Low-emission zones in France (ZFE): where do I need the Crit'Air sticker?

In France, low-emission zones are called ZFE (zones à faibles émissions). Anyone wishing to drive a car, motorhome, motorbike or lorry there needs the Crit'Air sticker – including with a foreign number plate. The German environmental sticker (Umweltplakette) is not recognised in France.

Two cases in which the sticker is required

1. Permanent low-emission zones (ZFE): the city decides which Crit'Air classes may drive in an area at certain times.
2. Driving restrictions during air pollution episodes (circulation différenciée): during smog, the prefecture can ban vehicles of certain classes at short notice – even outside a ZFE. Only vehicles with a suitable sticker may then drive.

Do the low-emission zones still exist?

Yes. In April 2026 the French Parliament voted to abolish the ZFEs. However, on 21 May 2026 the Constitutional Council (Conseil constitutionnel) struck out this provision because it did not belong in that law. The law was promulgated without it. A new attempt at abolition did not come to a vote in October 2026. As of November 2026, the low-emission zones therefore remain in force. Politically, however, the issue is still open – please check the current situation before you travel.

The most important cities (as of November 2026)

• Paris and Greater Paris (inside the A86 ring motorway): vehicles with Crit'Air 3, 4, 5 and unclassified vehicles are restricted – cars and two-wheelers on weekdays from 8:00 to 20:00, lorries and buses every day. For 2026 the Métropole du Grand Paris has once again decided not to issue fines; penalties are planned for 2027 at the earliest.
• Lyon: only vehicles with Crit'Air 0, 1 and 2 may still drive and park in the ZFE.
• Grenoble: for cars and two-wheelers, Crit'Air 3, 4, 5 and unclassified vehicles are restricted on weekdays from 7:00 to 19:00 in 13 municipalities; a separate, larger zone applies to vans and lorries.
• Strasbourg: Crit'Air 4, 5 and unclassified vehicles are excluded. Under the current proposal, the ban on Crit'Air 3 is not due until 1/1/2028.
• Montpellier: the zone includes Crit'Air 3; fines are suspended until 2027.

Many other cities (for example Marseille, Toulouse, Nice or Rouen) have their own zones with differing rules. The French government provides an overview on ecologie.gouv.fr; each city publishes its exact boundaries, times and exemptions itself.

Exemptions for tourists?

There is no general exemption for foreign vehicles. Some cities offer day passes or exemptions – such as the "Pass ZFE 24h" in Greater Paris. Without a sticker, a vehicle is always treated as unclassified.

Tip: order your sticker in good time, as delivery abroad can take two to three weeks. Ordering takes only a few minutes.