Everything you need to know about Crit’Air stickers in France

When planning to drive to France, it might be worth considering purchasing a Crit'Air sticker (Air Quality Emissions Certificate).

What is a Crit’ Air sticker?

A Crit’ Air sticker is a round sticker you place in the windscreen of your car. It categorizes your vehicle based on the level of emissions it produces.

The certificate was introduced in order to lower emissions from vehicles travelling to specific areas in France.

Do I need a Crit’ Air sticker to drive in France?

You will need a Crit’ Air sticker to drive in low emission zones in France. These are known as ZFE’s. As of 2024, the following locations are ZFE’s: 

• Aix-Marseille-Provence region 
• Bordeaux
• Clermont-Ferrand
• Grenoble
• Lille
• Lyon
• Nice
• Marseille
• Montpellier
• Paris
• Reims
• Rouen
• Strasbourg
• Saint-Étienne
• Toulouse

Depending on the area, these may operate with a permanent or a partial ban on traffic. From 2025, all towns with a population of 150,000 people or above will have to implement a Low Emissions Mobility Zone.

Can I drive to France without a Crit’ Air sticker?

You should only drive to France without a Crit’ Air sticker if you will not be driving to - or through - any of the low emission zones outlined above.

Do I need a Crit’ Air sticker for Disneyland® Paris?

This will depend on the route you take. The attraction itself isn’t within a ZTE zone. You should plan your route to Disneyland® Paris carefully and consider buying a Crit’ Air sticker to be on the safe side!

Avoid fines and keep your holiday stress-free by ensuring you have a Crit’ Air sticker.

Is the Certificate mandatory?

If your plan is to drive to or through one of these restricted areas, the answer is ‘Yes’. Your sticker must be displayed clearly in the windscreen of your vehicle, otherwise you may find yourself with a fine of up to €135.

Which Crit’ Air sticker do I need?

There are 6 different certificate types which come in the form of a sticker. Which sticker you will need will depend on your vehicle’s emissions.

When purchasing your certificate you must make sure you are aware of your Vehicle Category and your Euro Type Approval Classification which can both be found on your Registration Document.

The sticker categories are:

• Green Crit’ Air sticker: Zero emission electric and hydrogen vehicles
• Purple Crit’ Air sticker: Plug-in/ Hybrid vehicles and Euro 5/6 petrol vehicles
• Yellow Crit’ Air sticker: Euro 4 petrol vehicles and Euro 5/6 diesel vehicles
• Orange Crit’ Air sticker: Euro 2/3 petrol vehicles and Euro 4 diesel vehicles
• Burgundy Crit’ Air sticker: Euro 3 diesel vehicles
• Grey Crit’ Air sticker: Euro 2 diesel vehicles

Make sure you order the correct sticker for your car

Can I buy a Crit’ Air sticker in the UK?

You should buy a Crit’ Air sticker from the official French Government website.

Purchasing the certificate from another source may cost you more and you should be cautious of middlemen and fraudulent sites.

If you are driving from the UK in a UK registered car, you can not buy your Crit’ Air sticker from a shop in France so it’s important to order it in plenty of time for your trip!

Can I buy a Crit’ Air sticker at Eurotunnel?

No. You cannot buy your Crit’ Air sticker from LeShuttle (formerly Eurotunnel LeShuttle). You should purchase your Crit’ Air sticker from the official French Government website.

How much is a Crit’ Air sticker?

Crit’ Air stickers cost €3.11 + €1.65 postage if you are registering a vehicle outside France.

How to get a Crit’ Air sticker quickly?

It can take between 10 days and six weeks for your Crit’ Air sticker to arrive so it’s important to factor this in when you plan you trip. Include this task in your pre-travel checklist to stay organised.

Where should I display the Crit’ Air sticker?

You should display your Crit’ Air sticker in the lower right-hand side of your windscreen.

How long does a Crit’ Air sticker last?

Crit’ Air stickers do not expire. They are valid for the entire life of your vehicle.