Do drivers need a different ‘Crit’Air’ sticker for each French city?
Zones limit which vehicles can pass through and are in place across France
Tourists as well as residents require these if driving through a low emissions zone
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Reader Question: I am planning to drive through France, including Montpellier, Nice, and Marseille. I know all of these cities have low-emissions zones in place, do I need an individual Crit’Air sticker for each one?
The Crit’Air stickers to which you are referring are mandatory badges to be displayed on your vehicle if driving through any of France’s low-emissions zones (Zones à faibles émissions or ZFEs).
The stickers show the pollution level of your vehicle. Depending on the emissions the vehicle emits it may be banned from driving within certain areas.
Read more: A guide to Crit’Air stickers in France
Currently, 12 ZFEs are in place across France, in cities including Paris, Nice, Lyon, Marseille, and Toulouse. Note in some lists Paris and Grand Paris (the Parisian suburbs) are listed separately, bringing the total to 13.
Read more: 2024 MAP: Where are France’s clean air driving zones? What are rules?
In theory all towns and cities with a population of 100,000 or more are supposed to implement a ZFE by January 2025. However this seems unlikely as many local authorities oppose it.
Many cities with a ZFE already in place have their own specific rules meaning the restrictions are not the same everywhere.
If you are planning to drive through a ZFE, you should check on local government websites to see if your vehicle is restricted.
One sticker covers all zones
Despite this, you only need one sticker for your vehicle which covers you when driving though any ZFE within the country, subject to local variations as said.
Stickers are required for both residents and visitors, who must display them on their vehicle (either in the windscreen for a car, or on a visible spot for a motorcycle) before driving into a low emissions zone.
Be aware there are a number of sites offering assistance to obtain a sticker however the only official place to purchase one is via the official government website here.
Stickers cost €3.11 plus postage (the cost of which varies depending on if you live in France or internationally).
Read more: Air pollution improvement: Three French cities can ease car ban rules
