Paris could soon ban diesel cars after the city won a court ruling against the European Commission’s decision to relax emissions laws.
The French capital, along with Madrid and Brussels, lodged the case against the Commission claiming the laws wouldn’t allow them to enact new clean air initiatives.
The General Court in Luxembourg sided with the three European capitals, stating that the Commission had overreached its authority by changing emissions laws.

Instant cover available
- 24/7 rescue at the roadside
- Help to get home if your vehicle can't be fixed
- 5 star Defaqto rated cover
*Price is based on European comprehensive breakdown cover for a 14 day trip, in a vehicle up to 1 year old, travelling in zone 1.
The Commission had previously increased the amount of nitrogen oxides (NOx) allowed in emissions, to give carmakers longer to adapt to new tests introduced following the 2015 diesel emissions test scandal.
But the three cities argued the change would see greater levels of harmful air pollution, claiming the new standards weren’t tough enough on manufacturers and went against EU human rights laws.
In a statement, the court said: “The General Court upholds the actions brought by the cities of Paris, Brussels and Madrid and annuls in part the Commission's regulations setting excessively high oxides of nitrogen emission limits for the tests for new light passenger and commercial vehicles.”
Paris already has restrictions in place to limit harmful air pollution, including a low emissions zone banning petrol and diesel cars registered before 1997 between 8am and 8pm on weekdays.
Since 2016, motorists in Paris and some other French cities are also required to display a clean air sticker on their windscreen to identify their vehicle’s emissions levels.
The sticker, called a Crit’Air vignette, costs just €3 but failing to have one could see motorists hit with an on-the-spot fine of around £120.
If you’re planning a trip to Paris, then make sure you check out the RAC’s complete guide to driving in France and stay on the right side of the law.
Copyright Press Association 2018. Motoring News articles do not reflect the RAC's views unless clearly stated.
You might also like
Video

Euro 1 to Euro 7 guide – find out your vehicle's emissions standard
Use our Euro emissions standards checker for your vehicle. Find out what Euro engine emissions standard your car is, and what you have to pay.
Video

Channel Tunnel - car and driving video guide
Allow us at the RAC to guide you through everything you need to know about taking a car through the Channel Tunnel from the south of England to northern France.

Driving abroad in 2025? Be prepared, take out European Breakdown Cover
Find out why it's important to take out RAC's European breakdown cover before you go on a driving holiday abroad, and what the cost might be without it.

Driving from London to Paris
There are many ways to travel between these two great cities. Don’t set off in your car before you’ve read our guide to driving from London to Paris.
Video

Driving in Europe checklist | Advice and tips
A European travel checklist to help plan for your trip and keep you safe and on the right side of the law while you are away.
Popular in News
1
Car buyers to save thousands as EV grant returns
2
Private parking companies issue a record 14.4m tickets to drivers in a single year
3
Drivers fined £1m from just 36 yellow box junctions in 2024
4
Road deaths on the rise in Great Britain
5
Private parking industry urged to publish ‘full and transparent’ complaints and appeals data
6
Drivers now able to search for new home that comes with EV chargers
7
Leicester’s Sean Kimberlin named as RAC Mobile Mechanic of the Year
8
Number of drivers caught using unroadworthy vehicles jumps by 52% in a year
9
Warning to drivers across the UK over fake parking apps
10