What is a Crit’Air sticker?
A Comprehensive Guide
If you are wondering what a Crit’Air sticker is, the guide below will tell you everything you need to know.
What are Crit'Air stickers?
Crit’Air stickers are French emissions vignettes that were introduced in 2017 as part of France’s initiative to manage vehicle emissions and improve air quality.
Crit’Air stickers, or air quality certificates, are colour-coded vignettes that indicate a vehicle’s emissions level according to European standards. There are six main categories, each represented by a different colour and number. The categories range from green (least polluting) to grey (most polluting). These stickers allow authorities to regulate and restrict traffic, especially in Low Emission Zones (LEZ) and during high pollution periods.
They are required at all times for some cities, and during specific periods for others. During enforcement periods, only cars with certain stickers are allowed to drive into or through the city. The aim is to discourage the use of the most polluting vehicles.
The certificate/vignette is a circular sticker which the driver needs to stick to the lower right-hand corner of the windscreen, in a manner that ensures it is visible to cameras and enforcement officers. The sticker remains valid for the lifetime of the vehicle unless it is damaged.
Driving into France from the UK without a valid ‘clean air’ sticker can lead to a fine of up to €750 (increased in 2025).
Crit’Air stickers may also be referred to as ‘clean air’ or ‘air quality’ certificates, vignettes or stickers, or in French, “certificat qualite de l’air”.
If you are wondering what a Crit’Air sticker is, the guide below will tell you everything you need to know.
Why are Crit'Air stickers important?
Crit’Air stickers are part of France’s broader strategy to improve air quality and reduce health risks associated with pollution. They are especially crucial in large cities like Paris, Lyon, and Grenoble, where air quality can be a significant concern. These stickers enable:
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- Traffic Regulation: Authorities can restrict access to certain areas based on the Crit’Air category, especially during high pollution periods.
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- Environmental Zones: Low Emission Zones (Zones à Faibles Émissions or ZFE) use Crit’Air stickers to control which vehicles can enter. Non-compliant vehicles can face fines.
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- Encouragement of Clean Vehicles: Incentives for purchasing cleaner vehicles, as these often qualify for unrestricted access.
Do I need a Crit'Air sticker if I'm driving to France from the UK?
Yes.
Foreign-registered vehicles (cars, lorries and motorbikes) also need a valid sticker. Order it well in advance to ensure it arrives in time. You’ll receive a digital copy which you can use if you don’t receive the physical sticker in time for your trip.
What if I don't have a valid sticker?
Failing to display a Crit’Air sticker in restricted zones can result in fines ranging from €68 to €750 (this has been increased for 2025).
Cameras have been installed to automatically check vehicles (“contrôle sanction automatisé”) to monitor compliance in the Low Emissions Zones.
How long does a Crit'Air sticker last?
Crit’Air stickers are valid for the lifetime of the vehicle, however if yours becomes lost or damaged a new one must be ordered.
Don’t try to remove it from your windscreen – it is likely to get damaged in the process and you’ll need a replacement Crit’Air sticker.
Can I get a digital Crit'Air sticker?
Yes! You will receive a pdf version of the sticker within a few days of placing your order .
Where can I buy a Crit'Air sticker in the UK?
Buying a Crit’Air sticker online is easy. You can order your official Crit’Air sticker here.
All you need is your V5C vehicle registration document (or VE103B Vehicle on Hire certificate for leased cars).
You do not need to know your Euro emissions standard, date of first registration etc when applying.
As long as you upload your V5C or VE103B, we will do the rest.
Using our simple ordering form you can upload an image of up to 20MB. If you have any trouble during the ordering process you can contact us and we will do our best to assist you.
Can I get a Crit'Air sticker for my classic car?
Vehicles registered before January 1997 and motorbikes before June 2000 cannot enter these zones and thus do not need stickers.
How do I get a Crit'Air sticker for a leased car?
If you are leasing your car, simply upload a photo of your VE103B Vehicle on Hire certificate and order your Crit’Air sticker as normal.
Do I need a Crit'Air sticker for a rental car?
No, this is the responsibility of the rental company. When you pick up your car, check that there is a Crit’Air sticker in the windscreen.
Where are Crit'Air stickers required?
Crit’Air stickers are mandatory in most major cities and regions during certain high-pollution periods. Vehicle access is controlled according to the sticker category.
New and updated regulations have been brought in for 2025. Click here for up-to date information on each city/town.
Different cities have specific rules and it’s important to check local regulations before traveling.
What areas are affected?
There are two types of zones: permanent low emission zones (ZCRs – Zone à Circulation Restreinte) and temporary low emission zones (ZPAs – Zones de Protection de l’Air).
ZCR – certain vehicles (shown on the sign) will not be allowed in at any time, as displayed on the signs
ZPA – certain vehicles will not be allowed in, but only during times of operation, which would be at times of high-pollution.
In Paris, all diesel vehicles produced before 2006 are banned between 8am to 8pm.
You may also see the zones referred to as Zones à Faibles Émissions (ZFE), French for Low Emissions Zones (LEZ).
How do I know if I'm in a Crit'Air zone?
As you enter and exit the zones you will see the following signs:
Sign at zone entry
Sign at zone entry
Sign showing which vehicles are allowed into the zone
You can check Urban Access Regulations in Europe for more information on all areas of Europe that have low emissions regulations.
The six Crit'Air categories:
Vehicles are assigned one of six coloured sticker reflecting their pollution level, according to its Euro emissions standard:
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- Crit’Air 0/E (Green): Zero-emission electric and hydrogen vehicles. Generally allowed to drive in all zones, including during high pollution periods.
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- Crit’Air 1 (Purple): Plug-in hybrids and Euro 5/6 petrol vehicles registered after January 1, 2011. Permitted in most zones and during various pollution alerts.
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- Crit’Air 2 (Yellow): Euro 4 petrol and Euro 5/6 diesel vehicles registered after January 1, 2011, and gasoline vehicles registered between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2010. Generally allowed in low emission zones but may face restrictions during high pollution periods.
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- Crit’Air 3 (Orange): Euro 2/3 petrol vehicles registered between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2005 and Euro 4 diesel vehicles registered between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2010. May face restrictions in certain zones and during pollution peaks.
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- Crit’Air 4 (Burgundy): Euro 3 diesel vehicles registered between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2005. Often restricted in low emission zones and during pollution alerts.
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Crit’Air 5 (Dark Grey): Euro 2 diesel vehicles registered between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2000. Frequently banned from entering low emission zones and during pollution peaks.
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Vehicles not eligible for a Crit’Air sticker are generally considered the most polluting and are usually older than those in the Crit’Air 5 category. This applies to diesel vehicles registered before January 1, 1997, and gasoline vehicles registered before January 1, 1997. These are prohibited from entering many urban areas and low emission zones.