Low-emission zones in France (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: France has a national framework with local low-emission zones (ZFE-m), 25 of which are in force. Vehicles need a Crit'Air sticker, including foreign-registered ones, and each zone decides which classes are banned. A vehicle that is not allowed or has no sticker risks a fine of up to EUR 450, usually a fixed EUR 68.

RuleWhat applies
Type of schemeDriving in a low-emission zoneFrance has a national framework and local zones. Low-emission zones (ZFE-m) are created by the mayor or the head of the inter-municipal body. Vehicles are classed with the Crit'Air sticker, which has six classes. [1]
Where the zones areDriving in a low-emission zoneThe national portal says 25 zones are in force in mainland France. They include Paris (Métropole du Grand Paris), Lyon, Lille, Marseille (Aix-Marseille-Provence), Toulouse, Bordeaux, Nantes, Strasbourg, Nice, Rennes, Montpellier, Grenoble and Rouen, among others listed on the portal. [2]
Which vehicles may enterDriving in a low-emission zoneEvery vehicle in a ZFE needs a Crit'Air sticker, and each ZFE decides which classes are banned. In the Paris and Lyon zones the law requires restrictions at least for cars of Crit'Air 3 and worse (diesel first registered before 1 January 2011, petrol before 1 January 2006). [1]
Foreign vehicles: sticker or registrationDriving in a low-emission zoneThe Crit'Air sticker is required in a ZFE for all vehicles. For a vehicle registered abroad it can be ordered only online, on the official site. [3]
FineDriving in a low-emission zoneDriving in a ZFE with a vehicle that is not allowed, or without a Crit'Air sticker, can bring a fine of up to EUR 450. In general it is a fixed fine of EUR 68. [3]

Notes

  • The law requires a zone in some larger urban areas, but each zone sets its own days, hours and vehicle classes.
  • The portal also says that, since 1 January 2025, new zones have been created. Zone perimeters often cover only part of an urban area.
  • The sticker is also required when a prefect orders alternating circulation during a pollution episode.

Sources

  1. Entreprendre.Service-Public.gouv.fr (Direction de l'information légale et administrative): Circuler en zone à faibles émissions mobilité (ZFE ou ZFE-m) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  2. Ministère de la Transition écologique (Mieux respirer en ville): Zones ZFE effective en France | Se Déplacer | Mieux Respirer en Ville (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  3. Service-Public.fr (Direction de l'information légale et administrative): Vignette ou pastille Crit'Air (certificat qualité de l'air) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.