What are Crit’ Air stickers?
A Crit’ Air sticker is a round sticker that categorises your vehicle on the level of emissions it produces.
What have Crit’ Air stickers got to do with pollution?
The purpose of the Crit’ Air scheme is to reduce emissions from vehicles driving in certain areas of France.
The stickers are used to regulate access to ZFE zones during periods of high pollution.
The system allows the French authorities to implement temporary driving restrictions based on pollution levels and a vehicle’s Crit’ Air emissions category.
Do I need a Crit’ Air sticker to drive in France
If you want to drive in low-emission zones in France (known as ZFEs) you will need a Crit’ Air sticker.
From 2025, all towns with a population of 150,000 or more must implement a Low Emissions Mobility Zone. These include:
- Paris
- Lyon
- Aix-Marseille
- Toulouse
- Nice
- Montpellier
- Strasbourg
- Grenoble
- Rouen
- Reims
- Saint-Étienne
- Clermont-Ferrand
If you plan to drive to or through one of these areas, you must display a Crit’ Air certificate on the lower right-hand side of your windscreen and adhere to Crit’ Air signage.
Otherwise, you could face a fine of up to €135.
There are six different Crit’ Air sticker colours:
- Green: Zero-emission electric and hydrogen vehicles
- Purple: Plug-in/hybrid vehicles and Euro 5 / 6 petrol vehicles.
- Yellow: Euro 4 petrol vehicles and Euro 5 / 6 diesel vehicles
- Orange: Euro 2 / 3 petrol vehicles and Euro 4 diesel vehicles
- Burgundy: Euro 3 diesel vehicles
- Grey: Euro 2 diesel vehicles
Can I buy a Crit’ Air sticker in the UK?
You will need to buy a Crit’ Air sticker from the French government website. Don’t be tempted to use an intermediary site, as many of these charge much more.
It can take between 10 days and six weeks for your sticker to arrive. So, make sure you apply for it well before you travel to France.
When you apply, you will need to upload a copy of your V5C log book or VE103 form and authorisation letter.
How much is a Crit’ Air sticker?
A Crit’ Air sticker costs €3.11 + €1.80 postage outside France (i.e. €4.91 per vehicle). The same fee applies to all vehicles.
After applying, you will receive a confirmation email and an invoice with proof of your application and the classification of your vehicle.
Once you receive your sticker, it is valid for the life of the vehicle and does not expire.
How does the Crit’ Air system work?
Time restrictions apply to the Crit’ Air system. It is usually in force between 8 am and 8 pm, Monday to Friday. Look out for Crit’ Air signage as you approach low-emission zones.
Choosing an electric lease car means you won’t be subject to Crit’ Air restrictions when driving in France.
What happens if I don’t display a valid Crit’ Air sticker?
If you don’t display a Crit’ Air sticker, you could be fined up to €135.
If you drive a non-compliant vehicle within a Crit’ Air restricted driving zone, you could also receive a fine.
