June 18, 2024

France Clean Air Sticker: What You Need To Know

As the desire and need for stronger implementation of pollution guidelines (particularly when it comes to motor vehicles), more and more government sanctions are being established globally. This includes the France clean air sticker which requires an identifying sticker on your vehicle at all times in established zones.

If you’ve driven in the UK and the London area in particular then you no doubt are at the very least aware of the Ultra Low Emission Zone in London or one of the many clean air zones outside London. Germany also have a similar scheme with their Umweltzones. If you’ve had experience with these zones then the French equivalent will come naturally. Still, there is plenty of confusion that can come, especially when it comes to renting a vehicle – fortunately, we’re here to help!

What Are The France Clean Air Stickers?

There are 6 classifications of stickers, ranging from 0 (a non-polluting vehicle) to 5 (a heavily polluting vehicle). These classifications are used to identify the severity of pollution that a vehicle produces. Each zone in France has their own minimum standard that a vehicle must abide by

Crit’Air 0

• All 100% electric and hydrogen vehicles

Crit’Air 1

• All Gas and plug-in hybrid vehicles
• Euro 5 / 6 petrol vehicles
• Euro 6 petrol HGVs
• Euro 6 Biodiesel HGVs
• Euro 4 / 5 two wheelers

Crit’Air 2

• Euro 4 petrol vehicles, Euro 5 petrol HGVs
• Euro 5 / 6 diesel vehicles, Euro 6 diesel HGVs
• Euro 3 two wheelers

Crit’Air 3

• Euro 2 / 3 Petrol Vehicles
• Euro 3 / 4 Petrol HGVs
• Euro 4 diesel vehicles / Euro 5 diesel HGVs
• Euro 5 Biodiesel HGVs
• Euro 2 two wheelers

Crit’Air 4

• Euro 3 diesel vehicles
• Euro 3 diesel HGVs
• Euro 4 Biodiesel HGVs
• 2 Wheel without standard from June 2000 to June 2004

Crit’Air 5

• Euro 2 diesel vehicles
• Euro 3 diesel HGVs
• Euro 3 Biodiesel HGVs

Which Towns And Cities Need A France Clean Air Sticker?

Currently, there are 9 zones established across the country with several others being established in the coming years. Those zones include:

• Marseille
• Clermont-Ferrand
• Grenoble
• Lyon
• Marseille
• Montpellier
• Paris
• Reims
• Rouen
• Strasbourg
• Toulouse

How Much Are France Clean Air Stickers?

If for example, you are travelling to France overseas or across the border, you can fix a sticker on your car yourself. You can first of all determine which sticker you need on the official government site. Once you are aware of which sticker you need for your travel, the official site has the option to buy one by postage for €3.77 (€3.11 for the sticker + €0.66 postage).

What Happens If I Don’t Have A Clean Air Sticker?

It’s very common for foreign travellers to simply overlook the clean air zones; not your fault! But if you’ve read this far you can say for certain you’re better prepared than most. However, for those that don’t have a sticker, even if the car is compliant, you will be subject to a fine between €68 and €135.

However, if you are concerned about getting a sticker, we can offer a simpler option with a car hire in France. All of the cars our suppliers provide are less than 18 months old and come with a sticker already displayed! This is true for any type of vehicle you rent. Whether it’s arranging an SUV car hire or a van hire in France. You may even be interested in electric car hire, we even have a blog on this topic!

What Else To Know About Driving in France?

It goes without saying that France has so much to offer any traveller. Adventure awaits around every turn, all that’s left is for you to see it. But there is still the question of where you can start. If you’re asking us, we strongly recommend visiting the French Riviera with our top 10 guide.

Contact Us

Of course, though there may be some questions and concerns regarding what is possible and when we have been able to support other customers in this regard, feel free to contact us or send us an email at [email protected] and call us at +44 (0)113 880 0748.