Emissions

When planning to drive to France, it might be worth considering purchasing a Crit'Air (Air Quality Emissions Certificate). The certificate was introduced in order to lower emissions from vehicles travelling to specific areas in France. Several cities in France have introduced permanent low emissions zones, known as ZCRs, which require vehicles to have a Crit'Air sticker. As of 2024, the following locations have ZCRs: 

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

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 certificate do I need?

There are 6 different certificate types which come in the form of a sticker (each type dependent 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.

How much is the certificate?

It is important to obtain your certificate (sticker) from the official government website, for which prices start at just €3.70, plus postage. Purchasing the certificate from another source may cost you more.