so we know how stressful it can be when your car breaks down.
French 'clean air' stickers (Crit'Air vignettes)
What are the French 'clean air' stickers?
The French clean air stickers - called Crit'Air vignettes - are part of a six-category sticker system that applies to all motor vehicles in certain areas to identify what emissions they produce.
The six categories have six colours that denote how heavily polluting the vehicle is according to its Euro emissions standard, ranging from green (Crit’Air 1, electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles) for the cleanest, to dark grey/black (Crit’Air 6 mostly older, diesel cars) for the dirtiest.
Why have they been introduced?
The system has been introduced to reduce harmful vehicle emissions. So either according to a set schedule, or on certain days when a location is at risk of dangerously-high levels of air pollution, vehicles can be refused entrance based on the Crit’Air sticker they are displaying on the windscreen.
What areas and vehicles do they affect?
As of summer 2017, the stickers are currently in use in Paris, Lyon, Grenoble and Lille. Between now and 2020, it is expected that some 25 areas will take part in the scheme, with the RAC anticipating Bordeaux and Strasbourg to join in before the end of 2017.
Paris is operating a permanent scheme that applies to every weekday (not during the night or at weekends). Lyon, Grenoble and Lille currently have emergency schemes, meaning they can impose restrictions on vehicles if pollution is expected to reach a particular level.
The Crit’Air initiatives applies to all cars, motorbikes and lorries and affects both French residents and foreign drivers - although if you have a particularly old car that does not conform to any emissions standards, you won't be eligible for a vignette and you won't be permitted to drive your vehicle during those times when restrictions are imposed.
It is also worth noting that the Crit'Air scheme also applies to disabled vehicle owners.
How much do they cost and where do I buy them?
Prices for stickers for foreign-registered vehicles have been set at €4.80 per vignette (as of 1 February 2017).
You can apply online for a sticker via the official Crit’Air website.
You will need to know your vehicle’s European Emissions Standard - you can research your car's European Emissions Standard using our helpful table but if you are unsure contact your vehicle manufacturer. If your car doesn't meet any emissions standard, you can't apply for a vignette and you will not be permitted to drive when restrictions are in force.
You will also need to upload an image or take a scan of your vehicle's V5C registration form. This must be uploaded in JPEG, PNG or PDF format and the file size must be under 400KB. If the image you take of your document is too large, you may need to use an image editor to reduce it to under 400KB. Converting an image to PDF format can also help to reduce the file size.
Important: The RAC is aware of non-official, third party websites selling Crit’Air vignettes for more than seven times more than the rate set by the French government – motorists should ensure they only buy a sticker through the official Crit’Air website.
Please be aware: The ordering process can, in some cases, take up to six weeks to be delivered, make sure you factor this in before you travel.
What happens if I don't buy one?
Fines of between €68 and €135 (between £59 and £117) are in place for vehicles that don't display an appropriate sticker and/or for those vehicles that are driven in set zones when they shouldn't.
The RAC understands that around 1 in 10 French vehicles are too old to get a sticker – with certain older models not even assigned a category. These cars are not permitted to drive in Paris between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Friday.
Models registered before 1997, motorbikes and scooters from before June 2000, and trucks and buses from before 2001 are the main offenders in terms of emissions.
If you are driving to France make sure read our driving in France advice page to brush up on other law changes and to find out exactly what documents you need to take with you.
Return to our driving abroad advice section
^ Price for 1 day cover for up to 9 people travelling in a vehicle up to 1 year old in Zone 1.
RAC European Breakdown cover arranged and administered by RAC Financial Services Limited (Registered No 05171817) and provided by RAC Insurance Ltd (Registered No 2355834). Registered in England; Registered Offices: RAC House, Brockhurst Crescent, Walsall WS5 4AW. RAC Financial Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of insurance mediation activities. RAC Insurance Ltd is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
