Will new 'no drive' zone in central Paris affect taxi journeys?

Reader Question: I often have a medical appointment at a hospital in Paris. I heard there are new driving limits in Paris – will taxi drivers be affected and if so, are the additional charges going to be put onto my final bill when travelling? 

You are talking about the new zone à trafic limité (ZTL) in some of Paris’ central arrondissements (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th). 

This came into force last week, and sees many vehicles (including electric vehicles) banned from driving in these areas. 

Read more: ZTL (limited traffic zone) in Paris: when will fines begin and how much?

Fines for non-compliance are not expected to begin until April 2025 currently, as a six-month ‘educational period’ is in place.

Some exemptions will exist

There are some exemptions for certain vehicles, including those of people that live and work in the area, people visiting friends who live in the area, or going shopping or visiting a cinema in the area. 

This is also the case for drivers with a carte mobilité inclusion (disabled person’s badge) or European mobility card, as well as people attending medical appointments and driving their own vehicles to the appointment. 

Drivers in this situation can also park in the area. 

In addition, public transport vehicles such as buses and taxis are exempt from the ban. 

This includes both traditional, licenced taxis, and official VTC (voiture de transport avec chauffeur) vehicles - minicabs - which includes Uber and Bolt, Paris’ mairie confirms on its website. 

Both firms require their drivers to undertake formalities (including a test) to obtain a VTC card. 

Finally, bikes and scooters (trottinettes) are not impacted by the change, and can continue to drive through the area.