Fine without Crit'Air: what does driving without a sticker cost?

Anyone who drives or parks in a French low-emission zone without a suitable Crit'Air sticker commits a traffic offence. The amount of the fine is set out in French road traffic law (Code de la route, Article R411-19-1).

Amount of the fines

Vehicle	Standard	If paid promptly	If paid late
Car, motorhome up to 3.5 t, van, motorbike	€68	€45	€180
Lorry, bus, coach	€135	€90	€375

No penalty points are given. The same fine can apply if a sticker is displayed that does not match the vehicle.

How are checks carried out?

In 2026, checks in France are mainly carried out by the police on the spot. Some cities are introducing cameras that read number plates automatically. How strictly the rules are enforced varies greatly from city to city:

• Greater Paris: 2026 is once again an "educational" year without fines; penalties are planned for 2027 at the earliest.
• Lyon: according to reports, cameras have also been used for enforcement since mid-2026.
• Montpellier: fines are suspended until 2027.

Regardless of routine checks: during smog driving bans (circulation différenciée), targeted checks are common.

Do foreign drivers have to pay?

Yes. If you are stopped, the fine can be collected on the spot. For offences detected by camera, EU countries exchange vehicle owner data. EU Directive 2024/3237 extends this exchange; it must be transposed by July 2027.

Common misunderstandings

• "The sticker is in the glovebox." That is not enough: the sticker must be stuck on and readable from outside.
• "But I have the German environmental sticker." It is not valid in France; only the Crit'Air counts there.
• "I'm only passing through." The rules apply to every journey and every stop or parking within the zone. Whether motorways or ring roads are exempt is decided by each city.
• "Outside the low-emission zone I'm safe." During air pollution episodes, driving bans can also apply outside the ZFE.
• "My car is new, it doesn't need anything." New cars and electric cars also need a sticker – electric cars need the green Crit'Air 0.

How to avoid the fine

Order the sticker before your trip and stick it clearly visible on the windscreen. A sticker costs only a fraction of the fine and has no expiry date. You can order the Crit'Air sticker here.