What is the latest on Crit’Air car pollution stickers in France?
If low-emission zones disappear, will cars in France still need Crit’Air stickers?
Ultimately, ZFEs and the Crit’Air systems both remain in place…for now
GERARD BOTTINO/Shutterstock
On May 28, 2025 MPs in France voted to abolish low-emission zones as part of efforts to “simplify economic life”, prompting questions about what will happen to Crit’Air stickers once the law comes into force.
MPs approved the bill to abolish low-emission zones (zones à faibles émissions, ZFEs) in the first reading of the text.
However, there are multiple factors that mean the bill does not necessarily signal the end of Crit’Air stickers or systems. There are currently no plans to abolish the Crit’Air scheme.
Factors that support this include:
1. The bill has not yet come into force
Before it can become law, the bill to abolish ZFEs will need to be reviewed by a joint committee of MPs and Senators, and confirmed again by MPs.
It will then need to be positively validated by the Conseil constitutionnel (constitutional council). The latter can change or throw out the text if council members believe the bill does not comply with the constitution.
However, this has not yet happened, and the process is currently on hold due to the fall of the Bayrou government (in September 2025), and the ministerial changes that have happened since.
2. Crit’Air stickers are a separate system to ZFEs
The Crit’Air system, which allocates a rating from 0 to 5 to all vehicles depending on how polluting they are, pre-dates the introduction of ZFEs across much of France. Electric cars are rated a 0, while combustion vehicles are rated 1 to 5. The more polluting the vehicle, the higher the number it is given.
Failure to display a sticker can lead to a fine of €68, rising to €135 in some cases.
Currently, ZFEs are related to Crit’Air stickers in that they are often the zones in which traffic restrictions and Crit’Air rules apply (e.g. vehicles with poor Crit’Air ratings cannot drive in ZFEs during peak pollution days or times).
For example, vehicles with Crit'Air 3 or higher ratings are now banned from driving in the ZFEs and restricted zones in Paris, Lyon, Montpellier and Grenoble. So far, 26 urban areas in France have a ZFE in place.
Nantes, Strasbourg, Lille, and Rennes are among the cities set to introduce the same restrictions on Crit’Air 3 and above by the beginning of next year (2026).
However, every vehicle needs a sticker, whether or not they drive in ZFEs. This means that even if all ZFEs were to disappear, Crit’Air stickers would not necessarily do so.
Other rules on pollution and heavy vehicles – such as those in place regarding SUVs and large lorries in Paris – are also likely to remain in place regardless of what happens with ZFEs.
3. ZFE abolition is not about abandoning environmental goals
The proposed abolition of ZFEs is, according to the bill, intended to “simplify economic life” for the public. It is not (proponents say, although some critics disagree) a means to stall environmental progress or go back on goals that aim to improve air pollution and road safety.
These goals are still very likely to remain in place in cities that have ZFEs even if the zones disappear. In either scenario, vehicles are still unlikely to be able to drive in the centre of cities and towns without any conditions or restrictions.
Large cities (such as Paris and Lyon) are also likely to be exempt from any repeal of ZFEs, and choose to keep their zones in place, because their rules are often implemented via local municipal decree, and tied to specific air quality goals in the given city.
Combating air pollution is a common discussion point in France. A 2021 study by health authority Santé publique France estimated that “mortality linked to ambient air pollution remains a significant risk in France, with 40,000 deaths attributable each year to fine particles”.
4. The abolition of ZFEs may meet fierce opposition
If ZFEs were to be formally abolished, it is not clear if this could remain in place indefinitely. France could face severe penalties from the European Union if the latter found that the policy was in breach of its air pollution and environmental standards.
Environmental campaigners are also likely to mount strong opposition to changes.
Similarly, drivers may be given longer deadlines to adapt to the rules, or there could be different regulations for business vehicles than individual cars.
Ultimately, ZFEs and the Crit’Air systems both remain in place. Drivers in France must still display a Crit’Air air quality vignette where required and obey ZFE rules.
