British drivers might be required to obtain stickers as additional low emission zones emerge in French cities
British travelers crossing the Channel have traditionally considered additional items to carry, including yellow vests and warning triangles. However, many may be unaware that this summer they will also need to obtain a clean air sticker, known as a Crit’Air vignette, if they plan to drive into several French cities.
Similar to the implementation of clean air and ultra-low emission zones in the UK, France has established at least 12 zones of their own, with ongoing additions.
The significant distinction between France and the UK is that all vehicles, including those from abroad, entering these zones are required to display an emissions sticker. Failure to comply with this requirement can result in a fine of €68 (£58).
If recent unrest hasn’t made you reconsider your vacation plans, it’s important to note that several popular tourist destinations, such as Paris, Rouen, Strasbourg, Toulouse, Montpellier, Lyon, Grenoble, and other cities, have implemented these zones. Failure to display the required clean air sticker in these areas may result in fines.
The long-term objective is to establish low emission zones in every urban area with a population exceeding 150,000 people. Therefore, if you are embarking on an extensive road trip in France, it is highly recommended to obtain the sticker.
However, if you are traveling via ferry or Eurotunnel and avoiding major urban areas, the sticker is not mandatory.
The process of obtaining the sticker is relatively straightforward and inexpensive, although it may require some time and internet proficiency. UK drivers can apply through the official website Certificat-air.gouv.fr. It’s important to be cautious of fraudulent websites that may attempt to overcharge you.
To complete the application, owners will need their DVLA V5 document and must input relevant data, including the vehicle’s VIN or chassis number. Additionally, they will need to upload a photograph of the document. The cost is €4.61 per vehicle, inclusive of postage. Once received, the sticker should be affixed to the vehicle’s windscreen or motorbike and remains valid for the vehicle’s lifetime.
To ensure timely arrival, it is recommended that travelers apply for the Crit’Air vignette a couple of weeks before their departure, as the stickers are sent by post. Customers have reported that they typically receive them promptly.
The Crit’Air vignette system consists of six categories, ranging from green for the cleanest vehicles to dark grey for the most polluting. The sticker you receive corresponds to your vehicle’s Euro emissions standards. It is important to note that even if you have a 100% electric car, you still need to display the sticker.
Certain vehicles are not eligible for the vignette. Cars registered before January 1997 and motorbikes and scooters registered before June 2000 are excluded and cannot be driven in areas with restrictions. This poses a challenge for owners of some classic cars and motorbikes.
Additionally, local authorities have implemented bans on certain vehicles in specific city centers, further restricting their access.
Vehicles with lower emissions are granted favorable parking and traffic privileges, while holidaymakers should remain vigilant.
The objective behind these initiatives is to empower local authorities to impose temporary restrictions on the entry of certain vehicles into clean-air zones when local pollution levels increase. Such decisions are made to address immediate concerns and ensure air quality standards are maintained.
