Crit'Air Sticker Categories Explained
Crit’Air stickers are an integral part of France’s initiative to manage vehicle emissions and improve air quality. These stickers categorise vehicles based on their environmental impact, enabling local authorities to implement traffic and pollution control measures effectively. Understanding the different Crit’Air categories is essential for anyone driving in France, whether you’re a resident or a visitor. This article provides a detailed explanation of each Crit’Air category to help you navigate the system.
What are Crit'Air stickers?
Crit’Air stickers, or air quality certificates, are color-coded badges that indicate a vehicle’s emissions level according to European standards. There are six main categories, each represented by a different color and number. The categories range from green (least polluting) to grey (most polluting). These stickers allow authorities to regulate traffic, especially in Low Emission Zones (LEZ) and during high pollution periods.
The six Crit'Air sticker categories
Crit’Air 0 (Green)
This category is reserved for the cleanest vehicles, including electric and hydrogen-powered cars.
Vehicle Types: Electric vehicles (EVs), hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Emission Level: Zero tailpipe emissions.
Typical Models: Tesla Model S, Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Nexo.
Unrestricted Access: Generally allowed to drive in all zones, including during high pollution periods.
Crit’Air 1 (Purple)
This category includes the next cleanest vehicles, mainly modern gasoline cars and certain hybrids.
Vehicle Types: Gasoline cars registered from January 1, 2011, onwards, plug-in hybrids.
Emission Level: Low emissions.
Typical Models: Toyota Prius Plug-in, BMW i3 REx.
High Access: Permitted in most zones and during various pollution alerts.
Crit’Air 2 (Yellow)
Vehicles in this category are relatively clean, including newer diesel and older gasoline cars.
Vehicle Types: Diesel vehicles registered from January 1, 2011, to present; gasoline vehicles registered from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2010.
Emission Level: Moderate emissions.
Typical Models: Volkswagen Golf TDI, Ford Focus EcoBoost.
Moderate Access: Generally allowed in low emission zones but may face restrictions during high pollution events.
Crit’Air 3 (Orange)
This category covers older gasoline cars and mid-range diesel vehicles.
Vehicle Types: Diesel vehicles registered from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2010; gasoline vehicles registered from January 1, 1997, to December 31, 2005.
Emission Level: Higher emissions compared to newer vehicles.
Typical Models: Renault Megane Diesel, Peugeot 207.
Limited Access: May face restrictions in certain zones and during pollution peaks.
Crit’Air 4 (Brown)
This category includes older diesel vehicles with relatively high emissions.
Vehicle Types: Diesel vehicles registered from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2005.
Emission Level: High emissions.
Typical Models: Citroën Xsara Diesel, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Diesel (early 2000s).
Restricted Access: Often restricted in low emission zones and during pollution alerts.
Crit’Air 5 (Grey)
The most polluting category, covering the oldest diesel vehicles.
Vehicle Types: Diesel vehicles registered from January 1, 1997, to December 31, 2000.
Emission Level: Very high emissions.
Typical Models: Older models of the BMW 3 Series Diesel, Audi A4 Diesel.
Severe Restrictions: Frequently banned from entering low emission zones and during pollution peaks.
Vehicles not eligible for a Crit’Air sticker
Older vehicles, ie diesel vehicles registered before January 1, 1997, and gasoline vehicles registered before January 1, 1997 are prohibited from entering many urban areas and low emission zones.