New limits on driving through central Paris came into effect on November 4 as an official traffic restriction zone (zone à trafic limité - ZTL) was put in place.
It has seen certain areas of the city in the central arrondissements closed to traffic, with the exception of emergency service vehicles, people living or working in the areas, and a handful of others.
The streets of Paris that are part of the new ZTL, making up most of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th arrondissementsVille de Paris
Drivers who would normally drive through the area to get to a destination elsewhere in the city will now need to go around rather than through it. If they do not comply they will risk a fine at a future date.
Those who have a justification for driving in the zone will need to show their reasoning (proof of address, proof of working, etc) to authorities.
Electric vehicles, however, are not automatically exempt and will still be subject to restrictions, unless the driver has a valid reason for passing through.
This is because the rules are not only in place for pollution reasons, but largely to minimise traffic congestion in the ZTL.
There will be signs – a white circle with a red border on a white background – informing drivers of where the restrictions begin. These have already been put up.
Will there be a fine for breaking the rules?
If you are caught driving through the ZTL without a justifiable reason, you risk a category 4 fine – €135.
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However, for the first six months of the scheme, an ‘educational period’ will be in place, meaning no fines will be handed out until April 2025.
Drivers breaking the rules will be informed of the changes and what they will need to do in the future to avoid repeating the offence.
Paris’ city council is yet to confirm the full, official list of documents, which will allow people to drive through the zone, nor how the future controls for the policy will work.
The latter is set to be carried out via video technology software, which will also need to be tested at some point, potentially extending the grace period for drivers who break the new rules.
It also likely means people who frequently drive through the area for a valid reason – such as living or working there – will need to confirm this to the authorities to prevent being picked up by the cameras.
